In the middle of Iowa State’s romp over Nebraska Saturday night, something interesting happened, something that had not occurred in the three years that Marcus Fizer had played here at Iowa State.

He was hanging around down by the blocks when a play was called. Fizer sprung into action, and the play ended up in points for the Cyclones.

This has been a familiar script for both the man and the team in this fantastic season which has seen Iowa State take the Big 12 and the nation by storm.

However, this had quite a peculiar difference to it. Instead of turning around and making a post move, or leaping to grab an alley-oop from often-spectacular point guard Jamaal Tinsley, Fizer made a move for the top of the circle.

On his way there, Kantrail Horton gave Fizer’s man a check. The big man then caught the ball, turned, and swished a three-pointer from the top of the key.

The next sound that could be heard, above the din of suddenly raucous Hilton Coliseum, was the furious scribbling of the NBA scouts in the crowd.

Marcus Fizer, a 6-7 power forward in every sense of the word, had just come off a screen to nail a 20-footer.

Yet another dimension to his ever-expanding game was displayed. And while the fans were excited for the three points, and for the other 20 Fizer poured in, this excitement might be fleeting.

Because unless something drastic happens between now and April, Marcus Fizer, the only McDonald’s All-American ever to appear in an ISU uniform, will declare his eligibility for the NBA draft.

There are a number of reasons to explain why I am so confident in this fact, not the least of which is money.

Fizer has many considerations in this area. First is his family back home in Louisiana. Next are his two children. Finally, there is his fianc‚.

These monetary factors really cannot be underestimated. If he comes back for another year, he probably would improve his game enough to be moved up five or six slots in the draft.

But with the advent of rookie salary caps, unless you are in the top five, the money is really not all that much different as you go down the first round.

Another thing that will come into play is how well the Cyclones can finish the season.

Before this season, Fizer said that he would not leave Iowa State before his team played in the NCAA tournament.

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day, and the Cyclones are 21-3. So they’re in, no doubt about it. Now, they’re just playing for a higher seed.

Around the middle of the year, Fizer then said that it would depend not only on getting to the postseason but how well the Cyclones do when they get there.

With the way they are playing currently, Iowa State seems to be a lock to be a No. 6 seed or higher. Based purely on that criteria, the Cyclones should win the first game, then have a decent chance at the second as well.

Let’s say the Cyclones advance to the Sweet 16 before getting knocked off.

That will mean that if Fizer comes back next year, coupled with newcomers Ernest Brown, Shane Power, and Jake Sullivan, Iowa State would be virtually guaranteed a spot in the preseason Top 10.

But it would also mean that Iowa State would have to reach the Elite Eight to have a better season, something that Iowa State has not done in 56 years.

So, the prospect of a better season in that case is not necessarily likely to lure Fizer back to Ames.

But the thing that really makes me feel this way is the changed attitude the man has adopted.

Before this season, Fizer had the tendency to sulk, both on and off the court. This year, however, he has been the undisputed leader on a team badly in need of one.

After the Missouri game, the biggest road win the team has had in many years, Fizer went into the locker room, and instead of carrying on and celebrating, his only question was “Who’s next?”

Simply put, the man is on a mission. And what’s more, he’s succeeding in that mission.

He has put the Cyclones on the map. They are currently ranked in the Top 15 in the Associated Press poll and are garnering much respect around the country.

And how about individual accolades? Ron Dayne, the running back for Wisconsin, stayed for his senior year primarily to earn a shot at the Heisman Trophy.

Good move, Ron. You’ve got some nice hardware to show for your efforts, and probably a higher position in the NFL Draft next month.

It’s a different story for Fizer. He is the odds-on favorite to win the Big 12 Player of the Year this season, an award he richly deserves.

He was also named a Top 50 player before the year, making him a finalist for the Wooden Award, given annually to the top player in college basketball.

There are two things here, however. One, Fizer will not win the award, this year or next. Period. Two, it doesn’t have the prestige that the Heisman does. In short, it is not a reason to stick around central Iowa for another year.

When Fizer does come out this season, he would probably be a mid to late round pick in the first round. He will know this long before he declares his intentions.

If he stayed for another year, perhaps he would move up a bit. He could work on his outside shot and polish his defense and ball handling up as well. Although both areas have shown vast improvement, they are not at a professional level, especially when you are 6-7.

But here’s the bottom line: Fizer is what he is: a very strong player with a soft touch and good moves to the basket.

Essentially, he’ll be the same guy next year. And, combined with all the other factors, that means Feb. 26 will be his last home game in a Cyclone uniform.

ISU fans will be echoing what Billy Joel said years ago: Say Goodbye to Hollywood.

And you know what? If I were him, I’d be gone in a New York minute, too.

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Josh Flickinger is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Rockford, Ill.