On a team desperate for rebounding, inside scoring and subs, rookie forward Craig Smith has been a major contributor to the Timberwolves during the first two months of the season.  In limited minutes (less than 20 per game), Smith has produced numbers that exceed the expectations many people have for someone who was the 36^th pick in the NBA draft. 

Among a league rookie group that is far from dazzling (Charlotte’s Adam Morrison is the only player averaging double figures), Smith was third in rebounds per game at 5.1 and was averaging 7.3 points through games in late December.  Playing at power forward, the 6-foot-7 Smith is under sized by NBA standards but is a wide body (240 pounds) who may remind old-timers of Boston’s Paul Silas, or make younger fans think of Charles Barkley. 

Smith has a right handed hook shot he uses near the basket and he continuously launches the shot with success against taller players.  “I guess I use my body well. . . guys are much taller but I am much wider,” Smith said.  “My girth, my size, I try to use that to create space.” 

Although he can hook with either hand, Smith prefers his right hand.  “I am trying to get the left one down,” he said. “Hopefully, I will get it down this summer.” 

Smith talks about “attacking” the ball for rebounds.  He uses his bulk effectively and combined with his aggressiveness “there’s no letting go (of the ball).”  He averaged almost 10 rebounds per game playing for Boston College last year. 

Collecting fouls too quickly has sometimes been a problem.  The NBA that allowed more contact a few years ago would have been a better fit for Smith but he is adjusting to what the referees will allow.

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KFAN radio’s Dan Barriero told listeners after returning from Christmas vacation that Ophra Winfrey indicated on her TV show that she doesn’t wear underpants.

Former Gopher basketball coach Jim Dutcher said the University will honor his 1982 Big Ten championship team at the Gopher-Ohio State game on Sunday, February 18. Former players expected to participate in the recognition include Gary Holmes, Zeb Howell, Darryl Mitchell, Trent Tucker and Barry Wohler.  Former assistant Flip Saunders may attend, too, since the NBA will have a break in its schedule for the All-Star game on February 18.   

Viking kicker Ryan Longwell can look forward to playing golf with former Packer teammate Brett Favre during the off-season.  Longwell lives near Orlando and Disney World where Favre brings his family for vacation.  In addition to playing golf in Florida, Longwell expects to play in Favre’s annual golf tournament in Mississippi. 

Vikings’ linebacker Chad Greenway, who married in July, will honeymoon in February for 10 days in Hawaii with wife Jenni. 

Vikings’ coach Brad Childress answering a question about being intensely criticized:  “If I don’t win enough I have no illusions.”  

The Vikings have three players invited to participate in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on February 10 and although all have been Pro Bowlers before none of them is close to former offensive guard Randall McDaniel’s club record of 11 appearances.  Center Matt Birk has been named to five Pro Bowls, offensive tackle Steve Hutchinson four (three with Seattle) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams two. 

Rookie tackle Ryan Cook has been a late season starter on the right side of the Vikings’ line and might be part of the solution as the team rebuilds its offense next season.  Cook, a center at New Mexico, is playing tackle for the first time and admitted his new role is a learning process.  During the off-season he plans to work on “athleticism” and strength while studying film.  

Mewelde Moore is a born again Christian and talked earlier this fall about fellowship and chapel gatherings attended by him and other Vikings players.  “We would love to have everyone come. … There’s no pressure,” Moore said.  “If you want to come in fellowship, then anybody, player, coach and staff is more than welcome.” 

Minneapolis native and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. flew to Chicago for Christmas where he gathered with family including father Larry Sr.

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When Randy Foye was seven-years-old he developed pneumonia.  Nothing unusual about that but at the same time something else was discovered.  Foye’s heart is on his right side, not his left. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ rookie guard said some people “panicked” when they learned about his heart prior to the NBA draft.  Foye explained he’s one of about 100 people in the United States whose hearts are on the right side of their bodies. While Foye doesn’t know why this happened, he said the location of his heart is not a health problem (his liver and other organs are reversed, too). 

“No, not at all,” Foye answered when asked about any potential health concerns. “Only thing is I probably get a cold easier but other than that everything is the same.”   

Foye said he didn’t know why he would be susceptible to colds but said doctors told him that he is.  He also said tests before the NBA draft calmed concerns by others about his heart.  “You go through the tests.  You see everything is the same as the person with the heart on this side (pointing to his left side). …”

Foye, who thinks he is one of the team’s best conditioned players, is encouraged by his play and that of the Timberwolves.  He has become a key substitute off the bench, sometimes entering games in the first quarter.  He is averaging 5.9 points and 1.6 assists per game and while his numbers aren’t big expectations remain that the seventh pick in the 2006 draft will become a star player. 

The Timberwolves have won four consecutive games.  Foye would love a Christmas present of 10 in a row.  “I think we’re ready to go (and) me, too,” he said.  “Right now we had our ups and we had our downs. …Now it’s time for us to roll.”

Foye was surprised when a visitor asked him last week about going back to Philadelphia where he played collegiately for Villanova.  His name has been mentioned in trade speculation involving a multi-player deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that would bring Allen Iverson to Minnesota.

Foye apparently hadn’t heard about the rumor and expressed his commitment to the Timberwolves, but did say, “Whatever happens, happens.”

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