Baltimore Sports and Life previously took a look at the hiring of Mark Turgeon as the University of Maryland’s Men’s Basketball Coach with commentary from National Analysts Jay Bilas (ESPN) and Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News). (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=2467)

After that, we brought you the analysis of Terps Radio Analyst Chris Knoche (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=2484).

Today, Baltimore Sports and Life is pleased to bring you the thoughts of Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s Director of Basketball Recruiting, with his perspective on Turgeon, and the state of Maryland recruiting.

Paul Biancardi, ESPN
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/index
http://twitter.com/#!/PaulBiancardi

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Head Coach Mark Turgeon has finalized his first staff at the University of Maryland by retaining Bino Ranson, and bringing in both Scott Spinelli (who was with Turgeon at Wichita State, and Texas A&M) and Delonte Hill from Kansas State. Ranson has strong ties in Baltimore, Hill has good ties to the AAU teams in D.C. Your thoughts on this staff as a whole?”

Biancardi: “First let me say that from my view, and interaction with Coach Mark Turgeon  Maryland hired themselves a proven basketball coach who will do an outstanding job . When you get a new head coaching position one of the most important responsibilities towards your future success is assembling a staff that can do the job.  In the hiring on Delonte Hill Maryland has someone who is rooted and connected in the greater DC area. Bino Ranson was doing a fantastic job on staff and is well respected in the Maryland area. Scott Spinelli is a long time trusted aid of Turgeon and did a great job of recruiting at AM. This staff can make an impact in recruiting which is what you need to be successful.”

Baltimore Sports and Life:
“The first Terrapin commitment for Coach Turgeon is Seth Allen, a Virgina PG in the Class of ’12. I know Allen’s stock had been rising prior to his verbal, and he is described as having good athleticism and a decent shot. Where does he need to improve?”

Biancardi: “Have not seen him yet. But Texas AM had him on their radar early and knew a lot about this young man. With Coach Turgeon landing a job closer to Allen who is from Fredericksburg, VA it all makes sense.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “The retention of Ranson has helped the Terps retain the commitment of Nick Faust in the Class of ’11. However, the other previous Class of ’11 commitments – Sterling Gibbs (who has announced for Texas), and Martin Bruenig have departed. In the Class of ’12, Justin Anderson (who has announced for Virginia) also decided to leave.

This means, as of today, the ’12-’13 Roster looks like:
Guards: Stoglin (Jr), Howard (Jr), Faust (Soph), Allen (Freshman)
SF: Palsson (Jr), Parker (Jr)
Bigs: Padgett (Sr), Pankey (Jr)

The Terps would have the ability to add as many as 5 additional players to the Class of ’12, but I’d guess Coach Turgeon and his Staff would like to avoid any class being that top heavy and sign no more than 3 players (in-addition to Allen). Do you agree with that?”

Biancardi: “Each coach has his own philosophy when it come to carrying  scholarship players and spreading out their classes  out. With the roster the way it is 3 would be ideal, but you never know who is going to transfer out of your program or if there is a transfer out there they you may want.With the high rate of transfers many coaches like to have one scholarship  available. It is obvious Terps need inside size and a SF with versatility.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “There were reports that had Gary Williams not retired, Maryland was on the verge of a commitment from Shaquille Cleare. Since then, we have heard that Maryland continues to lead for Cleare, and that Coach Turgeon has already built a relationship with the Center. Do you expect Cleare to be a Terp?”

Biancardi: “If Coach Turgeon and his new staff turn up the heat I believe they will get him.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Jeff Ermann and Inside MD Sports has reported that 5 Star ’12 PF Mitch McGary will be visiting College Park. What do you like best about McGary’s game? Who are the primary schools being considered by the PF?”

Biancardi: “A lot to love about Mitch McGary- He is such a physical presence on both ends of the floor at 6 10 and plays with high energy. Understands that his inside game is his bread and butter by finishing drop off passes with his soft hands,along with  being an active  rebounder who is persistent on the glass.The lefty is also possesses a shooting touch out to 15-17′. Just came back from an un-official visit to UConn and will set up more visits this spring/summer. As far as recruiting goes all l the elite schools have either offered or have interest and will offer. Maryland needs to get involved now to have a chance in this battle.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “After losing Anderson, MD is apparently back involved with SF Arnaud Adala Moto. How would you compare and contrast Moto with Anderson?”

Biancardi: “Anderson is an elite athlete who scores the ball in transition, straight line drives to the basket ,and  offensive rebounding. Moto is similar but not quite the athlete. I have been impressed with at this stage with Moto in the half court, he scores without hunting shots. Moto has an edge on the defensive end right now. Both play hard and both need work on their jumper.”

Baltimore Sports and Life:
“The other names we are seeing MD associated with in the ’12 Class are Amile Jefferson, and Jerami Grant.  What do you like/dislike about their games? Leaders for them?”

Biancardi: “2 ESPNU 100 players who are extremely versatile and having terrific spring campaigns. Amile Jefferson at 6′ 7″ has advanced  natural instincts for the game. Everything seems to come effortlessly to him in regards to scoring/and handling the basketball. What makes him special is his ability to score in transition and how he takes advadage of his versatility. He attacks bigger defenders off the bounce or with the jumper while taking a smaller opponents closer to the basket and utilizing his length and size. Plays for a very good Friends Central HS team and a strong AAU program Team Final led by Robert  Brown. Jerami Grant another Dematha/Team Takeover player is improving at a rapid rate. He rebounds the ball with consistency while running the floor to finish a break with an enormous wing span.A face up frontcourt player who is effective from the high post on in. Both players are true miss-matches that need to play to that strength while working  on getting stronger and developing  a long range jumper.”

Baltimore Sports and Life:
“Cleare’s AAU teammates are the Harrison twins (Aaron and Andrew) in the Class of ’13.  Are the Brothers sold on going to College together? Was Texas A&M under Turgeon involved in the recruitment of the Harrison’s?”

Biancardi: “Coach Turgeon was building a good relationship with the Harrison  brothers while at Texas A&M. Now that they know each other you will see the Maryland staff led by Scott Spinelli make a hard push for them. Many brothers want to play together at a young age as it gets closer to decision making time usually each prospect must decide what coach/school  is the best fit for them individually.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Where did Turgeon’s classes at A&M rank overall, and what have you seen out of him previously on the recruiting trail?”

Biancardi: “Although they did not have national rank in 2011 they did score two very good guards in Jamal Branch and Jordan Green. At Texas AM Coach Turgeon knew they had to evaluate prospects correctly and work very hard to get in early in the process. They had a niche of finding and landing good four year players. I am sure he will take that philosophy and expand  on it now to recruiting to the very best players in the country especially along the eastern seaboard.”

Baltimore Sports and Life:
“I imagine we have to see what MD accomplishes with the ’12 Class first, but outside of the Harrison Brothers – we have heard the Terps involved with Beejay Anya, Nate Britt, and Aquille Carr. Any other names you think Maryland fans should keep in-mind?”

Biancardi: “Bee Jay is a name Maryland folks need to know ,I have seen him several time in high school /AAU competition.  Competes for two high level programs. Plays at Dematha Catholic HS for coach Mike Jones who does an outstanding job as they won the Catholic League. AAU for Team Takeover is undefeated so far in the Nike EyBL League which is a high level event. Coach Keith Steven makes his kids play hard and play defense two things you don’t always see in nAAU basketball.That’s the guy the NEED to get. A difference maker inside.”

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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