The skies were dark and the cold rain was plentiful in Ames on March 26 — the day after both the Cyclone men and women fell in heartbreaking fashion in the NCAA tournament.

Fittingly, the gloom returned yesterday to usher in more painful news for Cyclone fans across the country.

Marcus Fizer made official the rumors that everyone was trying to ignore.

He will be leaving Iowa State this spring for the greener pastures of the National Basketball Association.

“Since our last game, I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing my status and going over my options,” Fizer explained, “and at this time, I’ve decided to declare myself eligible for the upcoming NBA draft and forego my senior season of eligibility here at Iowa State.”

After obliterating a good portion of the ISU and Big 12 regular season record books, the junior forward has decided to strike while the proverbial iron is hot.

“He really bought into hard work and coachability this year. He just kept getting better and better as the year wore on,” head coach Larry Eustachy said of his star. “There came a point where we just started recruiting as if he wouldn’t be around.”

Fizer’s list of 1999-2000 accolades is seemingly endless:

Iowa State’s Most Valuable Player.

Big 12 Player of the Year.

Most Outstanding Player of the Big 12 Tournament.

Wooden All-American.

Consensus First Team All-American.

The powerful forward scored more points in a single season (844) than any other player who has ever donned the cardinal and gold.

Cyclone legend Jeff Grayer now sits in second place with 811 points, despite taking over 30 shots more in 1987-88 than Fizer did this year.

Fizer climbed into the ISU career and season record books in an array of statistical categories, excelling both in scoring and rebounding as well as making a name for himself in every field from steals to free throws to minutes played.

Fizer explained Monday that he hasn’t hired an agent and will reserve his right to change his mind should his draft position not reach expectations.

He also made it clear, though, that selection number is not a major point of concern.

“I’ve worked very hard, and I think I’ve proven myself,” Fizer said, “but none of that matters anymore. I’ll have to prove myself again at the next level.”

Eustachy, who has openly encouraged Fizer to follow his NBA dreams, was the target of his player’s appreciation following his announcement.

“Coach Eustachy has encouraged me a lot, and he didn’t have to do that,” Fizer said. “He could have been selfish, but he wasn’t. I thank God I have a coach that’s not like that.”

The decision seemed like a natural one for the prospect considered by many a top-five selection. Nevertheless, Fizer explained that the last few weeks have not been easy.

“It’s been difficult,” he said. “People may think I’m moving on to newer things, but I’m still hurting from that [Michigan State] loss, and my thoughts are still with my teammates.”

The Cyclones lost to the Spartans in the Elite Eight just over two weeks ago to end their amazing season.

“It was just great for him to end his career in that way,” Eustachy said, “to get closer than any modern Iowa State team has.”

When asked how he would compensate for the loss of such an intimidating presence, Eustachy smiled.

“We’re gonna punt,” he said.

Eustachy explained that they’ve been recruiting for a while as though Fizer wouldn’t be around, but the team will undoubtedly miss him.

“We have a Plan B,” he explained. “It’s not quite as good as Plan A, but we have a plan.”

As to the possibilities facing him in the NBA, Fizer seemed thrilled by the prospect of reuniting with former Cyclone coach and current Chicago Bulls coach Tim Floyd.

“It would be a dream come true to play for Coach Floyd again,” Fizer said. “Playing for him my first year — which was my toughest year —made me a better person and a better player.”