HUNTING THE DREAM
May 2, 2006

FORT WORTH, TX:  Since nailing the “shot heard ‘round the world,” a three-point buzzer-beater that delivered Texas Wesleyan University’s first NAIA Men’s Basketball Division I National Championship, (oh by the way, he also set six school records) Ben Hunts’ world has been spinning.  Last week, Hunt signed a two-year contract with the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League.  On Tuesday, Hunt was on a plane bound for London and then Qatar where he will join the Wildcats for a pair of exhibition games against the Qatar National Team.

Fans can read regular updates from Ben himself on the Texas Wesleyan website, www.ramsports.net.  Ben will be keeping a journal during his trip and will share his experience with Texas Wesleyan fans.

Hunts’ contract with Perth will not affect talks with the Dallas Mavericks.  His NBL contract has an “NBA out” clause that would allow him to sign with any NBA team.  Hunt has continued to speak with Mavericks General Manager, Donnie Nelson, who has encouraged him to sign with the NBL.

For now, Hunt will travel to Qatar where he will meet his new team for the first time.  “I have talked with Steve Fisher [head coach] and Andrew Vlahov [managing director] quite a bit on the phone, and I know most of the players as a fan, but I haven’t had the opportunity to meet them in person,” an excited Hunt commented.

Hunts’ whirlwind trip will consist of a pair of games, Friday and Sunday, against the Qatar National Team.  He will then turn around and return to Fort Worth on Monday.  Over the summer he will complete his degree in kinesiology and will participate in the Dallas Mavericks’ Blue and White scrimmage and mini camp in July.