It's been talked about constantly throughout the pre-season, but it's a question that bears repeating. What will Maryland do without floor general Greivis Vasquez? It seemed like Vasquez played forever, and I'm sure no one is missing him anymore than Gary Williams. The intangibles Vasquez and fellow backcourt member Eric Hayes brought to the table in 2009-2010 were invaluable and the loss of those two guys will likely mean a rough start in 2010-2011. Coach Williams has been known to work wonders, so anything is possible, but I wouldn't expect much consistency out of the Terps, especially through November and likely December. The athleticism of the roster mixed with the above average skills possessed by Jordan Williams should translate into wins, but how many will be tough to gauge.
Backcourt
The key here will be the play of senior Adrian Bowie. Replacing Vasquez isn't an option, seeing as how Maryland has nobody of that caliber, but Bowie can be a solid player if he will stay within himself and be consistent. With a big boost in minutes likely for Bowie (he only played 15 a night in 2009-2010), Maryland fans should expect a bump in his rather unimpressive numbers. Sean Mosley joins Bowie in the backcourt, along with swing man Cliff Tucker. Mosley will need to become a legitimate scoring threat as the season goes on and go from a role player to a main cog in the Terps offense for Maryland to succeed. Tucker will also need to improve upon his inconsistent play. He's got the athletic ability to get the job done, but Gary Williams will require more of him than jumping ability. Despite all the questions about who will step up, one positive is that Williams does have talented young players to throw into the mix in the backcourt. Freshmen Pe'Shown Howard (a combo guard) and Terrell Stoglin (a PG who can score) will see plenty of minutes and have their chances to put Bowie or Tucker on the bench if they play well enough. Expect most of Gary Williams' frustration, and sweat beads, to be directed at Maryland's backcourt in 2010-2011.
Frontcourt
Jordan Williams and Dino Gregory are almost locks to start for much of the season, barring any sort of injury. Williams, who closed last season on a tear (three double-double performances during the final month), will be the first option for the Maryland offense most times down the court. Some have compared Williams to Lonny Baxter. It may be a bit early to tell just how good he can be long term, but if last season was any indication expect him to look dominant at times. Gregory won't be counted on to score the ball, but Coach Williams will need him to rebound and defend well in the paint. A suspension-shortened campaign last season shouldn't have any lingering impact on Gregory heading into this year, but he better hope he doesn't make it back into Williams' dog house. Another player to watch up front will be 6'8" sophomore James Padgett. Injuries and inconsistent play kept him off the floor more often than not in 2009-2010, but Williams won't have that luxury this year. Padgett will need to be able to play well for short stretches to give Jordan Williams and Gregory breaks when they need a blow or get in foul trouble.
Schedule
To say Maryland has a tough non-conference schedule would be just a bit of an understatement. The Terps will face Pittsburgh and Villanova on the road while also playing A-10 big dog Temple at home. Once Maryland gets in conference play things don't get much easier. Two meetings with Duke and Virginia Tech await plus there is a late season visit to Chapel Hill to contend with. Regardless of how well Maryland comes together by mid-season it will be tough to replicate last season's 13-3 mark in the ACC. The leadership void created by the exit of Vasquez along with a tough closing month will make things very difficult on the Terps.
Prediction
Media members picked Maryland to finish sixth at ACC Operation Basketball in late October. Because of all the questions about backcourt play and how the freshmen class will mix in with the returning players, sixth is about right. Gary Williams will have this group ready to go by the time ACC play rolls around, he always does. Expecting eight or nine wins from Maryland wouldn't be out of the question. That said, the conference win total could be closer to five or six if chemistry issues develop or Maryland has any injures, especially to Jordan Williams or Mosley. If everything comes together just right, an NCAA Tournament birth is well within reach for a team which made it to the second round last year before losing to Michigan State 85-83. Maryland fans will need to be patient early and allow this team to grow. By season's end, they will probably like what they see.
While it's tough to know what to expect from Maryland as a team, it's crystal clear which of the Terps will have the greatest fantasy impact. Jordan Williams will have to score 15-20 points a night for Maryland to compete. Look for him to put up monster numbers.
