By HOI ABC

NORMAL – An Illinois State University basketball legend was in the Twin Cities Sunday to talk about the importance of a local therapy resource.

Doug Collins, whose number 20 is retired by the Redbirds, held a special press conference at Marcfirst – an organization that specializes in speech & language, physical and occupational therapies.

Collins talked about the impact physical therapy has had on both during his career as a Redbird and an NBA player, as well as his post-career endeavors.

“Physical therapy has been apart of my life since I was 15 years old and started playing basketball – dealt with a sprained ankle, an injured knee, or whatever you might have,” Collins said. “These physical therapists are so vital – these young people that come in and help them get stronger so they can run around and play.”

Marcfirst started 67 years ago as a school. The CEO says it was one of the few places around at the time where kids with developmental disabilities could go to learn and grow.

Now, it serves all ages, and Collins reached all of those groups by talking about his journey – from start to finish.

“There’s just so much synergy in having Doug be part of the Marcfirst family … It feels surreal, but at the same time, it feels so natural,” Marcfirst CEO Brian Wipperman said.

Collins said at this stage in his life, he hopes he can share his story and use his experiences to help others achieve their goals.