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Maryland
Like Maverick in a scene from Top Gun, this program was in a flat spin headed out to sea last year. Coach Gary Williams was being criticized by his own athletic administration. There was home loss…to Morgan St. Then there was an embarrassing 41 point loss at Duke. But, like Tom Cruise, they pulled out of the nose dive and saved the season. The highlight was a thrilling 3 point overtime win versus #3 UNC. A nice run in the ACC tournament clinched an NCAA bid and a first round win against Cal validated that selection. Overall, it turned out to be a very successful campaign for Williams and his Terps and the good news is that most of that team returns this year.
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There were some anxious moments this spring as Greivis Vasquez tested the NBA waters. His decision to return gives this team reason for hope. Last year he became only the 6th player in ACC history to lead his team in points,rebounds and assists. He should be one of the best guards in the country and Maryland will need every bit of the same type of production from him. Joining him is senior Eric Hayes. Hayes is a steady ball handler and excellent three point shooter. The backcourt will be the strength of this team. Landon Milbourne played out of position last year at power forward but should move back to the wing with new big bodies inside. Sean Mosley was also under sized but proved to have a great nose for the ball and can defend at multiple positions. Jerome Burney struggled with injuries but could give depth up front if he can remain healthy. Adrian Bowie, a fearless slasher and penetrator, and Cliff Tucker, a credible three point shooter, will both add depth in the backcourt.
Both of Gary Williams’ recruits should fit in well to his flex offense. 6’9” Jordan Williams is probably farther along offensively and should provide Maryland with a good low post scorer. 6’8” James Padgett has a wider body and will make his presence felt more on the boards and on defense.Their arrival should take a lot of pressure off Milbourne. Maryland fans hope these two follow the path of Lonnie Baxter- not highly recruited but, over time, blossoming into productive college players.
No one player in the league is more important to his team than Vasquez. His health and productivity will be critical. He also must continue to make better decisions with his passing and shot selection. Maryland must get better production from its front line. They were last in the ACC in rebounding and relied too heavily on the perimeter for points. The Terps were also last in field goal percentage so finding a way to manufacture easy baskets will be critical. Finally, they must avoid bad early season losses that have been a problem in recent years. With the pieces they have in place and new faces up front, Maryland should once again be a factor in the upper half of the league and should contend for another NCAA bid.
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