Former Cyclone star expressed interest in assistant coaching job

Former Iowa State star Fred Hoiberg was introduced as the new men's basketball coach back in 2010 without a minute of coaching experience under his belt.

Turns out, another former Cyclone great wants to follow a similar path.

Ex-Iowa State star Marcus Fizer expressed interest for Iowa State's assistant coach vacancy that opened up when Matt Abdelmassih accepted a job on the staff at St. John's.

The position was filled by former Iowa State staff member T.J. Otzelberger Wednesday.

"I really want it," Fizer said in a telephone interview on Tuesday night before the Otzelberger hiring was announced.

Fizer appeared to be a long shot for the job but was an intriguing candidate as one of the greatest players in Iowa State history.

The Louisiana native's name is still scattered throughout the Iowa State record book, including his spot as the fifth-leading scorer in school history. He still owns the single-season points record of 844.

Fizer was the anchor in Iowa State's team that won the Big 12 Conference regular season and tournament title during the 1999-2000 season and went to the Elite Eight, averaging 22.8 points per game that season.

The Chicago Bulls selected him as the fourth overall pick in the 2000 draft.

Fizer went on to play for three different teams in four seasons with the NBA where he was teammates with Hoiberg in Chicago. He's since bounced around basketball, playing in the NBA Development League and overseas.

Now 36, Fizer just finished up his season in Uruguay but is ready to make the transition from the court to the bench.

"I love the game so much and I'm leaning towards being in the position to help younger guys coming up and if something like that came about and happened, I'd retire on that day," Fizer said.

Fizer, who lives in Las Vegas with his wife and kids, said he just wants a chance to gain some experience.

"I want to coach under Fred," he said. "I want to learn everything that I can."

Fizer, who also is a minister, planned to talk to Hoiberg about the job or getting involved one way or another.

"I don't care if it's a player personnel role or being part of the organization as a recruiter to bring guys in," Fizer said.

Fizer said he feels like he has something to offer.

"To give knowledge that I've learned from players in the past, that's something I'm looking forward to as the next chapter in my life," Fizer said.

"I've had my ups and downs," he said. "I've lived the lifestyle of the NBA life and the overseas life and all that and right now, I'm focusing on taking care of my family and helping the next generation that's coming up."