ISU's Georges Niang: 'Iowa State Has Been A Dream Come True'

Two short years ago, Georges Niang was a new name around Iowa. In his first summer here, when he made a splash in the YMCA Capital City Basketball League, Cyclone fans learned that the “S” in his first name is silent.

Since then, they’ve learned a whole lot more: the guy can play some ball.

After a great freshman year and an even better sophomore campaign, Niang was listed this preseason as a Top-10 player in the nation by ESPN. Striving for his third journey deep into “The Dance” on an extremely talented Iowa State team, Georges Niang is now a household name.

Playing in front of Cyclone fans for the first time in the summer of 2012, Niang wowed “Y Cap City” spectators with a skill level not often seen. Scoring 48 points for the team sponsored by Patch.com, his very first game captivated the pro-Cyclone audience. You can see the post game article here.

Niang played in high school with Nerlens Noel at Tilton School in New Hampshire. What Cyclones fans didn’t know was that, while Noel had great length and athleticism, it was Niang who had one of the most agile and versatile games to ever reach Iowa.

Some fans or critics say Niang’s game fits the YMCA league perfectly since his game resembles a rec-league all-star. His response is usually a smirk and a nod at the scoreboard.

“At the end of the day,” Niang says, “if my team is winning and the ball is going in the hoop, that’s all that matters.”

And through the hoop is where we’ve seen Niang’s shoot, scoop, hook and flip the ball over and over, to the tune of 14.8 points per game to this point in his career. He’s shooting 49-percent from the field and 35-percent on his 94 career three-pointers.

Niang has already eclipsed the 1,000-point mark and, at over 19 points per game so far this season, he’s well on his way up the ranks at ISU.

“It’s flying by at this point,” he remarks. “I try to enjoy every moment, whether it’s on the court, hanging with my teammates or even in class.”

Niang credits his success and enjoyment to his teammates and his coaches — one Fred Hoiberg in particular.

“Playing for a guy that not only has a superior knowledge of the game but also cares about you as a person...is a blessing,” says Niang. “I hope I can be half the man Coach Hoiberg is someday.”

Niang’s story continues to impress.

“I started to realize this was a special place when I first got to campus and played in the YMCA Cap City League and the fans were more than welcoming,” Niang reminisces. “Iowa State really has been a dream come true for me.”

The author, Derek Hannah (pictured by Georges), is employed at The YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Iowa. He serves as the commissioner of the YMCA Capital City Basketball League, which is a type of NCAA-Certified summer league featuring players from various central Iowa colleges and junior colleges including Iowa State and Drake universities.

Photo Credit: YMCA Capital City Basketball League

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Have a news tip? Email derek.hannah@patch.com.