The Maryland Terrapins return nearly everyone from a team that had its ups and downs a season ago. The Terps saw their low point losing to Morgan State in early January, but rallied together late in the season to make it to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.
For what seems like the 8th season, the core of the team is built around Greivis Vasquez. Vasquez is an emotional player who is still looking to find the proper balance of emotion to bring to the court to help his team. Vasquez is a brilliant passer and is a perfect fit in Maryland's flex offense where he can come off screens, isolate his defender, or even post up. Sharing point guard duties will be Adrian Bowie who was a revelation for Gary Williams last year. Bowie gives Maryland a different look with his quickness and abililty to defend.. Sophomore Sean Mosely should get a look at starting on the wing where he brings toughness. It was said last year that Mosely is one of those guys that will win you extra possessions by getting to 50/50 balls. Off the bench, Eric Hayes returns and will bring solid shooting and a calming presence on the floor, while Cliff Tucker has the ability to defend and knock down the open shot.
The Maryland frontcourt is not nearly as deep as their backcourt. Landon Milbourne will play out of position once again at the power forward position. Milbourne is more naturally suited to play on the wing, but the Terps need the 6'7" lefty to hit the boards. Milbourne will also bring his ability to stretch defenses and use a strong mid-range game. In the middle, there will likely be a number of guys that get a shot, including Jordan Williams, James Padgett, Dino Gregory, and Steve Goins. Gary Williams would love to get 9 points and 7 rebounds and active defense out of this spot, but it remains a spot that is a huge question mark for the Terps.
Maryland comes in with virtually the same team from a season ago, but which team will that be? Will it be the team that lost to Morgan State or the team that made the NCAA tournament? Will it be the team that lost by 41 at Duke or the team that nearly beat #1 UNC? Gary Williams will need to find the answer in the post while his leader, Vasquez, tries to raise his game to the same consistent level that the Terps are striving to reach.
by The Webmaster
Fantasy Player to Watch
Greivis Vasquez can give you a big numbers in four (points, assists, rebounds, AND turnovers) stat categories on any given night in the ACC. The turnover bug has bitten Vasquez in the past, but with the enigmatic senior you have to take the bad with the good.
