Wikipedia

Rashad McCants

Rashad Dion McCants (born September 25, 1984) is an American former professional basketball player who has played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as overseas. He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels, winning a National championship in his junior season.

Rashad McCants
McCants playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007
Personal information
Born (1984-09-25) September 25, 1984 (age 40)
Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school
CollegeNorth Carolina (2002–2005)
NBA draft2005: 1st round, 14th overall pick
Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
Playing career2005–2018
PositionShooting guard
Number1, 7
Career history
2005–2009Minnesota Timberwolves
2009Sacramento Kings
2010–2011Texas Legends
2012Caciques de Humacao
2012Piratas de Quebradillas
2012Powerade Tigers
2012–2013Foshan Long Lions
2013Texas Legends
2014Uberlândia
2014–2015Homenetmen Beirut
2015Trotamundos de Carabobo
2015Cañeros de La Romana
2017–2018Club Antonin Sportif
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

McCants was one of the athletes – among other victims – successfully targeted by professional scam artist/fraudster Peggy Ann Fulford.

High school career

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McCants began his high school career at Clyde A. Erwin High School[1] in Asheville, North Carolina, and finished at New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire. He led New Hampton to the 2002 New England Prep School Class A championship and was named MVP of the title game. McCants played alongside future college teammate Wes Miller during his senior season.[citation needed]

McCants was an honor roll student at New Hampton.[2] He also won the New Hampshire Player of the Year Award in 2001 and 2002. And, as a senior, he was also named to the Parade All-American and McDonald's All-American Teams. He played in the McDonald's All-American Game with future Tar Heel teammates Raymond Felton and Sean May.[citation needed]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Rashad McCants
SG, SF 		Asheville, NC New Hampton School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 1 (SG)   Rivals: 4 (SF)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2002 North Carolina Basketball Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  • "2002 North Carolina College Basketball Recruiting Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  • "2002 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.

College career

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Alongside Sean May, Raymond Felton, and David Noel, McCants joined a stellar recruiting class at UNC for the 2002–2003 season, coached by Matt Doherty. In his freshman year, McCants led the Tar Heels in scoring with 17.5 points per game, and led them to a third round loss to Georgetown in the National Invitational Tournament. He was voted to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rookie team.[citation needed]

In the 2003–2004 season, McCants led the ACC in scoring with 20 points per game. With that effort, McCants helped lead UNC back into the NCAA Tournament with a sixth seed, where they lost in the second round to number three seeded Texas. He was the leading vote-getter on the All-ACC First Team as a sophomore, and was named a third-team All-American.[citation needed]

With freshman Marvin Williams joining the squad for the 2004–2005 season, the junior class led by preseason Wooden Award candidates in McCants, May, and Felton gave UNC a high ranking in all preseason polls and the team was seen as one of the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament. After going 33–4 and winning the ACC regular season, McCants' 16.4 points per game helped secure UNC one of the four number one seeds in the NCAA Tournament. UNC cruised to the championship game, where McCants helped the Tar Heels defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini, 75–70.[3]

McCants' three years at Chapel Hill were not without controversy. In an interview with local television station WRAL, McCants compared UNC to a prison, stating, "You're not allowed to say certain things, but once you get out of jail, you're free. (I'm) in my sentence, and I'm doing my time."[4][5]

McCants scored 1,721 points and made 221 three-pointers during his career at North Carolina.[6]

Professional career

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After winning the championship, McCants declared his eligibility for the 2005 NBA draft, and was selected 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His college teammates, Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, and Sean May were also selected in the draft. During his first two years as a pro, McCants was bothered by injuries and did not play up to the expectations of fans. He had a lot of expectations going into the 2007–08 season, and on a young Timberwolves squad, he started the season as a rotation regular, and broke into the starting lineup halfway through the season.

