In this episode of Tracking The Storm, we sit down with Iowa State basketball legend Jeff Hornacek for a powerful, story-driven conversation that traces the roots of Hilton Magic, Cyclone basketball history, and the mindset that helped transform Iowa State into a national brand.

Jeff shares his unlikely journey from a lightly recruited guard out of suburban Chicago to walking on at Iowa State, earning a scholarship, and becoming a cornerstone of the Cyclones’ rise in the early 1980s. The conversation dives deep into the Johnny Orr era, the coaching philosophies that built confidence and culture, and the moments that defined Iowa State basketball inside Hilton Coliseum—including the games many fans point to as the birth of Hilton Magic.

Beyond Ames, Jeff reflects on his NBA career, his transition into coaching, and his current role as a consultant in the Utah Jazz organization. He opens up about leadership, player development, confidence, and how lessons learned at Iowa State shaped his approach at every level of the game.

This episode blends Cyclone nostalgia, behind-the-scenes basketball insight, and timeless lessons on culture, coaching, and believing in opportunity—making it a must-listen for Iowa State fans, Big 8 historians, and anyone who loves the deeper stories behind the game.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Naked Dave's Seasoning, Iowa Beef Steakhouse Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.