By Chad Courrier
MANKATO — Things were starting to click for Corey Brewer.
The game was slowing down, and he was gaining confidence. But 15 games into his second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the sleek 6-foot-9 forward tore a knee ligament.
“That was real tough,” he said. “But stuff happens, and you have to get through it.”
Brewer said he’s feeling few effects from the knee surgery, outside of a little soreness, through four days and eight practices at Minnesota State’s Bresnan Arena. But he’s also feeling pretty good about the new up-tempo style of coach Kurt Rambis, taking him back to the days when he won two national championships at the University of Florida.
“We’re going up and down more, cutting to the basket,” he said. “All the stuff I did at Florida.”
Brewer, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2007 Final Four, was the seventh pick in that draft. He had a rough rookie season with the Timberwolves, averaging 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds, but he shot only 37.4 percent from the field.
“I just didn’t have any confidence,” he said. “I had always been a good shooter, but it’s all about confidence.”
Brewer was shooting better last season, making 41.1 percent of his field goals, including 41.7 percent from 3-point range. But after 15 games, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
He used the rehab time to continue working on his shot. He said his confidence is high, and his knee is sound, icing after practice as a precaution. He’s eager to return to an up-tempo style that allows him to move more freely in the offense and play hard defensively, averaging about one steal for every game played in his career.
“A team always needs defense,” Rambis said. “A team always need players who play hard. A team always needs players with a passion for playing. He has all three.
“We’ll continue to work on his outside shot, but I love his spirit. I love how hard he plays.”
