10/25/2008 - 00:14
Wrapped in a W
by Cherome Owens

Rashad blazed his way through the preseason finale on Thursday night, scoring 15 points and grabbing five boards in a 95-76 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Target Center.

Once again, as he's done many times this preseason, Rashad catalyzed a critical Wolves run, helping erase a 13-point deficit against the Bucks. The fifteen points No.1 scored included a stretch of 10 straight late in the fourth quarter -- two 3-pointers, an 18-foot jump shot, and a rim-rocking slam dunk with two minutes to go in the ball game.

Minnesota, which outscored the Bucks 55-30 in the second half, finished exhibition play with a 6-2 record. Rashad finished the preseason averaging 13.3 points, which ranks second-best on the team.

OPENING UP THE OFFENSE
With a passing point guard like Randy Foye and a prolific center in Al Jefferson, the Star-Tribune speculated that No. 1 would get a lot of open shots:

"Jefferson's surrounding cast should free him up for plenty of looks this season. A healthy point guard in Randy Foye -- who missed the first 43 games last year because of a kneecap injury -- and the shooting of Mike Miller and Rashad McCants will aid the Wolves from outside."

Coach Randy Wittman added:

"If he (Jefferson) does get doubled, with Mike, Randy and Rashad out on the floor, he's got to hit those guys for easy shots."

LIKE BROTHER, LIKE SISTER
One year after she averaged a team-best 15.8 points, Rashanda McCants -- No. 1's sister -- is ready to keep making a name for herself.

North Carolina's women's basketball team was the preseason pick to claim its fifth straight league title.

During his days at North Carolina, Rashad led the Tar Heels men's basketball team to an NCAA Championship in 2005 and averaged 17.6 points per games during his three years at the university.

NEXT UP
The NBA regular season is finally here! Rashad, who averaged 14.9 points per game last season, looks to take his game up a notch in the 2008-09 campaign.

His first challenge will come Wednesday, when the Wolves host the Sacramento Kings at 8:00 p.m.

On March 7, 2007 -- the last time these two teams squared off -- No.1 scored a team-high 22 points in a 111-103 win.

RELATED STORIES
Minnesota Timberwolves end exhibition season with victory over Bucks (TwinCities.com, October 24, 2008)
http://www.twincities.com/ci_10801269
Timberwolves 95, Bucks 76 (ESPN.com, October 24, 2008)
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=281023016
UNC the preseason pick in ACC women's hoops (Associated Press, October 23, 2008)
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/23/sports/BKW-ACC-Media-Day.php
Wolves show fight, but need more (Star Tribune, October 24, 2008)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/33187979.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQD...

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