http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/maryland_terps/blog/

Jeff Barker’s entry here has the disturbing back and forth that has continued between Coach Williams and the Athletic Department.

This back and forth about Gus Gilchrist and Tyree Evans has existed since Spring 2008, and was escalated again yesterday with Mr. Barker’s article on Terps recruiting.

With 3 NIT appearances in the last 4 years, MD fans have been increasingly frustrated. On Terp Message boards such as Terrapin Times (Rivals, Keith Cavanaugh), Terp Center (Jeff Errman/ESPN), Turtle Sports Report (Scout)it has long been rumored by posters of disharmony between Gary Williams and the Athletic Director Debbie Yow.

There are even rumors that Kim being declared ineligible was some sort of retribution from the Athletic Department.

This public back and forth, and private rumoring, does little to improve the status of the program, and one could argue is more costly then the on-court lack of results.

Gary Williams is my favorite person in all of sports, but that does not mean I find him without fault.

The truth is MD has missed on a lot of local talent – Melo, Gay, Boone, Freeman, Echefu, Swann, Delaney, Summers, Dorsey, and Green among others.

I think MD has worked to address that with the hiring of Coach Driesell, and the increased recruiting presence of Gary.
By the way, Vasquez was a Top 100 recruit, Milbourne was a Top 100 recruit, Dupree was a Top 75 recruit, Tucker was a Top 100 recruit, Hayes was a Top 100 recruit, Mosley a Top 60 recruit.

Gregory was the Baltimore City Player of the Year, with offers from Xavier and VaTech. Bowie was a Top 150 recruit, from basketball powerhouse Montrose Christian, and Coach Stu Vetter. Bowie has clearly shown he belongs at the ACC level. Burney verballed to Miami, was offered by UVA. Kim could have been a Top 50 recruit had he stayed part of the 2009 class.

Padgett might be the best big-man in New York City. Williams (a Top 100 recruit) scored another 50 points last night, and is averaging video game stats (albeit against the little sisters of the poor).

Gary has not missed on everyone.

In fact, instead of everyone focusing on recruiting, a better argument against Coach Williams at this point might be the Terps inability to finish games.

I believe this team does have the talent to win 6 more ACC games, and have a resume that is NCAA Tournament worthy.

I believe this team can return everyone but Neal next year, and address their most glaring need, with two solid front-court additions. I believe they would have the opportunity to win games that matter in March 2010.

However, I also believe getting to the tournament this year is now going to be very difficult.

I also believe the chances of Gary being allowed to return next year, are probably even slimmer.

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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