Celebrating Black History Month 2023: Kwadzo Ahelegbe
2/20/2023 10:00:00 AM | General
Three-time All-MVC guard and 2011 MVC Defensive Player of the Year is currently an assistant coach in the NBA G-League with the Windy City Bulls.
His first name. Yes, it can be a bit of a head scratcher. Despite a unique name, Kwadzo Ahelegbe (often simply pronounced as Kuh-joe) had a basketball career unlike many others at UNI, helping the Panthers to a rousing start to the Ben Jacobson era with conference championships, as well as one of the most memorable moments in UNI athletics history.
A native of Oakdale, Minnesota, Ahelegbe was one of several notable prep players to come out of Tartan High School and into the Panther men's basketball program. After not seeing any action on the floor in his first two seasons, Ahelegbe made his debut during the 2008-09 season, where he led UNI with 106 total assists as the Panthers clinched a share of the Missouri Valley Conference's (MVC) regular season title. Being named to the MVC All-Tournament Team, Ahelegbe helped UNI clinch its first conference tournament title since 2004 and send the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament.Â
Ahelegbe again led UNI in assists during the 2009-10 season, which proved to be a major year in program history as the Panthers would go on to win a school record 30 games and repeat as MVC regular season and tournament champions, again earning MVC All-Tournament honors, plus Tournament MVP recognition. After a narrow victory over UNLV in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Ahelegbe contributed 5 points and 5 assists, including the dish to Ali Farokmanesh on his iconic three-point jumper to knock off No. 1 Kansas and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
"We were there," Ahelegbe said when the Panthers arrived in Oklahoma City for the start of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. "We felt we could compete with anybody. I've played and been in those heated moments of battle before, and that helped. As a team we looked at each other for confidence and strength."
Ahelegbe closed out his collegiate career in 2010-11 with a First Team All-MVC season, leading the Panthers for a third straight year in assists and picking up MVC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Panthers would post another 20-win season and make their first appearance in the CIT Tournament, reaching the quarterfinal round with a win over Rider.
Ahelegbe finished his UNI career with 1,329 total points, currently 11th most in program history today while also wearing the moniker of having won the most games in UNI history with multiple teammates at 91 appearances. He also ranks 8th in team history in career free throws made (393) and tied for 10th with 133 games played for the purple and gold.
Like many talented guards, Ahelegbe kicked off a professional career after his time at UNI with a 6-year run in Europe, playing for multiple teams in Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Austria. After
wrapping his playing career in 2015, he finished his education by completing a degree in post-secondary education from UNI.
"I felt like I was well prepared because Coach Jake blessed me with the ability to call plays and change plays in the heat of the moment. I think those things really prepared me for the pro level."
Coaching became Ahelegbe's calling after his time in Europe, beginning his coaching journey with his hometown Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016 as a video coordinator, where he helped edit videos for players and coaches for scouting reports. He also helped develop players in Minnesota by implementing rigorous training and workouts for several NBA players.
"It just worked out perfectly," Ahelegbe explained. "Being in Minnesota and working for a franchise was just a perfect transition for me after playing in Europe. I just remember thinking this was the moment, knowing that I always wanted to coach and felt so comfortable in that role."Â Â
Ahelegbe's journey led him in 2021 to his current role as an assistant coach with the Windy City Bulls, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls.