enthrone paleontology: SGFers in the Bigs | Entertainment Springfield, MO (Sports, Live ...

We love to check in on local athletes, or athletes with local ties who are doing it big, whether it?s professional or major college sports.

Thus, SGFers in the Bigs.

Anthony Tolliver, Minnesota Timberwolves (Kickapoo HS)

After a few games with single-digit minutes, the former Kickapoo Chief and Creighton Blue Jay has continued to provide solid minutes for the NBA?s Minnesota Timberwolves, adding 22 minutes in a win against Sacramento. Minnesota is one of the real surprises in the NBA at 13-13 and Tolliver is the primary backup to emerging superstar Kevin Love.

Season stats: 4.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 34.2 field goal percentage

Blake Ahearn, Reno Bighorns (Missouri State)

Of all the players in the NBA D-League that have played at least 20 games, the former Missouri State Bear is the leading scorer at 24.1 points per game. He plays for the Reno Bighorns, which feed into the Atlanta Hawks, the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. Hopefully he can get a chance, especially after what Harvard?s Jeremy Lin is doing right now. You?re telling me Ahearn can?t do this? Not too long ago, Ahearn set a ridiculous FT record.

Season stats: 24.1 points, 5.6 assists, 40.0 3-point percentage

Matt Rogers, Texas Legends (SBU)

The former SBU All-American couldn?t stick with the Indiana Pacers out of a brief NBA training camp, but he?s landed back with the Texas Legends, the same team he finished last season with. He?s in virtually the same role, scoring just under double-figures off the bench, drawing the occasional start. Texas is the official farm club of the Dallas Mavericks.

Season stats: 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 45.5 field goal percentage

Tate Unruh, Northern Colorado (Branson HS)

As a redshirt freshman last season, Unruh found himself coming off the bench in Northern Colorado?s first NCAA Tournament berth. This year, the Bears are struggling at 7-15, but Unruh is the team?s leading scorer at 10.2 points per game. He?s started 21 of 22 games he?s played in and is lighting it up from behind the 3-point line, shooting 42.7 percent (44-for-103). It?s entirely possible Unruh ends up being an all-Big Sky Conference player.

Season stats: 10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 42.7 3-point percentage

Tim Huskisson, Northern Colorado (Willard HS)

Another part of the Ozarks-to-Greeley, Col. connection, Huskisson is making an impact for Northern Colorado as a true freshman. He?s a full-fledged 6-foot-5 and has started 11 of his 22 games played this season. He?s coming off a 14-point game in a loss to Weber State last week, and is proving he is a Division I player. He might turn into a great player at UNC.

Season stats: 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds

Christian Kirk, Missouri State (Kickapoo HS)

Many thought Kirk could make an impact for a thin Missouri State frontcourt. But, few anticipated he?d have 9 starts and counting as a true freshman. He?s proven to have more of a mid-range jump shot that many thought and he?s provided toughness and rebounding as the Bears wait for starting center Caleb Patterson to get fully healthy. If he gets stronger and develops a back-to-the-basket game, he?ll be special.

Season stats: 3.7 points, 3.3 rebounds

Any basketball players we are missing? They must be playing professional or Division I basketball. Anything underneath that isn?t SGFers in the Bigs material.