McCants: Heck Of A Player Whos Getting Better

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND -- It's becoming more and more apparent that Rashad McCants isn't willing to be just another player on the college level. It would have been easy for McCants to walk into North Carolina next Fall by just jumping over people and dunking his way to 20 points a game.

But McCants has become much more than just a "great athlete." He has become one pretty good basketball player. McCants has dramatically improved his perimeter game. He is a very good catch and shoot guard. He is still working on breaking his man off the dribble to free himself up for the jumper. But the improvement in his perimeter game is something to throw praise at when watching him.

Rivalshoops.com had an opportunity to watch Rashad McCants, the 6-3 swingman from New Hampton Prep in New Hampshire, play this past weekend at the 2002 National Prep School Invitational held on the campus of Bryant College. "You always want to be as good as you can be," McCants said. "I try to work on everything in practice and then try to succeed at it in the games we play."

His coach, Jamie Arnesault, realizes how much progress Rashad has made. "He has always worked on his perimeter game," Arnesault said. "Rashad takes a lot of time to work on his individual game and we also spend time during our practices to do that."

McCants is so hard to defend because he elevates so high with his jumper. If UNC decides to utilize him at the second guard position, Rashad will present many matchup problems for opposing teams. McCants can jump over people but as we mentioned above, he doesn't rely upon it anymore. Rashad also possesses a strong frame and can pound his way inside if he wishes.

"Rashad can do so many more things than dunk," Arnesault said. "He can defend. He can rebound."

McCants can also pass. His passing skills are not often publicized but the throws a terrific bounce pass and two-handed chest pass that reminds you of players back in the Larry Bird/Magic Johnson days of the NBA.

"I wouldn't trade him for any player," Arnesault said. "He is always working hard. He plays hard. He is a winner."