Follow Hunt's Dream
DAY 6 - May 8, 2006
I had arranged for the Hotel to escort me to the airport at 11 p.m. Sunday night, so, after dinner and saying goodbye to the guys, I headed off for a tough 20 hours of traveling.
The flight from Doha, Qatar was quite good as once again it was somewhat empty, so I got to lay out across the middle row which was great.
Upon arrival into London at 6.45 a.m. I had a couple of hours to kill before I left for DFW. It is funny how small this world sometimes seems. As I was wandering around the bookstore trying to waste a little time I had this man with a deep voice slap his hand on my shoulder and say "what do you think you're doing?" I got one hell of a fright only to turn around and see the familiar and friendly face of former Texas Wesleyan teammate, Tommy Johnson. Tommy was on his way back to DFW from Belgium, where he is currently playing, and we just happened to be at the airport at the same time. We got to catch up for a little bit, as we both left at the same time, just different airlines. Very crazy!
The flight from London to DFW was a long one, and I chose not to sleep all that much as I arrived back at 2.20 p.m. and would need to stay awake so I could fall back into routine quickly.
Overall it was a wonderful experience both on and off the court. I got to meet and play with the Wildcats as well enjoy another culture.
I am truly grateful for the sport of basketball for giving me the opportunity to see yet another unique part of the world.
DAY 5- May 7, 2006 - GAME DAY
Once again we arose to a wonderful buffet breakfast. If there was one thing I was a little worried about, it was the food in Doha, but I didn't need to worry, as the food for all meals was sensational. Many different meats, pastas, vegetables, and desserts to choose from.
After breakfast we meet at 9.30 a.m. for our shoot around. The session consisted of running through our plays, getting some shots up, and going over the scouting report, trying to approach things a little different than the we did for the opening game.
After a good healthy lunch and some rest in the afternoon it was game time.
We came out firing; opening up an early five point advantage only to have the gap bridged by halftime with us trailing 31-32. After a tough third quarter, only scoring five points ourselves, we went into the final 10 minutes down 36-44.
After going scoreless in the first game, I decided to be much more aggressive offensively in this one, especially in the last quarter when I had 13 points. I finished with 15 for the game. Only it wasn't enough as we went down 59-56. I was happy with my first time out with the Wildcats. New team, new coach, new system takes some adjusting to, but I feel good about things in the future.
At the conclusion of the game I did not have much time to unwind as I had a 1.30 a.m. flight to London to catch as the tour at this point for me was over.
DAY 4 - May 6, 2006 REST
Upon awaking this morning we had our team breakfast then headed off to practice at 9.30 a.m. After a tough and physical game the night before, we had a light session of running through the offences and getting some shoots up.
We then returned to the Hotel for lunch, and after a couple of hours we got together as a group and headed back to the shops to see if we could snag a bargain. A couple of guys found some good deals at the markets.
After dinner it was time to get some much needed rest and a good night sleep before our second and final game of the tour against Qatar.
DAY 3 - May 5, 2006 GAME DAY
An early morning wake up call from Erin was a great way to start the day.
After breakfast we headed to the gym for the 10 a.m. shoot around. It was a session design on going over the offences, which I had a crash course in the day before, and getting some shots up to get our legs back from all the traveling. The shoot around was very similar to ours at school as we had a couple of shooting games and a game of knockout to finish up with. It was similar also in that the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
Upon returning to the hotel we grabbed some lunch then headed up to the room for some rest before departing for game 1 against the Qatar National Team.
Fairly quickly, 5:15 p.m. rolled around, and we headed off to the gym for the game. It was a tense start for both teams as we were both getting used to each other's style of play. After a back and forth first half, Qatar took a one-point 33-32 lead into the break. In the second half, they lifted their defensive pressure and quickly gained a 10-point advantage, which they were able to maintain for the remainder of the game. We ended up going down 64-52. I was quite happy with my court time and overall play. My role with the Wildcats will be somewhat similar to that of mine at Wesleyan. It will take a little time for the adjustment, but I feel over time that I will fit in quite well.
After the game, we returned to the hotel to wash up and eat. We then headed to the Rydges Hotel and spent some time the Australian Legends bar to relax.
DAY TWO - May 4, 2006
I arrived at the Hotel and got settled in. The assistant coach of the Qatar National Team came and picked me up to get something to eat. His accent sounded very familiar on the phone when he called, and, as it turned out, he is originally from New Orleans and played college basketball in the states. I was not quite sure what to expect in the way of food, but I didn't need to worry as he took me to Chili's, so it felt like I had never left the states. In actual fact there are many American food chains here in Qatar. Starbucks, Burger King, Dairy Queen, and Applebee's just to name a few.
After a good night's sleep, I woke and had a wonderful buffet breakfast. Mid-morning I received a phone call from my Mum and Dad just before I went downstairs to meet the team and coaching staff for the first time. They are all really nice guys, and I felt very comfortable in my new basketball environment. Most of them were very tired after their long flight from Australia but there was no time to rest as we had practice at 3pm.
We had a great lunch before we gathered our gear together and headed off to practice. It was a little tough to start off with due to a little jet lag, but as we got into it things got easier. I played mostly point guard, which I think will suite me as everyone seems to be much bigger and stronger.
At the completion of our two-hour session we headed back to the Hotel for a shower and dinner. The meals have been quite good, especially the dessert bar!
After dinner we decided to head to the local mall for a shopping extravaganza. As you could imagine there was no Gap, American Eagle, or Express, just a bunch a clothing stores of brands that we had never heard of. It was just good to see how another part of the world spends their leisure time.
We returned to the Hotel via a cab, which was an interesting experience, especially when the driver cannot speak English, or Australian. We eventually got back safe and sound and are ready for a good night's rest before the first game tomorrow night.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL - May 3, 2006
I left for the DFW airport at 3:20 thanks to teammate and good friend Albert Tally who gave up his Tuesday afternoon to take me.
After successfully checking in, I boarded American Airlines flight 050 bound for Gatwick International Airport in London. With the time changing, I attempted to get some sleep but it was tough so I watched Caddyshack and listen to the ipod to try and make the nine hour flight go quicker.
After landing in London, I proceeded to my gate for departure to Doha, Qatar. This flight was quite empty so I took advantage of a center row and slept for a good four of the seven hour flight.
I am always a little worried on arrival that my bags have not made the trip with me, but, after clearing customs, I made my way to baggage claim and there they were, much to my delight.
As I made my way to the exit I had my fingers crossed that someone would be there to pick me up. Fortunately there was a gentleman holding a sign with my name on it so all was in good shape.
He took me to the Grand-Regency Hotel to check in. I will be meeting up the team first thing in the morning as they are flying from Perth.
Hunting Down the Dream
May 2, 2006
By Josh Lacy, TWU Sports Information FORT WORTH, Texas - 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,
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.
