He knew he wasn't the most athletic kid, but he was determined to work harder than any other player. 

Blake Ahearn, a 6'2" shooting guard, may be best known for setting all sorts of NCAA free throw records. Now he has the potential to be known as an NBA player.

Growing up in St. Louis and starring at DeSmet High School, Ahearn certainly had the potential to play in The Association. 

I saw him everyday at the Center of Clayton shooting baskets.  Lots of them. With relatives rebounding for him, Ahearn took careful tally of how many he made. 

He developed his game at Missouri State, where he improved his status as a merely outstanding three-pointer to become a dribble-drive threat.

After honing his skills at school, Ahearn continued to follow his dream by heading to the NBDL.  The 2007-2008 season was very good to Ahearn, as he averaged 19 points per game, coupled with 96 percent free throw shooting. 

It is evident to anyone who has followed Ahearn for several years that when he shoots 49 percent from the field in a given season, he really has improved his game.

It would have been almost unfathomable to think he would put up such a figure just a couple of years ago, as he was primarily a three-point specialist.  But as defenders attempted to close out quickly on Ahearn, he used his shooting prowess to deceive defenders, pump-fake, and take them off the dribble.  

I have never in my life seen anyone work harder for something than Blake Ahearn has for a professional basketball career.  Now he has accomplished that feat. 

But from what I know, Blake sees this as just the beginning—there is much more to come.

After averaging 5.8 points in a brief stint with the Miami Heat when the lowly NBA squad was injury-depleted, Ahearn looks set to make a run for a roster spot next year.  

Fellow Dakota Wizards player and blog machine Rod Benson has chronicled some highlights of Blake's NBDL career in a recent Yahoo! blog.  However, it is important for fans to realize how hard this guy has worked.

Congratulations, Blake. You deserve to be in the league.