Marcus Fizer made the rumors official Monday, announcing that he will forego his final season of eligibility at Iowa State to pursue a career in the National Basketball Association.

Though he’s excited about joining the world of professional basketball, Fizer said during a press conference that the last few weeks have been an emotional time.

“It’s been very difficult,” he said. “But I was more hurt by our loss in Auburn Hills than by any NBA considerations.”

The junior forward led Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight before the Cyclones lost to the Michigan State Spartans, the team that went on to win the tournament.

As he has all year, head coach Larry Eustachy counseled Fizer with regard to his NBA potential and the tough decision he faced.

“He’s always treated me like a son, and I’ll always have the utmost respect for him,” Fizer said. He also thanked Eustachy for his honest assessment and encouragement in a time when the coach could have pursued his own self-interests.

“The timing is right,” Eustachy said. “He’s certainly a lottery pick.”

Eustachy also made it clear that Fizer brings a lot more to the table than double-doubles and tomahawk dunks.

“Marcus is not your typical 21-year-old student,” Eustachy explained. “What he’s represented for this university the past three years is amazing.”

Fizer will leave as the Cyclones’ all-time single season scoring leader with 844 points. In addition, his name is now plastered all over the ISU and Big 12 record books in a variety of other categories.

While Fizer does not anticipate returning to the Cyclones, he hasn’t yet hired an agent and will keep his options open until draft day.

“I’ve heard numerous [draft] positions, just like everyone else,” Fizer said, “but none of that really matters.”

Eustachy has openly encouraged Fizer to consider his NBA eligibility and even joked that he’d be following his prize pupil to the professional game.

“At this time,” he said, “I’d like to announce my leaving, too.”

The sarcastic coach allowed just a single, tense second before breaking into a big smile. “I’m going with Marcus,” Eustachy said.

In addition to leading the Cyclones to the Elite Eight, Fizer was decorated this season with a number of honors, including the distinction of being named a consensus First-Team All-American.

The athletic forward is considered by many a potential top-five selection and may even be reunited with former head coach Tim Floyd, who now coaches the hard-luck Chicago Bulls.