Miami, FL, 01/20/09 - On Jan. 20, HEAT players were hard at practice coming off a season-long road trip.

 Everything was routine except for one small fact: Barack Obama was being sworn in as America’s 44th President.

 “I’m trying to go watch it, but other than that, it’s amazing. It’s history being made,” forward Shawn Marion said. “I never thought this day would come, where we have a Black President in the White House.”

 Guard Dwyane Wade joked around when asked about the importance of the day.

 “When they ask me where I was when Barack was sworn in, I’m going to say ‘I was talking to the media,’” he said. “You just want to go down and get a piece of it, a glimpse of it.”

 Miami native Udonis Haslem couldn’t wait to get together with the family.

 “My family’s already got the grills and barbeques fired up. It’s a big celebration,” he said. “This is something that we get to witness that a lot of people who shed a lot of blood and fought for, never got a chance to see. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll always remember it.”

Even the younger players like rookie forward Michael Beasley, who choked up a bit while speaking about the issue, recognized the importance of Tuesday’s inauguration.

 “It’s a great moment to be an American. I can’t speak,” he said. “It’s a big stepping-stone for America.”

 Beasley had the opportunity to meet Obama while he campaigned in Miami during the fall. The President surprised the 6’9” forward with his basketball knowledge.

 “Before I had a chance to introduce myself, he briefed me on my own stats,” he said. “I couldn’t know what to say. It’s good to have such a young President, one that knows about the game, loves the game – someone the young people can relate to.”  

 Haslem added that the American people could learn a valuable lesson:

 “Anything’s possible. If you work and put in the time and effort, it might not happen in the particular time you want it, but through continued effort and hard work, any goal is achievable.”

 Chicago natives - Wade and Marion - anticipate invitations to the White House if Obama has a basketball court built, while Beasley would just like to watch ESPN with the President and eat some popcorn.

 “I’ve already been invited so it’s all good,” Marion explained. “He would work out right next to my house. He loves playing ball. It’s just like a ritual to him.”

 As for whether the veteran forward would allow the Commander-in-Chief any gifts on the court; well that’s a no-brainer.

 “I would dunk on him, definitely,” Marion said.