As of January 2008, Rashad had posted career-highs through his third season, with 34 points against the Denver Nuggets on January 4, 2008,[7] 8 rebounds against the Miami Heat on January 8,[8] 4 steals against the Seattle SuperSonics on December 29, 2007,[8] and getting 6 assists five times.[8] On December 26, 2008, he hit a career-high 7 three-pointers in a Wolves win over the New York Knicks.[9]

On February 19, 2009, McCants was sent to the Sacramento Kings along with Calvin Booth for Shelden Williams and Bobby Brown.[10] McCants then signed with the Houston Rockets in September 2009,[11] but had his contract retracted on the second day of the training camp. The Rockets General Manager said McCants presented with an abdomen problem and would not be able to participate in the camp, though he also said he would still consider McCants down the track once healthy.[citation needed]

In the summer of 2010, he was scheduled to join the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA Summer League team. However, he did not report to the team for personal reasons.[12]

In October 2010 the Dallas Mavericks signed McCants to their training camp roster. However, he was released only after a few days. He was then signed by the Mavericks' NBA Development League associate, the Texas Legends.

In 2012, the Powerade Tigers of the Philippine Basketball Association acquired him as their import for the Governors Cup. However, despite playing his usual game, he was not able to help the Tigers win their first two games and was released afterwards.

On July 13, 2012, McCants signed with the French club Strasbourg IG.[13] On August 24, 2012, he parted ways with Strasbourg before appearing in a game for them.[14] On November 19, 2012, he signed with the Foshan Long Lions of China.[15] On January 10, 2013, he was waived by the Foshan.[16]

On January 24, 2013, McCants was acquired by the Texas Legends.[17] He was waived by the Legends in February 2013.[18] In November 2013, he was announced by the Brazilian club Uberlândia Tênis Clube for 2013–14 NBB season.[19] He debuted on January 5, 2014, against São José Basketball.[20]

On November 23, 2014, McCants signed with Homenetmen Beirut of the Lebanese Basketball League.[21] In April 2015, he signed with Trotamundos de Carabobo of Venezuela for the rest of the 2015 LPB season.[22]

BIG3

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On April 30, 2017, McCants was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 BIG3 Draft by Trilogy.[23] On August 26, 2017, Trilogy won the first-ever Big3 League Championship. McCants scored 22 points on 55% shooting and was named Championship MVP.[24]

Personal life

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McCants' sister, Rashanda McCants, also played for North Carolina and in the WNBA.[25]

Rashad is the cousin of Major League Baseball player Cameron Maybin and third cousin of former Canadian Football League player John Avery.[26]

In June 2008, McCants began dating reality television star Khloe Kardashian. The two were introduced by the National Football League player Reggie Bush who had been dating her sister Kim at the time.[27] The relationship ended after seven months, in late January 2009, reportedly due to McCants's infidelity.[28] He also made a brief guest appearance on her reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, during season 3 (episode 7). Eight years later, speaking with a Charlotte Observer reporter while looking back on his career in the NBA, McCants stated that the highly publicized relationship with Khloe Kardashian was the "biggest regret" because it "gave people an opportunity to doubt his commitment to the NBA", adding: "Without that situation in play, I’m a $60-70 million player. Easily."[29]

McCants was one of the victims of professional scam artist/fraudster Peggy Ann Fulford (Peggy King, Peggy Williams, Peggy Ann Barard, etc.), losing $200,000, amongst the $5.79 million in total she stole from him, Ricky Williams, Travis Best, Dennis Rodman, Lex Hilliard and others.[30] Fulford, who was indicted by the FBI in December 2016, continued her criminal activity until sentenced in February 2018 to 10 years in prison and full financial restitution to her victims.[30]

Awards

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  • All-ACC First Team: 2003–04[31]
  • All-ACC Third Team: 2004–05
  • All-ACC Rookie Team: 2002–03[32]
  • Parade All-American: 2001–02
  • McDonald's All-American: 2001–02
  • New Hampshire Player of the Year: 2000, 2001[2]

