Beasley to Start Pro Career as Fort Wayne Draftee

Brandon Beasley in action against Central Christian (Mo.).

Oskaloosa–Brandon Beasley’s pro dreams will continue, at least well into the foreseeable future, after being selected in the National Basketball Development League Draft Friday.

Beasley was chosen as the 48th overall pick (3rd round, 14th pick) by the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Mad Ants, an affiliate for the Charlotte Bobcats, Detroit Pistons, Indianapolis Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic.

An NAIA First-Team All-American last year, the former Statesmen standout and Indianapolis native parlayed tremendous summer showcase outings into a three-week workout with his hometown Pacers earlier this fall. The Pacers cut Beasley at the end of their camp, but told him they planned to have Fort Wayne pick him up in the NBDL draft, which came to fruition Friday night.

“I am happy for the opportunity that Fort Wayne and the Pacers have given me,” Beasley said. “It is a dream come true to be a professional basketball player. I am hungry to get started. This is just the beginning for me—not the last stop.”

William Penn Head Coach John Henry could not be happier for his former player.

“We here at William Penn are so excited and proud of Brandon,” Henry said. “‘Beez’ deserves this; he has worked extremely hard and dedicated himself to this.”

“We have all learned a lot throughout this entire process; I know I have,” Henry added. “It has been a fun experience with agents, scouts, coaches, combines, etc. We took calls from all types of teams, executives, and scouts. His three weeks with the Pacers were great for him as it helped him prove he could compete at the highest level.”

“I am glad it is over, though, so now ‘Beez’ can get to work and do what he does best,” Henry said.

Fort Wayne is coached by Connor Henry. The team advanced to the NBDL playoffs last year and begins this season on Friday, November 22 against the Texas Legends in Frisco, Texas. The Mad Ants’ first home game is Friday, November 29, while Beasley will have a homecoming of sorts on Thursday, November 19 when Fort Wayne travels to Des Moines to meet the Iowa Energy.

For more information on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, go to http://www.nba.com/dleague/fortwayne/index_main.html