MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — Just because former ISU basketball player Georges Niang isn’t donning the cardinal and gold anymore doesn’t mean he is done playing basketball in Iowa. 

Niang took part in the inaugural Farewell Tour game Sunday at Marshalltown High School. The game featured five of the state’s senior basketball players in a charity game against a team made up of former area players.

Niang was joined by Iowa’s Anthony Clemmons and Northern Iowa’s Wes Washpun, Matt Bohannon and Paul Jesperson, all of whom wrapped up their basketball careers this past spring.

“Usually Sundays are for church and to reflect,” Niang said. “I didn’t have time to do that today, but this is for a great cause.”

The seniors, who made up “Team Farewell,” were coached by ISU great Marcus Fizer. Abdel Nader and Jameel McKay were also scheduled to play in the charity game, but had flight problems when returning from a training trip in Florida.

And while the seniors won the game 154-100, Niang said it was fun to get back out on the court.

“That was a ton of fun just to get out here in a laid-back environment really just playing and having fun in front of fans who are used to seeing me in game mode,” Niang said. “I thought it was really cool.”

Niang hasn’t had a lot of free time recently, though. On Friday, Niang was in Los Angeles at the ESPN College Basketball Award Show, where he was presented with the Karl Malone Award.

“I’m honestly speechless because I’ve never just been casually sitting around hall of-famers like that,” Niang said. “Jerry West. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Julius Irving. Karl Malone. I was sort of star struck. I don’t know if you guys could tell I was nervous. I don’t really get nervous.”

Niang will now turn his focus to graduating and preparing for the NBA Draft. He said he has finished interviewing with potential agents and will make a decision soon. Until then, he said he has no idea where he’ll end up between now and the NBA Combine.

Even though it’s not what he’s used to — and it will likely get even crazier for the former Cyclone in the coming months — Niang said he is embracing the entire process.

“It’s been pretty crazy, but I’ve been enjoying it every day,” Niang said. “I think this whole year is based off of me enjoying every moment, and I think I’ve done that. I’ve left no regrets, and it’s been an enjoyable ride here in the state of Iowa.”