(Irving, TX) – Former Iowa State basketball stars Georges Niang and Ashley Joens have been appointed to the inaugural Big 12 Alumni Council. This council includes 32 former athletes from Big 12 institutions and aims to utilize their expertise as the conference transitions to a new era. They will advise on branding, athlete relations, storytelling, digital content, and more.
Niang, a two-time All-American and 2016 Karl Malone Award recipient, recently concluded his eighth NBA season, amassing over 3,000 career points in 465 games. At Iowa State, he scored 2,228 points, the second-highest in program history, and led the Cyclones to four NCAA Tournaments and two Sweet 16 appearances, as well as consecutive Big 12 Championships in 2014 and 2015.
Joens is a four-time All-American and Iowa State’s all-time leading scorer with 3,060 points. The former Cyclones is one of 14 NCAA Division I women’s players to score 3,000 career points and a three-time Cheryl Miller Award winner. Throughout her playing career, she guided the Cyclones to four NCAA Tournaments, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2022.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark highlighted the value of the council’s alumni insights as the conference expands to 16 teams. Council members will receive networking opportunities, league support for community initiatives, media opportunities, and VIP access to Big 12 events. The council will commence in August 2024 under the guidance of Yormark and VP of Communications & Strategy Clark Williams.
(Information provided by cyclones.com)
