McCants: Not A Savior

NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- Rashad McCantsRashad McCants had to be one of the more improved players over the past year. Some "basketball experts" thought McCants couldn't make it as a shooting guard on the high school or college level.

But McCants did not shut down his desire to be a great player. It only increased his motivation to prove people wrong. "I heard that I could not shoot," McCants said. "I think I proved them wrong."

McCants proved those critics wrong by working hard each day. He would take many, many jumpers in practice. Rashad never lost confidence by taking those perimeter shots in the game. By the time New Hampton had won the NEPSAC tournament last month, McCants was one of the best perimeter shooters in the 2002 class.

"I worked at it real hard," McCants said during yesterday's McDonald's Media Day. "I will continue to work hard at it."

McCants will be heavily counted on over the next several years to help erase this past losing season for North Carolina. "I am going to be a player like any other player," McCants said. "I am not a savior. What I can do is help North Carolina defend people, rebound, provide some leadership."

Rashad will put his skills on display tonight at the McDonald's All American game held inside Madison Square Garden. "It's been a very competitive week," McCants said. "The practices are intense. We are going out there to win. We are not going to be selfish. We all get along."

Then it's off to North Carolina. "I want to get there early so I can take some courses and get a head start," McCants said. "I want to get myself ready for the season. I am ready to work."