“Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him. “ – Aldous Leonard Huxley
If ever there was a multi-faceted athlete, Rashad McCants is it.
Intelligent, articulate, talented, and well versed in reality, McCants was a well known standout at Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. Having led the Tarheels to a championship in 2005, this high scorer set his sights on the NBA, where there was ever little doubt he would end up.
For the first round draft pick, his first stint in the NBA was cut short amid swirling media reports portraying him as overly outspoken for often speaking his mind and cutting to the heart of athletic politics. It is an almost certainty though, that this would not be McCants‘ last stint with the league.
McCants left the NBA for a while, but now it seems he is headed back there – and that’s only natural.
McCants is one of the most talented players to ever grace the court and arguably, one who has the epic ability to light up a scoreboard. McCants is ready – ready to pursue a comeback and ready to be a team player, coupling his solid ability with that of his teammates.
Having recently signed to Cacique de Humacao, the Puerto Rican League, McCants is hoping the world is ready to see him display the talent he truly possesses. He’s a few “hours” shy of greatness, athletically speaking, and the world is about to bear witness to a great comeback. It’s only a matter of time.
We caught up with Rashad McCants recently and had a chance to hear some of his plans. You might want to pay close attention, because we know you will be seeing a whole lot more of him in the near future. Here’s what we learned:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your journey to the NBA.
RASHAD MCCANTS: After being drafted, I spent 4 years trying to prove I belonged in the NBA. I’m now out of the league, but I am making a powerful comeback to prove I am still worthy.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How inspiring was playing ball at Michael Jordan’s alma mater?
RASHAD MCCANTS: At first, going to Carolina was all about the Michael Jordan experience. And that made my decision easy. The organization is traditionally about the team not individuals.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: When you reached the NBA, was it everything you’d dreamed it would be?
RASHAD MCCANTS: When I reached the NBA, it was definitely different than I imagined. The off the court lifestyle was more than I could have ever imagined, but the actual basketball was different than I envisioned it, because of the “play the game mentality.” I did have the opportunity to play some really good games and to show flashes of what I was capable of doing in the NBA, but never to even half of my full potential. As young as I was, I made mistakes that I can’t take back and I just didn’t have leaders in my corner to help correct my decision making. I had to filter out my mistakes and learn from them as I furthered my career. I am currently in the process of making a remarkable comeback and I am prepared to demonstrate my growth as both a team player, and as the all-around exceptional athlete that I actually am.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: It’s obvious that we’ll see much more of you in the near future – tell our readers what you’re currently doing.
RASHAD MCCANTS: I’m working very hard in the gym everyday with my best friend, Mr. Ike Diogu, to make the greatest NBA comeback ever. For the last 3 years, I have been searching for answers I had the whole time. Now that I have good people around me that have helped me to realize my true self, I know what has to be done. I have to knock the door down and be the professional basketball player I know I can be and I will do just that.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What advice do you have for a young person who has dreams of becoming a professional athlete?
RASHAD MCCANTS: My advice is that it is not as easy as it looks on TV. There are some things in professional sports you encounter, for which you need to be prepared. A lot of the things that go on, you just don’t see. I would advise them not to depend on their talents to get them through the door. When they tell you the game is 90% mental and 10% physical, it’s 1000% true. Mental toughness is the key – and staying humble. Your reputation is all that matters in any sports. Cherish it.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What else is in the works for Rashad McCants?
RASHAD MCCANTS: The next things in the works for me are in the hands of God. He drives my car now, so where he takes me, I will go. It will be a surprise to us all where I end up. Some great things are coming up so check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter – @rashadmccants.
