AP FILE PHOTO - Iowa State forward Melvin Ejim (3) shoots as North Carolina forward James Michael McAdoo (43) defends during the second half of a basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2014, in San Antonio.

AMES — Melvin Ejim, the 2014 Big 12 Player of the Year and 2024 Iowa State University Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, will be honored with the unveiling of a banner featuring his retired jersey No. 3 during the 2026-27 Cyclone men’s basketball season, ISU Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard announced.

Ejim will become just the eighth player in men’s program history to have his jersey hanging from the Hilton Coliseum rafters.

“Melvin’s toughness, heart, grit, determination and leadership played a critical role in the Cyclones’ success throughout his career, and he is most deserving of this special honor,” Pollard said. “He was unable to attend his 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony due to his professional playing schedule, so this will give Cyclone fans the opportunity to salute one of the greatest players ever to wear the Cardinal and Gold on the Hilton Coliseum floor where he provided so many memorable moments during his storied career.”

A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Ejim was a 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward who could score (1,643 points) and rebound (1,051 boards), becoming just the third player in school history to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.

“The character and work habits that Melvin showed while a Cyclone helped transcend our program after he left,” said ISU head coach T.J. Otzelberger, who recruited Ejim and coached him as an assistant. “When he came in, he drew the line in the sand and said, ‘we’re going to start winning’ and he did just that. Melvin is a great ambassador for our program, campus and community and I’m thrilled he’s being honored with his jersey in the rafters.”

Ejim has established an outstanding professional career in Europe since leaving ISU, helping Reyer Venezia Mestre win the Italian League championship while earning Finals MVP honors. He’s been an active member of Canada’s National Team since 2013, competing in many FIBA tournaments with Team Canada. Ejim helped Canada place third in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, defeating the United States in the third-place game. He was also selected as a member of Canada’s 2024 Olympic Men’s Basketball Team.