Yesterday, it was announced by Scout.com, that the Terps landed Sam Cassell Jr. This represented the 6th addition to the Class of 2012, and yet another reason to be excited for next year.
Maryland’s currently projected 2012-13 roster looks like:
Guards: Stoglin (Jr), Howard (Jr), Allen (Freshman), Cassell Jr. (Freshman)
Wings: Faust (Soph), Parker (Jr), Layman (Freshman)
Bigs: Padgett (Sr), Pankey (Soph), Len (Soph), Cleare (Freshman), Dodd (Freshman), Mitchell (Freshman)
When the Terrapins season ended with their Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament loss to North Carolina, rumors were swirling that Stoglin would either be leaving the program, or attempt to go pro. Stoglin has announced he will be back in College Park for his Junior season.
There were also rumors that Len wanted to return to the Ukraine, or perhaps play professionally in Europe. I expect that Len will also return. Some people thought that MD loading up with post-players was a sign that the Maryland Coaching staff did not anticipate Len’s return. I’ve maintained that in every interview he gave this year, Coach Turgeon was emphatic about the gains we would see in Len as a Sophomore. There was no reason to make those continued definitive declarations, if Turgeon did not expect Len’s return.
We’ve also heard occasional talk about Parker, and Pankey perhaps leaving Maryland. Count me as one that wants both of these players to return as well. For a guy that was a Top 60 National player, Parker’s game was a bit more raw than I anticipated. It is also entirely predicated around his athleticism. After not playing much at all as a Freshman, Parker did some good things this year as a Sophomore. In 18 minutes per game, he had 16 games with at-least 5 points, and 11 games with at-least 4 boards. Perhaps most importantly, he often had some positive minutes with his defense. I still think their is ceiling with his game, and that you could see him make a leap with his production over his last two years of eligibility. Even if that jump never comes, Maryland will need their wings to balance out their undersized guards.
Pankey frustrated me at-times with his lack of consistency, but for a guy that had basically not played for two years; I was pleased overall by what he provided. He certainly had a better offensive game (12 games with at-least 6 points) than I anticipated. He also had 17 games with at-least 5 boards.
I expect that Cleare and Mitchell will help immediately on the glass. It remains to be seen if Dodd will be active, or Red-shirted. Even if Dodd does take a RS, I admit that the Front-court will be very packed if Pankey is back. I’d rather Coach Turgeon have to deal with a full-house vs. having to use smoke and mirrors.
Which gets us back to the bigger picture question, of what are we anticipating from Maryland next year? To me, Coach Turgeon has used these 6 scholarships for next year, because he is looking to have a major jump in team performance in Year 2 of his tenure. Some Terps fans have wanted MD to hold back a couple of scholarships to have greater maneuverability with some of the elite talents in the Class of ’13. I believe what Coach Turgeon is telling the fan-base, is that winning games of significance next year is the priority.
I agree with that philosophy. The Terrapins – as Coach Turgeon’s program – have to re-announce themselves to the Nation (and locally) next year. An opportunity to do so will come as early as next November against Kentucky. That game can easily be the equivalent of Maryland / Georgetown in ’93. A game where the Terps assert themselves back into relevancy and the collective conversation, with an on-the-court performance.
Another opportunity for the Terps to re-announce themselves, will come much earlier than next November. The attendance at the Comcast Center this year was often embarrassing. You would like to see sell-outs against everyone, even the little Sisters of the Poor. Mt. St. Mary’s should not get to walk into a half-full Arena, and feel comfortable. That is part of the equation for upsets happening. It is one thing to excuse games like that vs. low-major Out of Conference opponents, while the students are out on Winter Break; it is another to excuse games in late February vs. any ACC team. There was under 13,000 sold seats for the 2/21 game vs. Miami. Men’s Hoops is the Flagship program of Maryland’s Athletic Department. The enthusiasm for this team has to be increased significantly. Anticipation for next year, and dreaming of what could be possible, will only help.
So, what will Maryland basketball be capable of next year? What expectations do you think are appropriate? The Terps were 17-15 overall, and 7-11 vs. the ACC this year. They were the definition of mediocre.
They should not be mediocre next year. At the minimum, they should be a Top 20-25 team, capable of a Top 5 finish in ACC play. There is enough talent return, and enough talent coming in; that winning the league should be a reasonable goal. If you are capable of winning the ACC; you are capable of doing real damage in March.
Maryland lacked fire-power this year. Layman, Allen, and Cassell Jr. are going to help with that. They can provide much needed scoring off the bench.
Maryland finished in the Top 70 Nationally in rebounding, but too often struggled against teams with real size and athleticism. The Terps will now have the bodies inside to throw at anyone.
Stoglin is an elite scorer. Faust was showing all-around skills as the year was ending. I think a major-key for the Terrapins next year will be Howard. Obviously Howard dealt with two major injuries this year. He played in only 14 games, and when he played, his production was not as good as he was a Freshman. If Howard can get healthy, his ability to be a steadying influence, and run the offense will be huge. If Howard has trouble staying healthy, things will become more difficult. Allen and Cassell Jr. are described as score-first guards. I see things falling into place, if Howard is available to get his teammates involved.
I’m very excited about what the Terps can achieve next year, are you?
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.