MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 12 (Ticker) -- Andrew Bogut gave the Milwaukee Bucks reason to feel good about their No. 1 selection.

Bogut scored nine points and had eight of his nine rebounds in the first half as the Bucks posted a 92-89 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the preseason opener for both teams.

A 7-0 native of Australia, Bogut left the University of Utah after two stellar seasons and was taken first overall by Milwaukee, who has been in need of a standout center for years.

He was active in his debut with the team, helping the Bucks claim a 43-34 advantage on the boards.

Michael Redd and Desmond Mason, who combined to average 40.2 points last season, provided a total of 28 to lead the offensive output for Milwaukee.

Bobby Simmons, the NBA Most Improved Player last season while with the Los Angeles Clippers, added 13 off the bench for the Bucks, who rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit.

Despite the loss, the Timberwolves saw good things in their top pick Rashad McCants, who led all scorers with 18 points. A star on North Carolina's 2004 championship squad, McCants was taken 14th overall and should provide Minnesota a scoring threat at the swing position.

The Timberwolves played without superstar forward Kevin Garnett, who was bothered by a sore right knee. Marko Jaric, acquired from the Clippers and slated to start at point guard for Minnesota, sat with a sprained right ankle.