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Bed Reed, former WMU/Battle Creek Knights finally getting notoriety

March 22, 2006 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Battle Creek Knights News Release


Just six months ago, Ben Reed (191-G/F-83, college: W.Michigan) found himself at a career crossroads. He had recently graduated from Western Michigan, after averaging over 17 points and 6 rebounds his senior year. He signed a contract with the Battle Creek Knights (IBL) and just finished leading them to a league championship in the IBL's inaugural season. Reed did everything in his power to get a shot at the NBA through summer leagues and vet camps, and to see offers from Euro Cup teams for big money. But for some reason unbeknownced to him, the offers were not there. "It was difficult at the time," said Reed. "Being productive throughout my entire college career, and then to win an IBL Championship. I really felt that I put myself in a position to gain some more NBA recognition and international recognition." But Reed's days as being the best kept secret in European basketball are now over. The secret is finally out, and after averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in the TMN this season, Reed is finally getting the notoriety he deserves. After being named to the 2006 TMN All-Star Team, the phone calls are starting to pile up for the 22 year old phenom. All Reed has done this year is prove that he is worthy of the franchise player tag to teams at the highest level. Aside from his impressive numbers and accolades Reed has proven he's capable of shining as the leader of a top level team. All season long he carried the Aerosoles atop the TMN standings, and currently has them ready to make a push for a Portuguese Championship. "I did so much growing over the course of the season, and now I'm 100% ready and focused on being a franchise player, whether it's in the NBA or for a European team." Off the court, it is difficult not to be drawn to Reed's warm personality and humble demeanor. Through all of the adversity he's been through in his career, he maintains an infectious smile on his face and an optimism towards the future. Everywhere he's went, Reed has been embraced by his hometown fans. When he was at Western Michigan, Reed developed a cult-like following from the local students, fans and media. During his stay in Portugal, Reed has continued to be a role-model for the Aerosole's young fans, as well as an ambassador for the community. "I look at myself as a leader in general," said the former two-time All-MAC first teamer. "It's great to be able to lead a team to victory on the court, but it's just as important to be involved and helping out the community you represent." Reed was approached numerous times this season by Euroleague teams attempting to buy out his contract, but courteously declined the offers. "I put a lot of responsibility on myself as soon as I signed with Ovarense Aerosoles Ovar," Reed said. "Even though some teams in the Euroleague were offering me great money, I still felt that the right thing to do was to stay here with the Aerosoles and finish out the season. I have a responsibility to my teammates, coaches and fans, and I just felt that it wouldn't have been the right thing to do had I left them in the middle of the year." As for what the future holds for Reed, he's taking a very open-minded approach to this off season. "I'm going to be very active in NBA camps this summer, and I'm confident that it will work out. But I'm also fully prepared physically and emotionally to stay overseas next year and win a Euro Cup for someone as well. I'm glad I had the opportunity to play for such a great international organization at such a young age, and I think that will help me tremendously for the future if I stay in Europe." Reed also knows what he can bring to the table for teams overseas. "Any franchise I go to will be getting a player who is there to do one thing, and that's win a championship." While that is certainly true, Reed left out one other thing he has proven that he will be at all times as well; a class-act.

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