Fizer Hires Agent

April 10, 2000 / 5:45 PM EDT / AP

Iowa State All-America Marcus Fizer has chosen Henry Thomas of Chicago as his agent, ending any possibility he would return for his senior season.

Thursday's announcement from Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy came four days after Fizer revealed he was making himself available for the NBA draft.

Fizer had said at the time he was not ruling out coming back for his final season at Iowa State if that would improve his standing in the draft. But Eustachy said Fizer's draft prospects are strong enough to warrant hiring an agent now.

Once a player hires an agent, he cannot return to college basketball.

"After talking to my contacts throughout the NBA, I believe Marcus Fizer has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ahead of him," Eustachy said. "It is in Marcus' best interest to have an agent working for him to capitalize on his future endeavors."

Eustachy said he talked to Fizer about several agents and Fizer selected Thomas after consulting with his family.

Thomas also represents Tim Hardaway of the Miami Heat and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks.

"Marcus always has had a dream of playing in the NBA," Eustachy said. "Now he can work to make that dream become a reality."

Fizer led Iowa State to a 32-5 record last season, one that ended with a loss to national champion Michigan State in the Midwest Regional final. The 6-foot-8, 265-pounder averaged 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58 percent from the field last season.