ACC Preview: #7 Maryland Terrapins

Projected Starters
C-James Gist 6'8 210 JR- 8.4ppg 4.8rpg 1.6blk 49%FG 67%FT
PF-Ekene Ibekwe 6'9 215 SR- 11.1ppg 6.6rpg 51%FG 62%FT
SF-D.J. Strawberry 6'5 201 SR- 10.3ppg 4.0apg 43%FG 36%3pt
SG-Mike Jones 6'5 204 SR- 10.4ppg 1.5apg 42%FG 90%FT 42%3pt
PG-Eric Hayes 6'3 165 FR- Top 100 recruit

Background
Gary Williams has been through quite a struggle in the last two seasons for Maryland. Performing immensely below expectations with loads of talent has been the central issue for the Terrapins, including last year when Maryland went out embarrassingly to BC in the ACC tournament and lost in the first round of the NIT. It’s pretty unfathomable to think Williams might be on the hot seat, but he needs to turn this ship around. Quickly.

Premiere Players
Ekene Ibekwe is the leading returning scorer for Maryland, and is a sure thing to put the ball in the hoop in good position under the basket. He’s built very long and skinny, and this helps disrupt opposing shots as well as grab key rebounds and dominate the game under the glass. All Ibekwe needs is an improved offensive game and his NBA Draft stock would increase mightily. Also manning the post is center James Gist, one of the best all-around players in the ACC. Williams utilized Gist as a sixth man for parts of last season, but he’s obviously proved his worth as a starter. His defensive capabilities are endless when it comes to blocking shots (led the ACC) and defensive rebounding. His offensive game is actually better than Ibekwe in many facets.

Role Players
The guard position is finally cleared up in College Park with gifted point guards Eric Hayes (my long lost brother) and Greives Vasquez entering the scene. Both players can run the point and control the offense with ease and have unheralded playmaking ability. Hayes will likely begin the season running the point, but Vasquez’s size and athleticism make him a huge weapon off the bench. D.J. Strawberry can now play full-time at the wing position, where his improved jump shot will be shown off more frequently. I think Strawberry is a bit overrated in terms of overall skill, but maybe he’ll prove me wrong this season by turning down the turnover rate and making better choices with the basketball. Mike Jones will also start for Williams at the 2. This big time recruit can really shoot the rock, but that’s about it. His defense, rebounding and ball-handling must improve for Maryland to reach expectations.

Final Thoughts
Maryland has the talent to make the NCAA Tournament, but it seems like a lot of these returning players are labeled with that underachieving status. This can change with a surprising and successful 2006-2007 season. With the ACC less deep than other years, the Terps might sneak into the tournament with a strong showing in Tampa. Unfortunately, their bubble will burst and Maryland will be a force to be reckoned with. In the NIT.

Schedule and Projection
11/7 vs. Hampton- W
11/8 vs. Vermont/New Orleans- W
11/12 vs. Florida A&M- W
11/16 (N) vs. St. John’s (likely)- L
11/17 (N) vs. Michigan State (likely)- W
11/20 vs. Winthrop- W
11/24 vs. High Point- W
11/28 @ Illinois- L
12/3 (N) vs. Notre Dame- W
12/6 vs. Fordham- W
12/10 @ Boston College- L
12/13 vs. Missouri-Kansas City- W
12/23 vs. American- W
12/28 vs. Mount St. Mary’s- W
12/31 vs. Siena- W
1/4 vs. Iona- W
1/10 vs. Miami- W
1/13 vs. Clemson- W
1/16 @ Virginia- L
1/21 @ Virginia Tech- L
1/24 vs. Georgia Tech- L
1/30 @ Florida State- L
2/3 @ Wake Forest- W
2/6 vs. Virginia- W
2/11 vs. Duke- L
2/14 @ NC State- W
2/18 @ Clemson- L
2/21 vs. Florida State- W
2/25 vs. North Carolina- L
2/28 @ Duke- L
3/3 vs. NC State- W

Projected Record: 20-11 (8-8)