Rashad McCants Ready For McDonalds

BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS -- North Carolina recruit Rashad McCants was coy when congratulated on his selection to the McDonald's All American game. First, a member of the selection committee shook his hand to wish him the best when Rashad competes in the 25th McDonald's All American game slated to be played in Madison Square Garden on April 4th.

"They are supposed to announce it tonight," McCants said around 10 PM ET last night after his team won a quarterfinal NEPSAC game. "So I don't know yet."

He smiled. He knew. His coach, Jamie Arnesault, was less coy. "It's going to be a great time for Rashad," Arnesault said. "They are all going to be in New York. He is going to have a great time. He deserves it. He has worked hard in practice and has really improved."

True. McCants is a complete player. He can now shake people off the dribble to free himself up for jumpers. Rashad can defend. Rashad can make the pass to the open player. McCants could always rebound, block shots, and finish in transition. But so many other aspects have been polished at New Hampton under Arnesault.

"He is going to have a good time at the game," Arnesault said. "It's going to be nice for him and his family. I think they are going to enjoy themselves there."

Arnesault said he won't be able to make it. It's a shame. Arnesault has been a big influence on McCants' progress. "Rashad will have his family," Arnesault said. "That's important.