Fan Focus: "Darko Boys" meet their idol

January 3, 2012 | From: Alex

Before and after each game, fans line up outside the tunnel with hopes of meeting their favorite player.

You will often see someone clamoring for a Kevin Love autograph or a photo with Ricky Rubio. But after last night's contest against the San Antonio Spurs, a special group of fans were able to finally meet their less-heralded hero.

Derek Sprang, Joe Perevich, Jacob Roth and Nolan Johnson formed the "Darko Boys" after a game last year where Timberwolves center Darko Milicic enjoyed a 22-point outburst.

"We were all very impressed," said Perevich. "Darko just lit up the Spurs."

Roth agreed.

"It's all about that left hook," said Roth. "That left hook is silky smooth every time. He's a lethal lefty."

Now in their second year, the group tries to make every game that they can. One member -- Bryan Sprang, a guard for the UM-Duluth Bulldogs basketball team -- can't always attend, so their group number can fluctuate. Regardless of who is wearing which letter on their t-shirt that night, however, the Boys always jump up and cheer whenever Milicic makes a play.

After the game, the Darko Boys lined up near the locker room. Sure enough, the soft-spoken Serbian came over to his personal fan club, said hello and snapped a photo.

"As long as Darko is on the Timberwolves, we will be at the Target Center as much as possible," said Johnson. "We'll be Wolves fans for life, but we will always love Darko."