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2005–06 Minnesota 79 12 17.2 .450 .372 .736 1.8 .8 .6 .3 7.9
2006–07 Minnesota 37 0 15.0 .350 .267 .690 1.3 1.0 .7 .2 5.0
2007–08 Minnesota 75 24 26.9 .453 .407 .748 2.7 2.2 .9 .2 14.9
2008–09 Minnesota 34 2 18.7 .360 .319 .741 1.9 .9 .8 .2 9.1
2008–09 Sacramento 24 1 19.4 .444 .357 .783 2.0 1.5 .8 .3 10.3
Career 249 39 20.2 .431 .368 .741 2.0 1.3 .7 .9 10.0

References

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  1. ^ Goodman, Jeff. "Basketball Recruiting Buzz". ESPN. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  2. ^ a b NBA.com : Rashad McCants Bio Page
  3. ^ Martin, Ross (June 19, 2020). "Rashad McCants on UNC's Magical 2005 National Title Team". Inside Carolina. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  4. ^ "McCants Compares UNC Basketball To Job, Prison". WRAL-TV. October 19, 2004. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  5. ^ Parsons, Keith (October 19, 2004). "McCants: 'I love North Carolina'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014. Original AP wire title: "McCants Says He Likes Being at Carolina"
  6. ^ "Rashad McCants Bio – 2004-05 Men's Basketball Roster". North Carolina Tar Heels. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Iverson nets 33 as Nuggets cruise past Timberwolves
  8. ^ a b c NBA.com : Rashad McCants Career Stats Page
  9. ^ Timberwolves end 13-game skid, hand McHale first win as coach
  10. ^ "KINGS ACQUIRE RASHAD McCANTS AND CALVIN BOOTH". NBA.com. February 19, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  11. ^ Rockets sign former Tar Heels star McCants. Retrieved on September 24, 2009.
  12. ^ Windhorst, Brian (July 17, 2010). "Another strong summer-league effort by J.J. Hickson keeps Cleveland Cavaliers coaches smiling". Cleveland.com. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  13. ^ "SIG Strasbourg officially signs Rashad McCants". Sportando.net. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  14. ^ "Rashad McCants, SIG Strasbourg part ways". Sportando.com. August 24, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  15. ^ "Rashad McCants signs in China with Foshan". Sportando.com. November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  16. ^ "Foshan waive Rashad McCants to make room for Perkins". Sportando.com. January 10, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  17. ^ RASHAD MCCANTS RETURNS TO THE LEGENDS
  18. ^ 2012-13 Transactions
  19. ^ "Nova estrela no NBB" [New star in the NBB]. LNB.com.br. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  20. ^ "Sem desistir" [Not giving up]. LNB.com.br. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  21. ^ "Homenetmen Beirut inks Rashad McCants, ex NBA player". Eurobasket.com. November 23, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  22. ^ "Rashad McCants inks with Trotamundos de Carabobo". Sportando.com. April 6, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  23. ^ "2017 BIG3 draft results". sbnation.com. April 30, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  24. ^ "BIG3 Championship: Former NBA players Harrington, Martin win inaugural title". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  25. ^ McCann, Michael; Wertheim, Jon (January 22, 2015). "Rashanda McCants, Devon Ramsay file suit against UNC, NCAA". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  26. ^ The Asheville High, Class of 73, Current Photos
  27. ^ Gartland, Dan (May 25, 2017). "Rashad McCants: I wouldn't have washed out of the NBA if I didn't date Khloe Kardashian". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  28. ^ Lane, Laura (February 5, 2009). "Khloe Kardashian Calls Ex a "Loser"". OK!. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  29. ^ Cowart, C Jackson (May 24, 2017). "Ex-UNC star Rashad McCants says relationship with school, coach Roy Williams no longer exists". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  30. ^ a b Prewitt, Alex (September 19, 2019). "The Peggy Show: Every athlete's worst nightmare". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 23, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  31. ^ AP All-ACC Men's Basketball Squads :: McCants, Hodge, Pickett, Duhon and Gray earn spots on First Team Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ Howard Unanimous Selection For First-Team All-ACC :: Duke's Jones, Maryland's Blake, NC State's Hodge and Clemson's Scott also earn first-team honors
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