http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/09/28/sports/zsports04.txt

Explorers draft UM's Chavez

By the Associated Press

GREAT FALLS - Mike Chavez, who led Heart Butte and Browning to state high
school basketball championships, was drafted by the Great Falls Explorers
in the first round of the Continental Basketball Association college draft.

The 6-foot-7 Chavez played basketball for three years at the University of
Montana, mostly as a reserve forward. He earned a degree in Native American
Studies and anthropology last spring.

“I feel blessed, because a lot of great players won't get a chance to play
basketball after college,” he said Tuesday night. “I know nothing's
guaranteed. In college, you knew you were in it for four years. But now, I
know I'll have to get in shape and be there ready to play,” when camp opens
in early November.
Chavez said he had chances to play overseas, but said the Explorers job was
more attractive.

“To play before my friends and family again is something I've looked
forward to,” said Chavez, who was picked seventh overall in the draft.

Chavez led Heart Butte to state championships as a sophomore and junior and
averaged 24 points, 13 rebounds and five assists as a senior in leading
Browning to a 22-1 record and a state Class A title. In three years at
Heart Butte and one at Browning, Chavez was on basketball teams that posted
a combined 91-7 record.

Explorers general manager Ryan Acra said: “Mike Chavez has a great love for
the game of basketball and a lot of fans are going to come out and watch
him play.”

Explorers assistant coach Justin Wetzel, an American Indian and Cut Bank
native, predicted the fast-paced CBA game would suit Chavez.

“I'm truly proud that that we can select a fellow enrolled member of the
Blackfeet tribe,” said Wetzel. “Mike is going to prosper here. The up-tempo
Heart Butte and Browning style of basketball is what we're going to play.”

The Explorers also drafted William Maupins of St. Scholastica in Minnesota,
guard Kevin Kruger of UNLV, guard Derek Raivio of Gonzaga, forward Omar
Guinea of Henderson State and guard Quentin Day of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Butte Daredevils drafted guard Jeremy Hunt of Memphis, forward Anthony
Tolliver of Creighton, forward Tyronne Beale of Bowie State, center Chaz
Crawford of Drexel and guard Quin Humphrey of Youngstown State, according
to the CBA Web site.