Fred Hoiberg on Craig Sager: ‘Just a wonderful man’

MILWAUKEE – It was a night where talk of Xs and Os, and injuries were secondary.

Like the rest of the NBA, the Bulls were saddened to hear the news that Turner sideline reporter Craig Sager, 65, lost his long-time battle with cancer and died on Thursday.

“Very sad,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “ A great man. I was never good enough as a player to get interviewed by Craig, but I did have the opportunity as a coach when he was covering the NCAA Tournament down in San Antonio. When I found out he was the sideline reporter I was very excited to get that opportunity to get interviewed by Craig.

“Got to know him a little bit, obviously playing and Craig covering all the different playoff series that we were a part of when I was in the NBA. So great for the game of basketball. Just a guy that always asked the right question. He was not afraid to ask the tough question. Just a wonderful man.’’

The outpouring of condolences for Sager and his family, whether it was through statements or social media, went out through the entire day and night, including the Bucks taking a moment of silence before tip-off with the Bulls to honor Sager.

It seemed to especially hit home with Hoiberg, who has had his health scares in the past, dealing with several heart surgeries.

“Just how courageously he fought his battle,’’ Hoiberg said, when asked if the news brought out emotions of his own battles. “To go through three bone marrow transplants and to continue to fight all the way to the end just shows how strong Craig is. I know it takes a strong support system with the family, and having that by his side the entire time.

“Obviously I had a lot of respect for Craig, and even more so for the way he fought that battle and brought a lot of awareness to cancer. He’ll be missed.’’

Former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau released a statement on the news, saying, “I am truly saddened by the news of the passing of one of the NBA’s great personalities in Craig Sager. I always enjoyed our interactions together and, like many, looked forward to seeing what particular suit he had on that given night. I will remember Craig for his infectious smile, his will and determination and the upbeat spirit he lived his life with every day. We will forever be Sager Strong. On behalf of the Minnesota Timberwolves, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sager family during this difficult time.’’

Answers coming

Michael Carter-Williams was more than a bit anxious about his scheduled appointment with doctors on Friday afternoon, as the reserve guard is hoping to be told that he can make his return to the court within the next week.

Carter-Williams last played in a game back on Oct. 31, injuring both his left knee and left wrist in the win over Brooklyn.

Considering the issues the Bulls have had with the bench, he will be welcomed back with open arms.

“We’ve done some good things from the bench and we’ve had some struggles from the bench,’’ Carter-Williams said. “We’re learning as a team each day. Of course I wish I could be back, helping out the whole team, especially because we’ve had a few other injuries. It would be nice if I wasn’t sidelined, so that’s been tough.’’