Can Heels win without McCants?
Well, the obvious answer is yes. North Carolina just beat N.C. State the first time in three seasons that Rashad McCants wasn't in the lineup. If his mom's doubts hold up, the Tar Heels will have to win Sunday at Maryland without him because of what tests have shown to be an "intestinal virus." Clemson just won at College Park. But, with Maryland, who knows?
I'll be examining the adjustments UNC will have to make without McCants -- or with its star guard at less than full strength -- in the News & Record this weekend. Stay tuned. The school has been unusually silent when asked for health updates this week. But McCants' mother, Brenda Muckelvene, gave me a few insights this afternoon.
Here's the N&R note that may or may not be posted elsewhere online Friday:
McCANTS "DOING BETTER": The mother of Rashad McCants said she expects the North Carolina junior to miss his second straight game Sunday at Maryland because of an intestinal virus.
But, after speaking with him Thursday, Brenda Muckelvene is confident McCants is making significant progress.
"He will be fine as soon as he works it out of his system," she said. "He’s doing better."
McCants, who is the Tar Heels' top scorer (15.8 ppg), played sparingly Saturday against Clemson because of an upset stomach. He did not make the trip to N.C. State on Tuesday night. It was the first game McCants missed in his college career.
"He’s really been bothered by this since the night of the Duke game" Feb. 9, coach Roy Williams said after UNC's 81-71 victory over the Wolfpack. "So he's tried to fight through it."
Team trainer Marc Davis said in a statement released by the school Tuesday afternoon that doctors had no timetable for McCants' return. Muckelvene said Thursday she doubts he’ll play against the Terps.
"I don’t think he needs to rush," she said. "That's what happened last time."
Comments (3)
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Yes. They can win without McCants. Now it would be nice to get him back.
Posted on February 28, 2005 3:30 PM
The Heels have proven twice over that they can win without McCants, twice on the road, no less.
But for those out there who are thinking to themselves, "Hmm, maybe this team works better chemistry-wise without Rashad" -- and I've already heard such suggestions -- I wouldn't give it a whole lot of thought. McCants has fit in nicely with his teammates this year, as opposed to previous seasons, and the Heels aren't going to go very far in the NCAA's without him.
Posted on February 28, 2005 3:42 PM
I think McCants gives the Heels a lot more than does Melvin Scott. Maybe enough to make the difference between a national championship and a near miss.
Posted on February 28, 2005 4:41 PM