Moving Forward (Without a Forward)
By Zachary Wilson
Following Maryland`s hard fought loss to LSU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, what changes are expected for the Terps as we look to next season?
1) Bruno Fernando will transition into the NBA
Bruno brought a nightly daily double with points and rebounds throughout the season. Maryland has a major gap with 10.6 rebounds, 13.6 points, 1.9 blocks, and 2 assists per game to fill in for fall 2019. It is highly likely that the Angolan forward will be chosen during the first round of the NBA Draft. Promise can be found within Jalen Smith, whose performance in 2018-19 ramped up as the season ended. Also on the way are the Mitchell twins.
2)Turgeon will keep his position at Head Coach
It is almost certain that Mark Turgeon will keep his position (to the dismay of many cynics). This action is warranted because of the raw tenacity that the Terps displayed in their 15 point near-comeback against LSU, as well as the win over Belmont a round prior.
The entire team showed just how hard they were willing to play for Turgeon, and his defensive switch to a zone scheme was a large part of how the Terps could erase the deficit against LSU. Even with the loss, Turgeon headed a team that refused to just give up and be defeated by a potent first half offensive onslaught by the Tigers.
3)The main core, withdrawing Fernando, is only becoming more experienced
Maryland entered the NCAA as the 4th youngest team in the entire country, and that harsh age disadvantage will consequently be wiped away as another year of offseason drills commence.
Maryland may start a freshman at center or power forward (assuming Sticks stays), but all else will be at least sophomores. Cowan as a senior may be able to lead the 2019-20 version of the Terps. An increase in experience should show its impact during the next year of Maryland Basketball.
There should be a sense of optimism around the potential for growth that next year’s Terrapins team will have. Stix, Ayala, Wiggins, Cowan and the rest of the gang need to step it up for 2020.
Harold Mendelson
Turgeon remains because of his contract. He is an excellent recruiter and a mediocre coach and you would have to be blind to not see just how gets out coached game after game. He needs to find a X and O’s assistant coach and then go sit on the end of the bench next to the trainers.
· 11/12/2019