IU transfer target Max Bielfeldt waiting for Hoiberg, Bulls resolution

BLOOMINGTON -- The Chicago Bulls' firing of coach Tom Thibodeau could impact Indiana's 2015-16 season.

Max Bielfeldt, a 6-8 former Michigan forward and graduate transfer, told The Indianapolis Star on Thursday night that he's delaying his final decision on where to go to see whether coach Fred Hoiberg — a likely candidate for the opening in Chicago — stays at Iowa State.

The Cyclones are in Bielfeldt's final three, along with Nebraska and Indiana. DePaul had been in the mix as well, but the former Wolverine trimmed that program out of the picture earlier this month.

"I'm going to wait a little longer to see what comes out of the Bulls coaching vacancy and coach Hoiberg," Bielfeldt told The Star via text message.

Hoiberg's NBA appeal is no secret. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard has been candid about Hoiberg's potential candidacy for pro openings, and Hoiberg himself reportedly told a recruit recently that he couldn't guarantee his future in Ames.

Asked whether Hoiberg had raised that topic with him, Bielfeldt said: "He said he is going to look at it, like he's done with his past NBA offers."

Indiana has two scholarships available for next season and is in need of depth in the frontcourt, following the dismissals of forwards Devin Davis and Hanner Mosquera-Perea.

Michigan's Sixth Man of the Year last season, Bielfeldt has been granted permission to transfer with immediate eligibility within the Big Ten. That status is not customarily afforded to players who leave a conference school.

Bielfeldt averaged 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 30 games (three starts) as a junior. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Follow Star reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.