A surprise guest arrived at the Greater Des Moines Cyclone Club last night. The theme was to meet the Iowa State Coaches, but it was a former coach, Tim Floyd that took center stage.

Floyd was originally scheduled to speak at the event, but with his recent resignation from ISU in order to take a position with the Chicago Bulls, an appearance was in doubt.

“It just seemed like the right thing to do,” Floyd said. “Our fans have been so great for four years and I think that is the one thing that sets Iowa State apart form the other universities I’ve been at in the past — with the tremendous following.

“Gene Smith and I talked about it when I got back into town, and I was just glad I had a chance to come back and say thanks,” he said.

Even though Floyd is firmly entrenched in his duties with the Bulls, he feels the future of Cyclone basketball and its recruits are bright.

“Well we only have one scholarship available next year and that had been committed to a young man and we had anticipated that another one will open up so the majority of the recruiting had been completed for next year, and I just hope that the guy that is committed remains committed,” he said.

“I know they’ll hire a great coach. Gene Smith is committed along with Dr. Jischke to having a great basketball program and they recognize the importance of it” Floyd added.

That person may be announced yet this week. There are unconfirmed reports out of the athletic offices that a replacement may be named as early as Wednesday. With Athletic Director Gene Smith on the road looking for perspective coaches, President Martin Jischke addressed the gathering in Des Moines last night.

“I asked Gene Smith to move heaven and earth to find a new coach,” Jischke said. “The heavens and earth were created in seven days, and Gene has had five. I’ll think he’ll get the job done.”

In closing Jischke said, “Don’t anyone leave town because we may have some news for you soon.”

As far as his reception, the mood was completely positive. A reception line with the former coach, to just shake hands and offer congratulations, lasted for over an hour.

“It was great to see everybody and let them know how much I appreciated all of their support even through like a season we had this year,” Floyd said.

With the NBA player lockout, in the week as a part of the Bulls organization, Floyd has been trying to aquaint himself with his new job.

“I’m trying to find out was has been successful in the past and making sure we try to keep the things that have worked well in place,” Floyd said.