March 15, 2010

Never Content

While the Minnesota Timberwolves are intent on finishing the 2009-2010 season strong, Al Jefferson is already thinking about improving himself this offseason.

"I'm going to try to bring my game to another level," Al told the Star-Tribune before the Wolves’ 103-85 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

This enthusiasm was sparked after working out with renowned trainer Ivan Ravin. At the request of team president David Kahn, Ravin spent several days with the Minnesota Timberwolves and found Al an especially eager pupil.

"It's not stuff we hadn't been doing. He's just got a real good workout," Al said of Ravin. "I'm looking forward to working with him this offseason. He's going to help me be in absolutely top, top shape."

Ravin was equally fond of No. 25’s skills during an interview with Henry Abbott of TrueHoop:

"Jefferson . . . wow. He's got a lot of upside, let's put it that way. He's a 20 and 10 guy pretty much just using jump hooks. Have you seen him shoot with two hands? Jump-shots? And he could get to the line a lot more. He has just scratched the surface. We worked on free throws the other day, and then he had a 36 and 16 game. Afterwards, he said 'Idan, that free throw stuff was great.' The guy's going to be a killer."

Ravin worked with No. 25 prior to his big game against the Dallas Mavericks. Al's work resulted in 36 points and 16 rebounds.

Upon collaborating with Ravin, AJ’s game has been rejuvenated. During the last four games, the big fella is averaging 22 points on 54 percent shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Ravin is best known for his workouts with Denver's Carmelo Anthony and New Orleans' Chris Paul.

"I wanted to see what he was about and allow him to familiarize himself with our players," said Kahn, who emphasized that he sees Ravin as a complementary approach to the offseason plans of coach Kurt Rambis. "Our organization in the past hasn't been in the flow with some of these opportunities. We're trying to figure out how to approach (working with their players) this summer with people that we trust, and if this is an opportunity for our players, let's take advantage of it."

It appears that Big Al already has.

NO LOVE
No. 25’s in the post-mate, Kevin Love, has missed the last two games due to a sprained left foot.

The team is currently in Phoenix and Love is scheduled to participate in tonight’s practice. If all goes well, he is expected to play Tuesday against the Suns.

Without him, Al has been forced to man the boards alone and the Wolves lost both games over the weekend. Friday, Minnesota was held to just 15 points in the third quarter as the San Antonio Spurs went on to win, 103-85.

Al posted 13 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. He followed that performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks during Sunday’s contests against the Sacramento Kings.

Unfortunately, the Wolves lost pace once again in the third, surrendering 15 unanswered points to the Kings and Minnesota lost 114-100.

"They need a win is what they need," coach Kurt Rambis said.

NEXT UP
The Wolves (14-53) are currently in Phoenix and will face the Suns (41-26) on Tuesday.

In two games against the Suns, Big Al has averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

RELATED STORIES
Big point guard takes down Wolves (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, March 15, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/87631177.html?page=1&c=y
Evans flirts with triple-double as Kings earn win (AP, March 14, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300314023
Wolves nowhere near 'top, top shape' (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, March 13, 2010)
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/87539407.html
Jefferson powers streaking Spurs to sixth win in seven games (AP, March 12, 2010)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300312016
The Timberwolves' long-term approach (TrueHoop, March 11, 2010)
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/tag/_/name/idan-ravin