Cyclone Jeff Hornacek: Iowa Time Machine January 26, 1983

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On January 26, 1983, Jeff Hornacek dished out six assists in his first career start for Iowa State as the Cyclones took down Colorado 82-78. Nobody watching that night could have predicted that Jeff Hornacek would become one of Iowa State's greatest players, a 14-year NBA veteran, and an All-Star.

Leading up to Hornacek’s arrival in Ames, the Cyclones had experienced success in previous decades. Still, they were working to rebuild their program under coach Johnny Orr, who had arrived from Michigan in 1980. Orr brought energy and enthusiasm to Ames, recruiting players who fit his up-tempo style of play. Hornacek came from the Chicago suburbs without significant fanfare or national recruiting attention. He was a coach's son, the product of John Hornacek's tutelage at Lyons Township.

Making his debut for the Cyclones from a reserve role, Hornacek demonstrated the passing ability that would become his trademark. A three-game losing streak opened the door for Hornacek to start, and his move into the starting point guard spot bumped Terrence Allen to the two guard. Hornacek’s start proved only a minor footnote to the actual game in which Barry Stevens and Ron Harris combined for 53 points. Throughout that freshman season, Hornacek gradually earned more playing time, proving himself as a reliable guard who rarely made mistakes. His performance that winter laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career in cardinal and gold.

Hornacek's Iowa State career reached its peak during his junior and senior seasons when he became one of the nation's most complete guards. He finished his college career with 1,313 points and earned consensus All-American honors as a senior in 1986. The Phoenix Suns selected him in the second round of the NBA Draft, where many doubted his ability to compete at the highest level. He proved skeptics wrong by playing 14 seasons, making an All-Star team, and becoming known as one of the league's best pure shooters and smartest players. #Iowa #OTD #Basketball #History #Cyclones