Preview #7: Maryland Terrapins

Last Season:  19-13, 8-8 ACC

Key Losses:  Chris McCray, Nik Caner-Medley, Travis Garrison, Sterling Ledbetter

Backcourt: DJ Strawberry and Mike Jones return to a backcourt offering two completely different skillsets for Maryland.  Strawberry played out of position last season at point guard, and will likely be called to do some of the same this season.  Strawberry’s ball handling and shot have been pretty inconsistent, but his on the ball defense may be the best in the ACC.  Mike Jones has had an interesting career after coming in as a McDonald’s All-American, and finally gets a chance to play this season without Chris McCray in front of him.  With Jones getting more shots, and scoring more, you are likely to see his play improve all over, including on the defensive end.  Freshman, Eric Hayes, will come into Maryland as a true point guard alternative to Strawberry, if Gary Williams decides to go that way.  As a white point guard, Hayes draws immediate comparisons to Steve Blake, and admittedly patterned his game after Blake as a teenager.  Returning point guard Parrish Brown, and freshman off guard, Greivis Vasquez will get some time in the backcourt as well.

Frontcourt: In the frontcourt, Ekene Ibekwe, James Gist, and Will Bowers return to man the frontcourt once again.  Ibekwe and Gist are similar players whose offensive skill hasn’t yet caught up to their athleticism, while Bowers doesn’t have an ounce of athleticism in his body, but has good size in the post.  All three will need to step up significantly to give Gary Williams a chance to return to the NCAA tournament.  Among newcomers, Landon Milbourne is most likely to contribute right away.

Intangibles: DJ Strawberry will be asked to lead this team, a position the junior should excel in.  Strawberry is fiery, focused, and determined, three traits that should translate well to a role of leadership.
Potential Breakout Player: Mike Jones likes to shoot, and should get his opportunity this season.  That being said, Jones isn’t one dimensional, as he is extremely athletic as well and an all around scorer.

Summary: Gary Williams may have his back up against the wall once again in College Park, but this is when Williams seems to do his best work.  Expect the sweaty, aggressive Williams to return this season with a young team on the floor.  There are a number of questions for the Terps, including:

1. Can the Terps find a consistent floor leader?  Is DJ Strawberry or Eric Hayes the answer?
2. Can James Gist and Ekene Ibekwe co-exist together with similar games in the post and give Maryland a viable frontcourt?
3. Will Mike Jones fulfill his potential this season?

The Maryland Terrapins can surprise some this season, as they are setting up as an aggressive, athletic team that should give opponents fits with their defensive intensity.  That being said, there are some question marks that could restrict the Terrapins to a bottom 3 finish, and possibly see Gary Williams pushed to the proverbial “hot seat”.

Top Returning Fantasy Player: Ekene Ibekwe averaged 10.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 1.4 bpg in ACC conference play last season

Up Next: #6 Florida State Seminoles