Former Detroit Pistons Point Guard and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas joined forces with the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) and Sheriff Tom Dart to share the secrets of his success with young residents of one of the state’s poorest communities.

Thomas was hosted by the HACC Executive Director Rich Monocchio and Chief Operating Officer Sue Wiemer as the special guest speaker at Camp Nabad, which was started a dozen years ago by the Cook County Sheriff and later co-sponsored by the HACC. Speaking to a group of 4th through 6th graders at the Vera Yates Homes in Ford Heights, Thomas told the youngsters that they can overcome any challenges they face and create successful lives for themselves, inside the sports world and beyond.