Timberwolves Summer Caravan

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As it is ever year, the 2016 U.S. Bank Caravan was another success.

This year, the Wolves traveled from Minneapolis to Austin, to Eau Claire, Wisc., to Duluth and back to Minneapolis.

The representatives from the Wolves were Cole Aldrich, Shabazz Muhammad and assistant coach Ryan Saunders.

It was a unique experience for each member. For Aldrich, it was a mini-homecoming tour considering he was born in Burnsville and signed with the Wolves this offseason after playing in Los Angeles last season.

“It’s awesome,” Aldrich said on the team’s first stop. “To be here in Austin really means a lot. Just coming out and showing support to the people that really support us in the state.”

Each visit to each city started with a clinic that ranged from 100-200 kids. That’s where the players, and especially Saunders, shined.

Saunders did a great job of blending basketball advice with real-life advice.

“There are a lot of things that we can address at the ground-level, like treating people right, being inclusive, no bullying in school, so if we can focus on the little things, the rest will take care of itself,” Saunders said.

And then there was the golf. The group golfed with U.S. Bank employees along with other members of each community. Aldrich compared his golf game to Gary Woodland, a friend of his. Saunders sounded like things could have gone better. And Muhammad was baffled on the concentration the pros have for a full 18 holes.

“It was good, I’ve golfed before but I was pretty terrible today,” Muhammad said in Eau Claire. “It’s exhausting, I mean you have to give it to the professional golfers who play 18 holes, just playing nine holes is exhausting, so I couldn’t imagine playing 18. It was definitely fun to play out here and giving back to the community and little guys out there and doing the camps is a really fun thing for me.”

The Caravan is a cool way for fans who may not be able to get to the Target Center all that often to see and interact with players. For the players, it’s a great way to reach out to fans through camps, lunch and golf. Another aspect of the Caravan is that the three were able to bond on the bus and at events for pretty much three straight days.

“It’s great,” Aldrich said. “Anytime you get to spend together as a small team, it goes a long way. I’ve known Ryan for quite a few years and Shabazz a few more, too. But to spend time with them, they’re great guys and their wealth of knowledge on the court is a lot.”

After talking with fans about the season and being around other members of the organization, the Wolves are ready to get the season rolling.

I’m always excited,” Saunders said. “There’s nothing like being around the comradery of a team, being around the team every day and working towards a goal. Like I’ve stressed, everyone has expectations, but I don’t think it’s fair to put a numerical number or an end point, but I think it’s about getting better each day and then everything takes care of itself.”

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U.S. Bank Caravan Once Again A Major Success

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Photo Gallery | 2015 Timberwolves Caravan

Caravan Stops Include Austin, MN, Eau Claire, WI and Duluth, MN; Features Shabazz Muhammad, Cole Aldrich and Ryan Saunders

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to embark on the 2016 Timberwolves Caravan, presented by U.S. Bank. The Caravan, headlined by Wolves players Cole Aldrich and Shabazz Muhammad, as well as assistant coach Ryan Saunders, hits the road on Monday, August 15 and makes stops in Austin, Eau Claire and Duluth.

The Caravan features a variety of activities held in communities included in the tour. Among the events slated for the Caravan are free basketball clinics with the players and Saunders. The clinics are open to participants ages 5-18 and no registration is required.

Aldrich, Muhammad and Saunders will be available for media interviews at the conclusion of each clinic.

Over the past 25 years, the Caravan has made more than 100 stops across Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

2016 U.S. BANK/TIMBERWOLVES SUMMER CARAVAN FREE BASKETBALL CLINICS

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2016 U.S. Bank Timberwolves Summer Caravan

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Dane MizutaniWeb Editorial AssistantEmail / Twitter

The 2014 U.S. Bank/Timberwolves Summer Caravan departed Target Center early Wednesday with planned stops in Owatonna, Minnesota, St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Wolves players Corey Brewer and Ronny Turiaf were the two main headliners on the Caravan this year and so far seem to be a hit in communities across Minnesota.

The Caravan started its expedition across the Midwest with an hour-and-a-half trek to Owatonna on Wednesday. Brewer and Turiaf began the various Caravan events Wednesday with a free clinic at Owatonna High School. A copious amount of people showed up at the events, including Corey Mensink, Market President for U.S. Bank in Owatonna. 

“I know for players and coaches to come down to our community in Minnesota and for these kids to have access to their idols and role models, it goes beyond words,” Mensink said. “We had a great crowd and I thought the kids were super enthusiastic about the whole show …  so we feel fortunate.” 

Wolves assistant coach Ryan Saunders along with numerous other members of the organization joined Brewer and Turiaf on the Caravan. Brewer and Turiaf wrapped up the clinic Wednesday with a brief autograph session before the Caravan left for a few other appearances in Owatonna. 

“It’s great to be able to spend some extended time with these players and coaches as well,” Mensink said. “I know we did this a few years ago and Corey Brewer was part of that event. They’re extremely personable, and what I really like about the Wolves, is they’ve really got …  players with high character. These players are first class, top notch people, and we couldn’t be happier to spend the afternoon with them.” 

The Caravan left Owatonna a few hours after lunch and slowly made its way to its next stop: St. Cloud, Minnesota. 

Brewer, Turiaf, and the rest of the crew made it to St. Cloud early Thursday morning ready for another afternoon of events. The Caravan events began at St. Cloud Apollo High school on Thursday with another free clinic headed by the two NBA players on hand. Brewer and Turiaf were again a hit as exemplified by either Brewer snapping selfies with fans or Turiaf getting hugs from others. The Caravan events wrapped up Thursday afternoon and the squad packed up shop and made way for the final leg of the three-city-in-three-day tour. 

It’s definitely been an exhausting trip from all on hand, but it’s also been a trip filled with fan engagement. That trip will end Friday in Eau Claire, Wisconsin before the Caravan travels back to the Twin Cities.

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So Far, So Good On Timberwolves Summer Caravan

Caravan Stops Include Owatonna, St. Cloud and Eau Claire; Features Corey Brewer and Ronny Turiaf

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to embark on the 2014 U.S. Bank/Timberwolves Summer Caravan, supported by Fox Sports North. The Caravan hits the road on Wednesday, August 6 and makes stops in Owatonna, St. Cloud and Eau Claire. Wolves players Corey Brewer and Ronny Turiaf will headline this summer's Caravan events.

The Caravan features an array of activities held in communities included in the tour. Among the events slated for the Caravan are free basketball clinics and appearances by Timberwolves mascot Crunch. The clinics are open to participants ages 5-16 and no registration is required. Photo and autograph opportunities will be available following each clinic.

Along with Brewer and Turiaf, Wolves assistant coach Ryan Saunders is also scheduled to participate in the Caravan. Brewer, Turiaf and Saunders will be available for media interviews at the conclusion of each clinic.

Over the past 24 years, the Caravan has made more than 100 stops across Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

2014 U.S. BANK/TIMBERWOLVES SUMMER CARAVAN FREE BASKETBALL CLINICS

*Turiaf is not scheduled to appear at August 8 clinic

Follow the Caravan with daily stories, videos and updates on Timberwolves.com.

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2014 U.S. Bank/Timberwolves Summer Caravan Hits the Road on August 6

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