Basketball

Melvin Ejim becomes third Cyclone to qualify for Olympic roster, will play for Team Canada

Mar 23, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Melvin Ejim (3) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) in the second half of a men’s college basketball game during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Former Big 12 Player of the Year and Iowa State Cyclone Melvin Ejim is heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team Canada.

Ejim has represented Team Canada in past FIBA tournaments as well as Olympic qualifiers, but had yet to make the Olympics roster in his career prior to this year.

He now becomes the third Cyclone to make a roster for the event, joining Tyrese Haliburton (USA) and George Conditt IV (Puerto Rico).

Before 2024, Iowa State had just four players represent their countries in the Olympics.

Former Cyclones in the Olympics
1964 – Raul Daurte, Peru
1988 – Jeff Grayer, United States
2000 – Tony Rampton, New Zealand
2004 – Tony Rampton, New Zealand
2024 – Tyrese Haliburton, United States
2024 – George Conditt IV, Puerto Rico
2024 – Melvin Ejim, Canada

They may not be done yet, either.

Nick Weiler-Babb is part of the final 16 up for Germany in this year’s games, with completed rosters needing to be trimmed down to 12.

As for South Sudan, Marial Shayok is part of the final 25 players being considered for the team in the tournament.

The opening round of pool play begins on Saturday, July 27.

@cyclonefanatic