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Men's Basketball
Back and Better Than Ever
Feb. 9, 2009 To say Kwadzo Ahelegbe knows a thing or two about adversity would be an understatement. The 6-2 redshirt sophomore from Oakdale, Minn., has been through quite a bit the last two years. It all started when Ahelegbe had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery last season after playing in 30 games as a true freshman. "It was just frustrating at times," Ahelegbe said. "I had enough good people around me to help me get through the hardships to help me battle back from the surgery." After sitting out the entire 2007-2008 season Ahelegbe was finally getting back in the swing of things, until adversity struck again when he injured his other shoulder diving for a loose ball in a summer practice. "I was so frustrated and just kept asking myself why me," Ahelegbe said. "Once again, though, my support group didn't let me down, and people like Carlton Reed were a big help and gave me good advice." Along with dealing with both surgeries, adversity struck again when the 20-year old had to deal with the deaths of his niece and his mentor's daughter. Both of these events made the surgeries and questioning of why me take a back seat. His mentor, Chris Carr, who starred at Southern Illinois from 1992-1995 and played in the NBA, has been someone Ahelegbe has always looked up to. "He is one of my role models and he is like family to me. Seeing his daughter pass away was just tough and just really made me appreciate life," Ahelegbe said. Finally getting through all of these obstacles, Ahelegbe has fully recovered and is having a breakout sophomore campaign after only averaging 13 minutes a contest as a true freshman and boasting a career-high of nine points. "The biggest thing for me has been I have matured so much," said the Panther point guard. "Sitting out last year I watched how Coach Jake would yell at certain players, and now this year I understand why he is yelling at me if I do something wrong." Ahelegbe erupted for a career-high 28 points in the Panthers' Missouri Valley Conference opener against Indiana State this year, but it is not the 28 points that sticks out in his mind. "The only thing I remember from that game is missing a layup to force a third overtime," said the driven point guard. "I don't worry about scoring a lot of points, I'm just trying to help this team win games." Since the double-overtime loss to Indiana State, the Panthers regrouped to string off 10 straight conference wins and now sit atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings. "Nothing has really changed about this team," says the vocal leader. "We have all stuck together and we know we are a good team if we all work together." Off the court, Ahelegbe has taken on the new role of being a dad for his almost one-year old son. His son, Makhi Anthony Kwaku Ahelegbe will turn one on Feb. 20. "It's just been a great and crazy experience," said the honored dad. "It is wonderful having someone who halfway looks like you and tries to do the things you do." However, he has dealt with the adversity of his son living with Ahelegbe's girlfriend in Minnesota currently. "I still get to see him a lot because my mom brings him down to all the home games," the thankful son said. "I'm so lucky and fortunate for all she does for me." While his journey at UNI has not always been smooth sailing, the point guard wouldn't want things to have been any other way. "I'm so thankful for everything I have and these experiences have really humbled me and have helped me grow not only on the basketball court but also as a man." |
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