Talk about a program which has turned things around in recent years! Just look at the Maryland Terrapins.
In Mark Turgeon’s first three years at College Park, the Terps didn’t have an NCAA tournament trip on the résumé. There was a nice run to the NIT semifinals in 2012-13, and a pair of 17-15 finishes. Last season, there was a little pressure on Turgeon, and the Terps came through.
Maryland went 28-7 a year ago, including 18-1 at home. The Terps were an impressive 14-4 in the Big Ten, a mark that was overshadowed by Wisconsin’s conference dominance. The season ended with a loss to Bob Huggins’ tough West Virginia team in the big dance.
A few years ago, Turgeon was in a struggle as several players departed. A number of quality starters decided to transfer. These were guys who received lots of playing time.
Turgeon believed in his system, his philosophy and his theories. He knew that through subtraction, there would also be addition and an improved team chemistry. He got players to buy in, and it showed when they were a major factor in the Big Ten last season.
It didn’t hurt to have the arrival of Melo Trimble, who was one of the top five diaper dandies in America. He was such a positive force, a contributor in every way. He was a scorer who made big shots, dished the rock and helped out on the defensive end. When you have that kind of leadership coming out of your point guard slot, you have a chance to win.
You have to tip your hat to Turgeon. There were some rumblings in College Park, with some people wondering if he was the right man to replace hall of famer Gary Williams. Right now, the answer is a resounding yes if you look at what he has built now.
The Terp fans are going absolutely wild. I get all sorts of comments on twitter about Maryland! They cannot wait for the season, and they are so hungry.
Many of the people out there are picking them to be preseason numero uno. Would you have thought that could be possible two seasons ago?
It all starts with Trimble. When he announced that he would pass on the NBA draft and return to school, there was a massive celebration in Terpland. Reliable big man Jake Layman is also back in the fold.
Added enthusiasm about this team comes because of fresh faces. Maryland is expecting big things in the post from diaper dandy Diamond Stone. I can hear it now … will Diamond glitter this season?
Georgia Tech transfer Robert Carter is eligible and he will be a big-time contributor. The wild card in the equation is former Dukie Rasheed Sulaimon, who has the potential to be a difference maker.
After a big campaign last season, there is good reason to be positive at Maryland. This is the favorite to win the Big Ten, though schools like Indiana, Michigan State and others may have something to say about that. Turgeon is looking for bigger things. His team has the potential to cut down the nets when it is all said and done.
John Porter
Go Terps! Yes they are loaded this year. The future does not look shabby as a result of the recent visitors to College Park. It could be a long run for the Terps!
· 11/12/2019
freddy from boca
a number of quality players decided to transfer.
just don’t think that’s even close to being accurate
another reason why listening to outsiders and putting any importance on what they say should be questioned.
who cares what they say whether it’s positive or negative. it all comes down to how the team plays and how well they are coached.
pre season comments mean very little except to help hype the team and creagte some conversation
· 11/12/2019
Brian
Seth Allen and Charles Mitchell were quality players, the others (Faust, Peters, Cleare) not so much.
· 11/12/2019
freddy from boca
brian i have to disagree. seth was a gunner, selfish player, shot a low % didn’t distribute the ball and turned it over too much and didn’t play d. charles hustled but couldn’t shot beyond 5 ft, couldn’t pass or put the ball on the floor and had trouble with anyone his height or taller particularly if they were atheltic
· 11/12/2019
SnappinTerp
Agree with Freddy about the loss of quality players. Turge has replaced all positions with top rate talent. However, outsiders are praising the Terps so far this summer, which passes on a very positive image that the Terps are going to be a college basketball powerhouse not only this year, but for the future as well. This has to help in our future recruiting. Just look already at how many top 100 recruits are visiting College Park.
· 11/12/2019
freddy from boca
agree with snappin. good press and high pre season rankings gets kids to notice md and they start to check the school and team out.
once you get their interest you need to close the deal which means win.
· 11/12/2019
Brian
Allen was all that you describe but, for the most part, he was playing out of position at point guard with limited help around him. If Allen were able to play alongside Trimble it would have been a whole different story. He was a good 3 point shooter who could take anyone off the dribble.
Mitchell was not a world beater but was exactly the kind of player they really missed last year. They needed someone who could convert offensive rebounds into points.
Mitchel would have been a significant upgrade over Dodd while Allen would have been a significant upgrade over the Pack/Nickens/Wiley combo.
· 11/12/2019