Marcus Fizer made ISU history Wednesday night when he was picked fourth in the NBA draft. Iowa State’s All-American power forward was not only reunited with former Cyclone coach and fan-favorite Tim Floyd of the Chicago Bulls, he was picked higher than any other ISU star has ever gone in the draft. Congratulations, Marcus. We knew you were going to go high in the draft. You thrilled us all last season with your powerful play — it was a pleasure to see you mature into the elite player you became last season. But we wanted to give you a little piece of advice before you leave for the Windy City. Not about basketball, we know you have that covered. It’s about being a role model, respect and what you mean to the ISU community. We all know the NBA offers exciting play, and it’s had some of the greatest sports icons in recent history. But there’s a lot of temptation, and there’s some things we want you to remember, Marcus. Marcus Fizer’s name is synonymous with Iowa State University. For better or worse, your dazzling on-court theatrics have done more to elevate Iowa State’s national profile than any of ISU President Martin Jischke’s fund-raising campaigns. People from coast to coast finally know where Ames is and they’re not confusing Iowa with Idaho any more, and it’s all because you are an exceptionally talented basketball player. That may sound ridiculous, and it probably is, but whether you like it or not, Marcus, you will forever be a representative of Iowa State every time your name is read over the loudspeaker. We hear all the time about the antics and poor behavior of some superstars: doing drugs, running around with women who aren’t their wives or girlfriends, impregnating girls from coast to coast, throwing food in restaurants and tantrums in movie theater ticket lines. Shoving your clout and name in people’s faces to receive special treatment just shows how tacky some guys can be. Don’t let that happen to you, Marcus, you can be better than all of that. Reach for the stars, but try to stay at least a little grounded in the years to come. Whether you like it or not, you will be a role model to thousands of people around the world, many of them just children looking up to you from afar. Try to follow in the footsteps of Cyclones such as Jeff Hornacek, Kelvin Cato and Fred Hoiberg, who are all class acts. There are enough bad boys getting press in the NBA already, but players with style and dignity become icons for years to come. Good luck, Marcus.

Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Kate Kompas,Greg Jerrett, Heidi Jolivette, Justin Kendall and Tara Payne.