Iowa State Retires Melvin Ejim's No. 3 Jersey

Iowa State Cyclones Jersey Retirement

Iowa State Cyclones will retire Melvin Ejim's No. 3 jersey during halftime of their game against TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, February 27.

Melvin Ejim's Career Highlights

Ejim was the 2014 Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 17.8 points per game with 50.5% field goal shooting.

Ejim's Statistics

He led the Big 12 with 111 offensive rebounds and 326 total rebounds as a junior, with 9.3 rebounds per game.

Ejim's Hall of Fame Induction

Inducted into the Iowa State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024, Ejim has the most defensive rebounds in program history with 677.

Ejim's Current Status

Ejim currently plays overseas with Forca Lleide in the Liga ACB Spanish League, where he was Finals MVP in 2017.

Coach Otzelberger's Comments

Current head coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Ejim's character and work habits for helping transcend the program after he left.

Ejim's Own Words

Ejim said, 'I had a special four years in Ames. We accomplished so much as a team and I'm thrilled to see all the success they have had with T.J. (Otzelberger).'

“i had a special four years in Ames," ejim said . "We accomplished so much as a team. We worked hard to put Iowa State basketball on the map, and we are starting to see the fruits of our labor we put in to set the foundation for the program. I'm thrilled to see all the success they have had with T.J. (Otzelberger). I am so honored to have my jersey retired.”

Jersey Retirement Context

This is the seventh men’s basketball player to have their jersey retired at Iowa State, with a chance for No. 3 to be retired twice.