Ahearn Gearing Up for Return to Bismarck
Published on October 17, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
When the Minnesota Timberwolves head to Bismarck, N.D. on Sunday for a preseason game with the Denver Nuggets, it will be a homecoming of sorts for guard Blake Ahearn.
Last year, Ahearn was a member of the Dakota Wizards, an NBA D-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.
It was an experience Ahearn credits with getting him to where he is today, on an NBA training camp roster. "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for that organization. I'm thankful for everything they've done for me and its going to be great going back there."
At the start of last season, Ahearn was buried on the Wizards bench behind two veteran players. But when those two players decided to take jobs overseas, Ahearn took advantage of their absence to make a name for himself. "I moved into the starting lineup, got more minutes and was able to take advantage of the opportunity. That's really been the story of my career, any opportunity I get, I take advantage of it."
And did he take advantage, averaging 19 points, 3.5 assists and 2 rebounds a game, not to mention being named the 2007-2008 D-League Rookie of the Year.
Ahearn said it was very important to stay positive in the D-League because there is a ton of great competition and everyone wants to make it to the NBA. "It's hard because everyone wants to get to the next level, but I think the big thing is to stay positive and getting put in the right situation. I was fortunate to be put in a good situation (with the Wizards)."
That good situation turned into a great situation late in the season when Ahearn got a call up to the NBA's Miami Heat. "Literally a dream come true," he said, "It was the one day I didn't bring my phone to practice, so my agent got a hold of me through my coach. Our practice facility was two minutes from my apartment complex and that was the longest two minute drive of my life."
And Ahearn couldn't be happier to return to Bismarck as a member of the Wolves and see the people who supported him when he was with the Wizards. "The big thing for me is just going to see the people I became friends with. That's the most important thing for me because I wouldn't be here today without them."
One of his favorite memories from his time in Bismarck was 'Cosmic Bowling' with his team late one night and he said with a laugh, "I love Bismarck, love it to death, but (this year) I hope I don't have to go back there."
NBA G League Stories from October 17, 2008
- Arsenal Honor Franklin Elementary - Anaheim Arsenal
- Friday Flash Point - Utah Flash
- Open Player Tryouts Set For 66ers - Tulsa 66ers
- Ahearn Gearing Up for Return to Bismarck - Dakota Wizards
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
