AMES, Iowa (AP) — Former Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg has debunked the rumor that he recently rehired top assistant T.J. Otzelberger to be his eventual successor. But Hoiberg thinks Otzelberger will make a great coach someday. Whether that opportunity comes with the Cyclones next season should be known soon.

Otzelberger is expected to be the top in-house candidate to replace Hoiberg, now the coach of the Chicago Bulls. Though Hoiberg didn’t specifically endorse Otzelberger as his choice Friday, he says Otzelberger is energetic, an excellent recruiter and great X’s and O’s coach.