1-on-1 Interview With Former Chicago Bull And The 2000 4th Overall Draft Pick, Marcus Fizer
With the NBA season in full swing and the future looking brighter then ever, it seemed like the perfect time to check out the past and see who may be making a comeback into the NBA. With teams searching for big men to come in to give their starters a bit of a break, Marcus Fizer, seems like the solution to their problems. Check out this in-depth look at his past and what he sees in his future.
Eric- Can you please introduce yourself?
Marcus- Hello, I’m Minister Marcus Fizer, Sr.
E- How did you get started in sports?
M-I begin playing sports as a kid. Football was the sport and to this day still is my favorite sport!
E- You left Iowa State after your junior year. Do you ever wish you stayed? Were you 100% ready when you left?
M- I have no regrets about leaving. And yes I was ready for the NBA. But I left because my house back home had burned down, so there was no choice. Would have been amazing to go back for my senior year though.
Marcus with Commissioner David Stern after being drafted- via stateofthesport.com
E- What was it like being drafted 4th overall in the 2000 draft?
M-It was amazing. I never assumed I would be going number four to the Bulls though. It was either number three to the Clippers or five to the Magic.
E- What are some of your personal career highlights if you had to choose some?
M-There are many highlights…but I rather there be more in the years to come…It’s not over yet!
E- If you had to choose, what would you say was your best game in the pros?
M-Probably the game where I had 30points and 20 rebounds. Not many guys have had that accomplishment.
E- What was it like to win a gold medal in 2001 with the US basketball team?
M-It was strange. The 1st time I was apart of something so big. I was injured. I had twisted my ankle severely before I went over training, and it limited me a lot.
E- You’re such an accomplished athlete, what do you think is the key to your success?
M- Trying my best to stay humble. Not saying I was able to for my entire career, but for the most part, I was.
E- When you first got into sports, did you expect to end up where you did?
M- No. I wanted to be a scientist as a kid.
E- What, if any, personal mementos do you have from your career? Jerseys, shoes, basketballs?
M- I have a few, but my most prized is my D-League MVP trophy because, that was a humbling experience and I got to play for a NBA Legend, the late Dennis Johnson.
E- Sports Illustrated named the entire 2000 draft class the 6th biggest “draft bust” of the modern era – making it the only draft class among the site’s top 20 list. When you hear that what do you think?
M- Well at least we weren’t number 1. That’s what I have to say about that. It was a blessing to be drafted at all…
E- Recently in an interview you said that Michael Jordan was, “one of the dirtiest players I ever played but since he’s so great, that comes across as greatness.” What makes you think this? When did you play against him?
M- Michael and I had the same trainer for years, Tim Grover. So we worked out a lot and played in the summer. His competitiveness was and always has been regarded as greatness. And I don’t attempt to take anything away from Michael, I love and admire him greatly. But I also said the same thing about Kobe and DWade even. I’ve played against these guys and know how things go. If and when I carry a mean scowl on the court, Fizer’s mean and a bully. But when Michael, Kobe or DWade does it, it’s the “ole killer instinct”. And that’s what I meant. Not saying those guys are cheaters, because they are truly great and are winners. It’s just the way the world categorizes things.
E- Who would you say was your toughest opponent you played against?
M- Toughest opponent? Either Charles Oakley or Antonio Davis. I was so relieved to have the chance to play with them for a year or two, and not against them…
E- What player(s) did you admire most growing up? Who would you say that your game resembled, if you had to choose?
M- I loved Anfernee Hardaway…was my favorite player. But being from Louisiana, Karl Malone was always my idol and who I wanted to be like.
E- People always thought of you as a bad boy because of your look, what do you think of that?
M- If people took the time to get to know me, they would see something totally different. People who have that opinion at first but become close friends always tell me, man Fizer, you are so different from what I thought, mainly because I formulated my opinions from what other people thought. Which was wrong…all I say is hey, its human nature.
E- How many tattoos do you currently have and what’s the most meaningful one? Also, what was the most recent one you got?
M- I have over 30 tattoo’s. The most meaningful one is my mother’s name Rosemary, my guardian mother and father’s names, Robert and Shelia, and my children! My most recent is my baby girl’s name Kai’milla.
E- What came with NBA fame and riches? Fans always hear about the sex, drugs and fame, is this true? What do you think were the 3 biggest good and bad?
M- It all depends. There’s always a certain level of fame. The riches are obvious because of salaries. Sex, yeah…all the above will make all of that easier. And I’m the first to admit it did distract me a lot…young and dumb!
E- You told me that you were living a life full of sin during your playing days. What type of sins are these?
M- Anything you can name. Sex, drinking, partying…never drugs, never was my thing. Never touched them.
"The Greatest Moment In My Life" via Marcus's Facebook
E- What made you become a minister? How has it affected your life? Do you think it will affect your play? Where are you currently working as a minister?
M- Becoming a minister has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. What made me become one is when I figured out that I was my own worst enemy and realized that my blessings were from God and I was busy worshipping the creations of this world and not the creator! And I am currently the youth minister of my father’s church in Arcadia Louisiana. Will it affect my play? Yes. I won’t be cursing guys out, cursing at the refs, being non receptive to coaching, won’t be a selfish player…so yes it will affect my play. Positively though.
E- Do you have any regrets from your career?
M- Of my career, oh yes. Not listening to those vets who came before me who saw past my talent, skills and young athleticism. Not being the pro they tried to teach me to be.
E- If you could change one thing from you career and/or life, past or present, what would it be?
