03/09/2005

Associated Press

Rashad McCants, North Carolina's leading scorer who has missed the past four games due to an intestinal disorder, was given medical clearance to practice Wednesday, a news release said.

McCants, an Asheville native, had felt ill since the Feb. 13 game at Connecticut.

The Citizen-Times of Asheville has reported that McCants' mother, Brenda Muckelvene, said she believes his illness is a result of stress caused by her battle with breast cancer.

The 6-foot-4 junior was averaging nearly 16 points and 3.1 rebounds and leads the team with 50 three-point field goals.

Coach Roy Williams said he doesn't know how much McCants might be able to play in the Tar Heels next game Friday in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, according to the news release.

McCants was named third-team All-ACC on Monday.