Catching Up With Melvin Ejim

We caught up with Cyclone legend Melvin Ejim and had him take us through what he has been up to since graduating from Iowa State in 2014, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his family and some of his fondest memories.

Cyclones.com: Bring us up to speed on where you are currently living and playing?

Ejim: What's up Cyclone Nation? I'm currently in Malaga, Spain playing with the team Unicaja Malaga. It is a beautiful city on the southern coast of Spain and a great organization as well.

We have been doing pretty well, in the top eight of our league about halfway through the Spanish League season and at the time in the playoffs for Euro Cup, which we are tied for first overall.

Personally, I've dealt with two injuries this year that have forced me to miss a lot of games. But I'm doing well now and starting to feel like myself. There are a number of Americans here, which is great. Deon Thompson, a UNC grad and national champion. Josh Adams out of Wyoming. If you haven't seen him play check out his highlights, one of the most impressive jumpers I've ever played with. Frank Elegar is another complete athlete that went to Drexel.

Beside having Americans here to feel more at home, it's always great having my family with me here and it's been a great year so far. My boys are enjoying the sun and sand, something we missed out on last year in Russia.

Cyclones.com: Take us through your journey since leaving Iowa State. Where have you played in your professional career?

Ejim: After Iowa State, I went to play in Rome for a team called Virtus Roma. Then I signed with Orlando and played with their G-League team. From there I went on to play a year and a half in Venice with UMANA Reyer. I followed that with two years in Russia with Unics Kazan and now I'm in Spain.

Cyclones.com: What is the current status of your league and how has it been affected by the Coronavirus?

Ejim: With the Coronavirus situation the league has been suspended, to be revived sometime at the end of April. Because Spain has been hit so hard with the virus we are on complete lockdown much like Italy. We are only permitted to go to the grocery store or hospital. So we have been doing our best to stay safe and stay home while trying to stay prepared for the league if it starts back. But it's a tough situation because as players we are not allowed to leave unless the league is canceled and as of now it isn't. At the same time, there are not many flights back home as it is but everything will work out and I'm happy to be fortunate to have my family with me and be in good health.

My family and I spend most of our time homeschooling my oldest son. We also watch movies, work out FaceTime friends and family and playing video games to help the time fly.

Gallery: (4/8/2020) Melvin Ejim Photos

Cyclones.com: What is your favorite professional memory?

Ejim: It would be winning the Italian championship with fellow Cyclone Tyrus McGee.

Editor's note: Ejim was named finals MVP.

Cyclones.com: What is your favorite memory from your time at Iowa State?

Ejim: My favorite memory would have to be winning the Big 12 Tournament and seeing all the hard work and determination we had be rewarded with a championship in Kansas City with all the Cyclone fans there supporting us.

Melvin Ejim Highlight Video

Iowa State University Athletics

Related Videos

Sponsors