ISU coach Fred Hoiberg has reiterated on several occasions that his battle with heart disease is ongoing and that more surgery will be required to maintain his health. The time for that surgery has now arrived.

Hoiberg will travel to the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 17 to undergo open heart surgery that will replace his aortic valve. Hoiberg was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which has caused him numerous problems, including the development of an aneurism that forced his early retirement from the NBA.

“After my initial surgery to replace my aortic root 10 years ago, I knew that this was something that would need to be done at some point,” Hoiberg said. “My valve has severe regurgitation and the time has come to get it replaced. I am hopeful that this will be my last surgery and I’m looking forward to getting this behind me.”

Hoiberg accepted the head coaching position at Iowa State five years ago and since has led the team to four straight NCAA appearances.