Terps’ top 2011 big-man target Adjehi Baru didn’t take any time to stop and smell the roses in Las Vegas last week at the Fab 48 AAU basketball tournament. “Nothing much,” he said when asked of his thoughts of Las Vegas on Day One of the tournament. “I didn’t come here to look around. I just came here for business. And that business was on the hardwood, where the ‘4-star’ Baru continued his ascent as one of the nation’s top big men after being a virtual unknown a year ago. The Terps followed him everywhere in Vegas, and he shined for Team Loaded out of Virginia. In game one, with the UM staff three-deep looking on, Baru hit five of his first six shots and finished with 14 pts and 10 rbs in a 67-54 win over Team Detroit. Baru, the No. 6 BF in the class, gave it up at both ends, as he ran the floor and finished well for a ‘big,’ and displayed his ever-emerging offensive skills before packed houses of top coaches and staffs. He added three steals, three assists and four blocks in the opener, showing his versatile athleticism and skills in his 6-9 package. He dove on the floor twice after loose balls, tangling with guards.
No play summed up his effort and skill better than one on the first possessions for Team Detroit. Baru blocked a shot under his basket, led the break, and then beat several players down the floor to slam it at the other end. He also hit two step-back jumpers from 10-12 feet, pinned a shot on the glass, and hit two nifty turnaround jumpers from 8-10 feet. He also had two rebound follow-ins, remaining active throughout on the glass and battling. TT caught up with him for a quick chat afterwards. “Maryland is right there. I haven’t looked at all the schools yet as far as visits, but I will go over there and visit their school soon.”I saw the one game [vs. UNC this year at Comcast], and that was very good. And their coach is cool. Their staff is cool, too, and their school is as well. It is a good school.” “I am taking trips to Maryland, Virginia Tech that I know of. But that is it for now.” from terrapintimes.com
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