The road to the NBA doesn't often run through Grand Forks.

Yet Jerome Beasley followed the trail Phil Jackson blazed and made it from the University of North Dakota to the big leagues, at least for a while.

Now Beasley finds himself back in North Dakota, fighting for another shot at the show. The Dakota Wizards have helped several players realize that dream, and they couldn't be happier that Beasley's travels took him off the beaten path.

Beasley's days at UND made him a player of "regional significance" in the eyes of the D-League, resulting in his allocation to the Wizards. And the 6-10, 260-pound power forward figures to be one of Dakota's focal points as the Wizards tip off their first season in a new league tonight in Sioux Falls.

How did such a gifted basketball player from California wind up in the Upper Midwest?

Beasley said after he completed two relatively nondescript seasons at Midland (Texas) Junior College, he had one criteria when looking for a place to finish his college career.

"I just wanted to come somewhere where I could make an impact and showcase what I'm capable of doing," Beasley explained. "I felt that (UND) was the university for me."

Beasley averaged 4.9 and 10.5 points per game at Midland, but he turned into a scoring machine for the Sioux.

He earned All-American honors and was named the North Central Conference Most Valuable Player as a junior, averaging 21.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

But the best was yet to come.

As a senior, Beasley was unstoppable, scoring 26.6 points per game and grabbed 8.9 rebounds per game.

For his efforts, Beasley was named the Division II player of the year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Daktronics and the Division IIbulletin.

He finished his career with 1,402 points, 10th-best on UND's all-time list despite playing just two years. His career scoring average of 24.2 is the best in school history.

Yet as much as he enjoyed his time on the court, Beasley said he had an even better experience off the court at UND.

"I took a chance and went there, and it was a wonderful, great place," Beasley said."The school, the university - I loved it to death.

"I can't say enough about the people. They pulled their shirts off their backs for me."

Beasley played well enough to attract attention from the NBA. Projected as a late first-round pick, Beasley slipped a little due to a high cholesterol test but was snapped up by the Miami Heat early in the second round, 33rd overall, of the 2003 draft.

But Beasley spent most of his time in the NBA on the injured list, eventually being cut in 2005.

"Unfortunately injuries occur, but I'm not worried about it," Beasley said. "I'm saying I'll take other stepping stones or other avenues, and hopefully, I can be blessed and get back where I want to be."

Beasley took a step toward getting notice that season. Dave Joerger, the once and future coach of the Wizards, lured Beasley to Sioux Falls, where he had a terrific season.

Beasley averaged 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while helping Joerger and the Skyforce win the CBA title.

Joerger said he loved having a player of Beasley's talents on the floor.

"He can really score on the block, but he's also able to stay on the perimeter," Joerger said.

That can create headaches for opponents, which Beasley takes pride in.

"I create tough matchups,"he said. "I've been blessed and have those skills, and Itry to use it to my best advantage."

Beasley spent last year playing overseas, but he felt playing in the D-League gave him a better chance at getting back to the NBA, especially since he would be reuniting with Joerger.

"He gets the best out of a team and players,"Beasley said. "His swagger, just something about him - I don't know what it is. He finds a way to bring it out of you, because you end up playing at the best of your potential.

"… I'm looking forward to doing great things with him and individually."

Joerger thinks Beasley has what it takes to make it back.

"He needs to show them he's an energy guy - get offensive rebounds, run, be active, guard big guys, guard guys on the perimeter," Joerger said.

And Joerger figures Beasley's time at UND is a positive that can help in that regard.

"Jerome still plays like a Division II player," Joerger said. "He plays like he's got something to prove."