Spencer doesn't ring a bell

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: March 20, 2008 - 10:31 PM

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Relieved on Monday to learn his Timberwolves avoided the worst season record in franchise history, Al Jefferson on Wednesday discovered he has claimed a club record for offensive rebounds with 15 games still left in the season.

His six offensive rebounds in a comeback victory over Memphis at Target Center gives him 273 this season. That's one more than ... not Kevin Garnett, but Felton Spencer, whose 272 rebounds in his rookie season of 1990-91 stood as the franchise's best for 17 seasons.

"I didn't know that," Jefferson said.

The name Felton Spencer -- the sixth overall selection in the 1990 draft -- didn't ring a bell, either

"No, can't say I do," Jefferson said when asked if he knew who the former record holder is. "When was that? I was 5 years old."

Wolves coach Randy Wittman has known all season that Jefferson -- second only to Orlando's Dwight Howard in double-doubles with 49 -- has the instincts and the work ethic to rebound the basketball.

Wittman has decided in the past two games that, after weeks of prodding and a nine-minute benching, Jefferson can be a fine defender if he so chooses.

"You talk about his offense and you talk about his footwork, his hands, his anticipation," Wittman said. "That's what you need on defense, too. He can be a good defender."

Jefferson has blocked six shots in consecutive victories over the Los Angeles Clippers and the Grizzlies. And Wednesday, Wittman marveled that Jefferson actually drew a charging call on a Memphis player.

"I keep showing him stuff," Jefferson said with a smile. "Now he'll expect that."

Tourney time

Wittman canceled practice Thursday before the team flew to Indianapolis for tonight's game against the Pacers. Wittman, meanwhile, flew to California on Thursday morning to watch his son, Ryan, and Cornell play Stanford in an afternoon NCAA tournament game in Anaheim.

That first-round game created some conversation this weekend between Wittman and Stanford alumnus Mark Madsen.

"Oh yeah," Wittman said Wednesday. "I tell him we're going to cut the Tree down on Thursday."

Keep shooting

Wittman on forward Ryan Gomes, who missed 10 of his first 11 shots on Wednesday and then made a jump shot with 52 seconds left that repelled Memphis' last comeback attempt: "That's where Ryan has taken a step forward. Earlier in the year, when he did not shoot the ball well, he shied away from taking shots. If he goes 1-for-11, he has to know he has a lot of makes coming his way."