Everyone who has followed the career of former DeSmet and Missouri State standout Blake Ahearn had to smile on Thursday when it was announced the 6-foot-2 guard, who was playing for the Dakota Wizards of the Developmental League, had signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.

“I’ve had a lot of (call-ups) over the years, but this is probably the one that’s made me the happiest,” Dakota Wizards coach Duane Ticknor told the Bismarck Tribune. “Proof that hard work pays off — the first guy in the gym, the last to leave every day.”

Those who know Ahearn know he has worked very hard for the opportunity and overcome obstacles and criticisms at every turn along the way. People have questioned his ability, defense, athleticism but they’ve never doubted his work ethic.

His is truly a story about hard work paying off. For years, Ahearn has spent hours in the gym every day taking hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of shots — going so far as to record the shots in daily journals — with the focus and determination that he wanted to get better.

Ahearn was a third-team Post-Dispatch All-Metro selection in his senior year at DeSmet in 2003 and was the Missouri Valley Conference freshman of the year the following season. He was an MVC all-conference first-team pick as a junior and senior and finished his career as the all-time leading free throw shooter in NCAA Division I history.

No one gave the 6-2 point guard much of a chance to make it to the NBA. Ahearn could go over to Europe and make some money, but surely his limited game would keep him from ever realizing his dream of playing in the NBA?

He was selected in the fourth round of the Developmental League draft by the Dakota Wizards and spent the first half of the season coming off the bench as the team’s sixth man. But after a starting spot opened when another player opted for a pro contract overseas, Ahearn took advantage of the opportunity he was given.

In 15 games as a starter, Ahearn averaged 29.1 points and 5.7 assists. He was leading the league in 3-pointers made (108) and free throw percentage (96 percent). He opened some eyes and some doors to his NBA dream.

Ahearn could suit up for the Miami Heat tonight against Washington.

“It’s the epitome of a dream come true,” Ahearn told the Tribune. “… I’m just grateful for this opportunity, and I’m going to go in there like I came here and try to take advantage of the time I get.”