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3-star PG Marcus Zelee commits to Iowa State

joe tipton headshot updatedby: Joe Tipton07/02/25TiptonEdits
Iowa State HC T.J. Otzelberger
(Nirmalendu Majumdar | Ames Tribune | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Marcus Zelee, a three-star point guard in the 2026 class, has committed to Iowa State.

The 6-foot-2 rising senior of Cedar Ridge High (TX) picked up an offer from the Cyclones earlier this week while on a visit. He also received scholarships from Arizona State and Drake, among others.

Zelee is unranked nationally in the 2026 class, but is rated by On3 as a three-star recruit. He becomes Iowa State’s second commitment of the cycle, joining four-star SG Christian Wiggins and three-star SG Yusef Gray Jr.

Zelee on his commitment to Iowa State

Marcus Zelee went in-depth on his commitment to Iowa State.

“I chose Iowa State because I felt the coaches did a really great job outlining my development plans. I wanted to choose a school with a reputation built on toughness, grit, guys who live in the gym, and a defensive-minded team. I’m a guy who loves the gym and always wants to get better. Honestly, it felt like home from the moment I stepped into Ames — the community welcomed me, everyone I encountered was polite, and I couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

“I loved how the coaches didn’t promise me anything. They told me I’d have to work for everything I get — and to my family and me, that’s what it’s all about.”

What led to his trust in T. J. Otzelberger and the staff?

“Coach TJ is a winner. He has an amazing staff around him and a real ability to breathe confidence into his players. That belief doesn’t just come from him — he helps you believe in yourself. After meeting with Coach Blount and the entire staff, I felt really comfortable with how they develop players. They even showed me their full player development program. They pinpointed the exact plan and work I need to succeed at the highest level — and it was spot on. It definitely showed me that they’ll invest in me, which means the world to my family and me.”

In his own words, what type of player is Iowa State getting in Zelee?

“I’d describe my game as hard-nosed — a defensive-minded guard who picks up 94 feet. I can run an offense and am very team-oriented. I’m a winner. I give multiple efforts all the time. I want to impact winning, and I’ll play any role — from being the first option to the biggest cheerleader — as long as it helps us win. I bring energy to the team and pride myself on being the motor. I want to guard the other team’s best player every single time.”

He has a message for Cyclones fans.

“I’m coming to win a Big 12 title — multiple times — and to make a deep run and win the NCAA Tournament. I’ll bring energy 24/7, on and off the court. I’m for the people and the city. And I WILL be the best version of myself every single day.”