Redshirt sophomore forward Adam Schaper will leave the ISU men’s basketball team, according to a statement issued Thursday by the ISU Athletic Department.

“This was the hardest decision I ever had to make, and when I cleaned out my locker, it was probably the saddest day of my life,” Schaper said in the statement. “I felt basketball was holding me back from my education.”

Schaper appeared in three games before redshirting the remainder of his sophomore season in 2002—2003.

Head coach Wayne Morgan said Schaper left the team for personal reasons.

“We obviously want what is best for Adam,” Morgan said. “Adam and his family have our complete support while he chooses his future. Adam knows that our coaching staff and his teammates wish him the best of luck.”

Schaper played 11 minutes and was one-for-two from the floor in the Cyclones’ opening exhibition match versus the L.A. Stars Monday. He also had two rebounds and two assists in the game.

“I never felt more confident in my game, and I began practice in the best shape of my life,” Schaper said. “However, sometimes you have to give up things you love, because my school work is more important.”

“I loved my coaches and my teammates, and I was enjoying playing basketball at Iowa State,” Schaper said. “But ultimately, it came down to balancing school and basketball. For me personally, I felt I had to make a choice.”