BISMARCK N.D., July 27, 2007 – The 2006-07 NBA Development League Champion Dakota Wizards announced today the rehiring of Duane Ticknor as their head coach. Ticknor roamed the sidelines for the Wizards during the 1999 – 2000 IBA season, and led Dakota to a league high 30 – 6 regular season record, while receiving IBA Coach of the Year honors.

“It’s great to be back,” said Ticknor. “I have always followed the Wizards closely and I am excited to be back coaching in Bismarck. The success the Wizards have had since I left has been remarkable. My goal is continue that success and provide quality basketball and entertainment for all of our fans across North Dakota.”

The four-time IBA Coach of the Year (1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000) and the winningest coach in IBA history left Bismarck after one season to coach the Siouxland Bombers of the IBA. Ironically, after leaving the Wizards, Ticknor turned the coaching reigns over to his assistant coach Dave Joerger, who recently joined the Memphis Grizzlies and whom Ticknor is now replacing on the Wizards bench.

“When we started the search process, Duane’s name was the first that came up,” said Wizards Owner Steve McCormick. “We had several quality candidates, but Duane’s personality, history of success, familiarity with the community and understanding the tradition that is Wizards basketball made this an easy process.”

Most recently Ticknor served as head coach and athletic director at Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City, Indiana and helped lead them to their first winning season in seven years, while also being the president of the Northland Conference. Prior to his stint at Marquette Catholic High School, Ticknor spent the better part of three seasons (2002-2005) as the head coach of the Gary Steelheads (CBA). He compiled a 64-60 mark at Gary and turned them into a playoff team in 2003-04, setting an all-time team record for regular season wins at 27 and the first playoff berth in club history. Mid-way through the 2004-05 season, Ticknor resigned from the Steelheads due to health concerns and was later diagnosed with diabetes.

“I am feeling great and with my son now in college, I am at a time in my life for new challenges”, added Ticknor. “I felt when I left Bismarck the first time the organization had something special, and it did. The Wizards fan base is known around the country, it is an honor for me to represent them, our owners and the city of Bismarck.”

The South Dakota native has qualified for the postseason in seven of his eight seasons as a professional head coach, including winning one championship (1996-97 IBA), while making it to the finals three times. Ticknor has compiled a professional coaching record of 196-122 and was elected to the Rapid City Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

Ticknor is attending the NBA D-League Pre-Draft Camp presented by Miller Lite in Arlington, Texas and is not scheduled to arrive in Bismarck until next week. A formal press conference is schedule for Wednesday August 1st at 12:15p.m. CT. at Carpet World (501 Airport Road). All media, friends, fans and family are welcome to attend. Fans who cannot make it to the press conference are invited to Famous Dave’s (401 E Bismarck Expy. Bismarck, ND 58504) Wednesday night from 5:30 to 7:00 pm to welcome Coach Ticknor back to Bismarck.

The Dakota Wizards begin defense of their D-League Championship on Friday, November 23rd at 7:00pm against the Iowa Energy. 2007-08 Season Tickets for the Wizards start at only $99. For more information, please visit www.dakotawizards.com or call 701-258-BALL.

Year	Team	Record	Finish
1995-96	Black Hills(IBA)	20-4	Regular season champions; Lost in IBA finals
1996-97	Black Hills (IBA)	26-4	Regular season and IBA champions
1997-98	Black Hills (IBA)	23-11	West Division champions; Lost in IBA finals
1998-99	Rapid City (IBA)	16-18	Lost in West Division finals
1999-00	Dakota (IBA)	30-6	West Division champions; Lost in division finals
2000-01	Siouxland (IBA)	17-19	Lost in East Division finals
2002-03	Gary (CBA)	25-23	First winning record in franchise history
2003-04	Gary (CBA)	28-24	Best record in team history; first playoff appearance
2004-05	Gary (CBA)	11-13	Left team early in season due to health issues
Totals		196-122*

*Playoff games included in above records