M- Absolutely nothing. Everything in life I’ve been through has been for a greater purpose. Not going into the hall of fame is not going to deter me from being great. My soul and character as a man of God is more important than any of that. I was terrible with the amount of money I’ve already made, there’s no telling where I’d be (if even alive) had I earned hundreds of millions because I wasn’t ready. SO I TRULY THANK GOD FOR EVERY TRIAL, TRIBULATION AND STRUGGLE HE PUT BEFORE ME THAT MODELED ME INTO A GREAT FATHER, GREAT HUSBAND AND A MIGHTY MAN OF GOD! Yall can have the fame, I choose salvation!
E- When you think about your career, so far, do you think people are wrong for calling you a bust? Why yes or no?
M- People will always have their opinions about things in life. It’s just the way of the world. My talent hasn’t ever been a question. EVER. Unfortunately, I didn’t do the proper things as a pro to keep myself from getting injured. Bad luck I guess. But you live and you learn. I feel for guys like myself who are labeled as such, but never gotten the opportunity others that were healthy received. A bust is someone who was completely able-bodied, but didn’t produce. My production was never a question. I just pray for guys coming behind me (like Greg Oden) who’s bodies just failed up. It happens in sports. We are not robots, only human.
E- Are you still playing and if so where?
M- I’m currently free and have been getting offers. But right now I’m focused on getting healthy and staying healthy. Hooking up with the right team is more important than chasing dollars.
E- What type of shape would you say you are in, in comparison to your game shape?
M- Now, about 80-85%. Because nothing can substitute for game play, and unfortunately I haven’t gotten much of that.
E- Have you spoken with any teams about possibly signing? Any teams you think you would be a great fit for?
M- Yes. I think I can be a huge asset for many teams. A vet who knows the ropes, who haven’t gotten a lot of miles put on his body over the recent years lol, and someone that isn’t going to cause trouble. I really want to have a chance back in the NBA because there, teams tell you what they want and you know what to expect. Playing overseas, teams want you to be EVERYTHING…the 1 through the 5! And when you win…yay team. You lose, RELEASED! And everyone assumes something is wrong, you’re injured or can’t play. They want you to play 39.5 of the 40 minutes and never get tired, for a fraction of what you would get paid in the NBA. At this point in my career, I’m not looking to be a star. I just want to play the game I love. To be able to come off the bench for a ball club and get 15 to 20, maybe 25 minutes a game, knowing what my team wants and expects, I will be a great addition. Not having to worry about it all weighing on my shoulders.
E- Do you have any funny locker room and on-court stories that we might not know?
M- Not really. Locker room and on-court things are sacred…you guys must get your own :p
E- Did you have any superstition during your career? What are some of the weirdest superstitions you saw during your career?
M- I never really had any. But I’ve seen some pretty weird ones. But I think the weirdest I’ve ever seen or heard of was in college where Doug Gottlieb wore a size 12 in shoes, but played in size 10! Never really got that one, but hey…Doug was a warrior in college, so if you like it, I love it and he made it work!
E- How about any fan stories?
M-I love the fans. They are always great and have been great supporters over the years. Like I said, people everywhere have opinions. You can’t attempt to always understand why? Why is Kobe Bryant and LeBron James considered the best 1 or 2 guys in the league, yet the most hated athletes in the world? Come on…HUMAN NATURE!
E- After all these years in sports, do you still love it as much as in the beginning?
M- One word, YES!
E- Where is the weirdest place you were recognized?
M- OMG…in a sex store with someone else that is famous and a guy on the other side of the wall was on the phone talking to someone saying that he was in that store with me and that other person…needless to say we shook that spot quick!!!
E- What is the most challenging/stressful part of this career?
M- These freaking torn acl’s man. Hands down. But by the grace of God, I’m still playing.
E- What is the most rewarding/exciting part of this career?
M- The evolution of a childish young man turning into a mature saved man of God!
E- What is your ultimate goal as an athlete?
M- Just to be identified as a guy through all adversity, never quit…
E- What would be your words of wisdom to someone starting out in basketball?
M- Listen to your vets. Be receptive to all authority. Learn and accept that this is a blessing and a privilege, not a right. It can be here today, and gone tomorrow.
Fan Questions
Aisha Epps- How did coming out of the nba make you see life for what it is? Also, is the game fun and still ur first love?
M- It made me realize that I had the potential to be great. No matter what that greatness is, sports or in life in general, we all have greatness destined inside. And the game will always be fun until the day I die. She’s always going to be my first love…
Ryan Gaydos- How do you still have the determination and perseverance to continue on with your dream even though it seems you’ve been down and out a lot in your career?
M- Ryan, God! When I realize the things he spared me from, I know there’s a bigger purpose in life for me. I took so many things for granted and now I’ve been given not 1, not 2, not 3 but yet a 4th chance. Hmm, kinda sounded a little like LeBron then huh?!?!?!
Ryan Connelly- If you could ask for an autograph dead or alive who would it be?
M- BARACK OBAMA!
E- Thanks for your time Marcus. Do you have anything else you would like to say before you go?
M- Thanks for this opportunity Eric…thanks for the interest. I just would like to tell people to look at my “admitted” failures and realize that it can or could happen to anyone. But the key is to be real with yourself, to God and to make a chance. In life, there are going to be valleys. It’s what you do inside that valley that will determine if you make it back to the mountaintop. So welcome your valley, for its all character building. And when you make it back to the mountaintop, shout praises and thanks to the Lord for allowing you to come out against all adversity!!!
God bless,
Minister Marcus Fizer, Sr.
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