DES MOINES – After a decade in the NBA, a former ISU basketball star said he still treasures his college education.

Fred Hoiberg, former Ames High School and ISU basketball standout, delivered the keynote address at the Iowa Higher Education Summit, hosted by the Iowans for a Better Future Higher Education Task Force at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

Hoiberg, who earned first-team academic all-Big Eight honors and was named to the All-America team during his senior season in 1995, said he has put his business degree to good use since heart problems cut short his professional basketball career.

“Now I’m realizing how important my education at Iowa State University really was,” he said.

Since undergoing open heart surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root in April, Hoiberg has accepted a front office position with the Minnesota Timberwolves in addition to his responsibilities as owner of a car dealership in Clarion.

He expressed his love of the state of Iowa and encouraged graduating college students to stay in the state when selecting a career.

“When I’m done with my stint with the Timberwolves, I plan on coming back to this state,” he said.