Up Close With Melvin Ejim

AMES, Iowa- True freshman Melvin Ejim will be called upon to make an immediate impact with Cyclones in his rookie campaign in 2010-11. A native of Brampton, Ontario, Ejim raised eyebrows in the summer when he was named MVP of the Capital City League in Des Moines.

Ejim, a 6-6, 215-pound forward, came to Iowa State via Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, which is regarded as one of the best prep schools in the nation. Ejim helped his Brewster squad go 34-4 and win the 2010 National Prep School Championship. Ejim, who averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds on an extremely balanced team, earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in the state of New Hampshire last season.

Ejim talked about his career and how the pre-season workouts have been going with cyclones.com.

How have the individual workouts been going for you?
"They're going well. They're tough and they're hard, but I think I'm doing well."

You came from one of the best prep schools in the nation, and you played on a team (Brewster Academy) which possessed some of the nation's best high school talent. What are some of the differences between high school and college?
"One through 15, everyone on the team is tough, that is the biggest difference in college. It's a more physical game, higher tempo, and there's a lot more expectations."

Growing up in Canada, how much have you seen Canadian basketball grow in the last few years?
"It has grown a lot. There have been so many players coming down from Canada that are starting to have an impact in the United States and playing at the collegiate level. It's grown a lot since I started playing and since the generations before me started playing."

Do you have aspirations for playing internationally for Canada someday?
"Hopefully, maybe someday I will get the chance to play for the Canadian National Team. That would be a big honor."

Talk about your family history?
"My entire family is from Nigeria. My grandfather came to Canada in 1971 and he brought everyone over, including my parents, who are both Nigerian."

Have you ever gotten the chance to visit Nigeria?
"I got to go when I was younger, when I was four years old, but I don't really remember it."

Talk about this summer when you were named MVP of the Capital City League. How has that helped your confidence?
"It gave me a little jump start, a little boost. It gave me a lot of confidence and it kind of told me that I can play with these guys and I'm good enough to be here."

If you had to tell Iowa State fans something about yourself that no one knows, what would you say?
"I love to listen to jazz music."

Talk about all of the newcomers on the Iowa State roster?
"We're getting along, we're coming together and the guys are getting used to playing with each other. We are learning each other's weaknesses and strengths and we're playing accordingly."

How many of your Brewster teammates from last year are playing Division I basketball?
"We have Will Barton (Memphis), C.J. Fair (Syracuse), Maurice Walker (Minnesota), Austin Carroll (Rutgers) and Ashton Khan (Canisius) all playing Division I basketball this year."

What was it like to play with that type of talent in high school?
"It was great. You knew that every time you passed the ball that someone is going to make a play, and that you are all good enough to be there. We were all good players and playing at Brewster was a wonderful experience."

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