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Williston’s Qvale earns Dakota Award
June 22, 2011
Minot Daily News
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FARGO (AP) - Brian Qvale went to the University of Montana hoping he had chosen the right place to continue his basketball career. All Qvale said he wanted was to play four good years and contribute to a winning team.
He got that and much more.
The 6-foot-11, 260-pound center from Williston ended his college career as the all-time leading shot blocker at Montana and the Big Sky Conference.
"The award is excellent," Qvale said. "The list of people on there that have won it in the past is a very prestigious list. I'm honored to be on there. It shows that all the hard work I put in, in Montana and in Williston have paid off."
Qvale averaged 14.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3 blocks per game for the Grizzlies during his senior season. He finished with 245 career blocks.
Qvale earned the Dakota Award from the North Dakota Non-School Athlete of the Year by the North Dakota Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. The award is given to North Dakota athletes who excel beyond the state borders.
Qvale said he can't put one memory from his college career above another, but added that the 2010 Big Sky championship game is near the top of that list.
The Grizzlies rallied from 20-point halftime deficit to beat Weber State 66-65 and reach the NCAA Division I tournament.
"I will never forget winning that Big Sky championship or the experience I had at the NCAA tournament," Qvale said. "I will always remember that."
Qvale's career isn't done yet, either.
He's in Las Vegas for about another month, training for his first season of professional basketball in Turkey. In August, Qvale will begin playing for Aliaga Petkim of the Turkish Basketball League in Aliaga, Turkey.
He agreed to a "low six-figure" deal from team despite receiving mild interest from NBA teams.
"I just plan to go over there and play well for my team, try to help my team win games," Qvale said. "When that season is over, if there's opportunities to stay somewhere overseas or if there's opportunities to go back and try to make the NBA or summer league team, I'll have to make the decision then. Right now, I just need to accept this deal I have and play well for the team that wants me to come play."
June 22, 2011
Minot Daily News
Save | Post a comment | Bookmark and Share
FARGO (AP) - Brian Qvale went to the University of Montana hoping he had chosen the right place to continue his basketball career. All Qvale said he wanted was to play four good years and contribute to a winning team.
He got that and much more.
The 6-foot-11, 260-pound center from Williston ended his college career as the all-time leading shot blocker at Montana and the Big Sky Conference.
"The award is excellent," Qvale said. "The list of people on there that have won it in the past is a very prestigious list. I'm honored to be on there. It shows that all the hard work I put in, in Montana and in Williston have paid off."
Qvale averaged 14.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3 blocks per game for the Grizzlies during his senior season. He finished with 245 career blocks.
Qvale earned the Dakota Award from the North Dakota Non-School Athlete of the Year by the North Dakota Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. The award is given to North Dakota athletes who excel beyond the state borders.
Qvale said he can't put one memory from his college career above another, but added that the 2010 Big Sky championship game is near the top of that list.
The Grizzlies rallied from 20-point halftime deficit to beat Weber State 66-65 and reach the NCAA Division I tournament.
"I will never forget winning that Big Sky championship or the experience I had at the NCAA tournament," Qvale said. "I will always remember that."
Qvale's career isn't done yet, either.
He's in Las Vegas for about another month, training for his first season of professional basketball in Turkey. In August, Qvale will begin playing for Aliaga Petkim of the Turkish Basketball League in Aliaga, Turkey.
He agreed to a "low six-figure" deal from team despite receiving mild interest from NBA teams.
"I just plan to go over there and play well for my team, try to help my team win games," Qvale said. "When that season is over, if there's opportunities to stay somewhere overseas or if there's opportunities to go back and try to make the NBA or summer league team, I'll have to make the decision then. Right now, I just need to accept this deal I have and play well for the team that wants me to come play."
