Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Corey Brewer has spent most of the summer preparing for the 2008-09 season. Brewer recently spent a week in  Las Vegas with longtime college and NBA coach Tim Grgurich to refine his skills.

Grgurich coaching career began at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a three-year letterman in both basketball and baseball. He began coaching as an assistant and guided the freshman team to a 99-33 mark before assuming head coaching duties in 1975. Over those five seasons, Pitt was 71-70 and made one trip to the NIT.

The veteran coach has worked along side some of the best coaches in the pros and college such as George Karl and Jerry Tarkanian to name a few.

Grgurich spent 12 years as an assistant coach under Tarkanian at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He coached NBA standouts such as Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony, Armen Gilliam and Sidney Green. The Runnin’ Rebels won the 1990 NCAA Championship and made three Final Four appearances while he was part of the program.

Before joining Karl in Denver, Grgurich has worked as an assistant in Portland (2004-05; ’98-01), Phoenix (’02-04), Milwaukee (’01-02) and Seattle (’91-98).

"He is a great coach and knows what he is talking about," Brewer said. "He is known throughout the country for his personal workouts."

Some of the players that Grgurich has worked with in the past include Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway, and Stephon Marbury.

One of the things Grgurich is known for his ability to help develop a player's shot and offensive skill set.

Coming off screens correctly, taking a long first step with the ball, and other techinques were shared during the individual workout. 

"I need to be able to hit the open jump shot this year," Brewer said. "Al Jefferson and Mike Miller being on the floor should open up the offense."

The off-season moves by the Timberwolves should take a lot of pressure off Brewer this season. It will give Corey a chance to let the game come to him like the game came to him at the Unversity of Florida.