The Nebraska basketball rumors surrounding Fred Hoiberg aren't dying down anytime soon. That is unless of course, the Huskers lose on Sunday night. The Cornhuskers are taking on TCU in the NIT's second round and, should they lose, the questions and talk surrounding the program could be replaced by answers. One question that has popped up, most recently, is whether or not Nebraska is going to be the only potential landing spot for Hoiberg should they have an opening. Iowa State entering the fray?

When talk about Avery Johnson potentially losing his job at Alabama started up, it's a safe bet most Husker fans gave it little heed.

After all, it appears as though Nebraska is the perfect fit for a coach who could have his pick of college jobs. Hoiberg was born in Lincoln, he's got family that works for the University. The Crimson Tide can't offer anything close to that kind of pull.

Iowa State is the only program that could come close to holding the same space in Hoiberg's heart. He did, after all, play for, and subsequently, coach the Cyclones. The job he did there is the reason he's so sought after now. Suddenly there is a lot of talk that the school might have an opening. If things shake out just the wrong way, the Nebraska basketball program could find itself on the outside looking in.

Nebraska basketball needs to move fast

Should Alabama indeed lose their head coach, Iowa State coach Steve Prohm would likely be their top candidate. He comes from Alabama. While he has said he won't go back to Alabama, money and time can change ideas like this. It's also worth pointing out that Alabama doesn't have an opening just yet.

When the Crimson Tide does indeed let Johnson go, they are going to come calling. When Prohm doesn't have to say the right things because the job isn't open, the answer could be very, very different.

It's possible we're going to be seeing a kind of arms race between the Nebraska basketball team and Alabama. So far, the Crimson Tide hasn't made the move.

Neither, it should be pointed out, have the Huskers. They won't be making any more if the Cornhuskers are going to keep winning. The Horned Frogs are a better opponent than Butler, but Tim Miles' crew entered the season with enough talent that many expected them to go to the NCAA tournament. Now that they are in the NIT, Fred Hoiberg talk has become very big. Now we just have to see whether or not the end game is going to be a new head coach and the one they want.
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