Q&A with Chris Knoche, Terps Radio Analyst

Last August, Mr. Chris Knoche joined Baltimore Sports and Life to preview this Terrapin Basketball season.

You can find that interview here: http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/08/few-questions-with-mr-chris-knoche.html

Mr. Knoche is in his 10th year as the Radio Analyst for the University of Maryland. Prior to that, he spent 17 years with American University, first playing under Coach Williams, and later becoming the American Head-coach himself for 7 years (1991-1997).

In addition to his work on the radio, Mr. Knoche is regularly blogging about the Terps on Comcast Sportsnet. You can find his work here:

http://www.csnwashington.com/pages/chris_knoche

Baltimore Sports and Life thanks Mr. Knoche for again taking the time to answer some questions about the Terps.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “As Maryland did not have much on the positive side of the ledger from their Out of Conference play, everyone knew the Terps were going to have to perform well within the ACC to make the tournament for the 3rd time in 4 years. The Terps have responded by starting 4-1 in league play, and obviously could be 5-0. What is your biggest takeaway from these 5 games?”

Chris Knoche: “I think my biggest takeaway would probably be the affirmation of the value of seniors and veteran leadership. Throughout the first 5 games the team has been hungry, focused and completely prepared to do whatever it takes in every game. That just doesn’t happen unless you have players that truly understand the opportunity at hand.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “While the Terps lost some depth from the departure of Jin-Soo Choi, and the injury riddled Sophomore campaign of Steve Goins, it appears the team has comfortably settled into their 9 man rotation. However, as conference play progresses, are there any adjustments Coach Williams will have to make in regards to practices, or minute allocation on the court, to avoid the team wearing out?”

Chris Knoche: “While I certainly don’t mean to speak ill of the departed, it was apparent that Jin Soo and Steve would probably not be a permanent part of the rotation. Simply put, the players playing are those that deserve the minutes, plain and simple. As for wearing them out, these are 19, 20, 21 year old young men in tremendous physical condition having the times of their lives right now. Fatigue is not an option.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “I find this Maryland team very enjoyable to watch. They are unselfish, and they are playing with intensity. I found the game against Miami very telling. The Hurricanes started the season 15-1, ranked among the Top 25. They had an entire week of preparation for the Terps, and should have entered the game hungry after losing 3 consecutive league games. Instead it was Maryland that won all the hustle plays, and looked like the team trying to make a statement. My thought is that Gary Williams and his staff deserve some credit for recruiting players from winning programs (Montrose Christian, Oak Hill, Lincoln, St. Frances, Mt.St.Joe, etc. etc.) that are willing to work to improve. Your thoughts?”

Chris Knoche: “I love the point about recruiting players that are used to winning. That is critical. Regarding your point about Miami, I would agree with that as well and can only imagine how upset Head Coach Frank Haith was with both the mental and physical effort in the game by his team after an entire week off. One of the things that has marked each of the Terps first 5 games is that ability to corral long rebounds and loose balls. Sean Mosley, in particular, is remarkable in this area and that’s the kind of thing that will carry over.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Even when Mosley does not receive a lot of shot-attempts, he continues to provide a positive impact with his all-around play. I knew he played in pain with his ankle injury last year, and I expected improvement; but I am surprised by just how improved he is, particularly with that intermediate jumper off the curl. He shot 37% in 4.7 Field Goal Attempts per game last year, and this year is shooting 59% in 7.6 shots attempts per game. He has raised his 3-point shooting 20%. Do you think his play will warrant mention on one of the All-Conference teams? Should he be a bit more selfish looking for his shot? Have you ever seen a player become that much more proficient shooting in one season?”

Chris Knoche: “While I did not see Sean play in high school, I would guess that this year’s numbers are a lot closer to the norm than last year. After all, the guy scored 6 million points in high school so I don’t think putting the ball in the hoop is a real problem for him. I think -at the minimum- he is headed for the kind of season that may put him on the ACC All-Defensive team. As for the suggestion that he be more selfish, all you have to do is look at his game…Sean just does not roll that way. He could not care less about the number of attempts he gets. Next year he’ll get plenty of shots.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “The Terps strategy for success seems pretty clear at this point. They want to get out in transition, and attack the rim. Force contact and get to the line. They are limiting the 3-point attempts they take, and when those attempts are made; they are taking open looks. Tucker, and Bowie come of the bench, and most other teams are unable to match that guard depth. Gregory and Padgett need to run the court, use their athleticism to block shots, and rebound. I would think the type of team that would give Maryland the most problems going forward would be those with very strong PG play that can handle the press, and teams that are willing to play at a slow-tempo, limiting Maryland’s ability to get out and run. Do you agree? How would you attempt to Coach against the Terps?”

Chris Knoche: “Good question here. I suppose the first thing I would try to do is try and limit Grievis as much as possible. Try something different – box and one, triangle and two, double him on every ball screen. Those things are bound to happen over the next several games. There are some great coaches in the league that will do all they can to try and neutralize him. One great sign for Maryland fans is that NC State tried to do just that last weekend and, while he only got two shots in the first half, he was still the best player on the court and his team was up by double digits. Then in the second half he roasted every wolfpack player who took a shot at him.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds a game for Jordan Williams. He is a presence at both ends, that looks like a potential monster to me. Your impressions?”

Chris Knoche: “Agreed 100%. He is so much better than I think most people thought he would be in this first year. He has a little “nasty” in him and will fight anybody for position on the block. He has terrific hands and will finish around the hoop. Once he adds a couple of go-to moves and works to become a little more athletic, he may very well become that monster.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “In August you mentioned that most players will play at a higher-level in 30-32 minutes a game vs. 36 or 37. Not coincidentally, Milbourne is right at that 30 minute mark, and having the strong Senior season you predicted. On most nights Milbourne gives up height, weight, and strength to his opposition. On the rare nights where his speed is not an advantage (Aminu, Lawal, etc) what is the most effective way to use him? Do you further limit his minutes, and give Gregory and Padgett a chance to body up? Do you take Milbourne further away from the basket? Similar to Mosley, will Milbourne deserve a place on one of the All-Conference teams?”

Chris Knoche: “I don’t think anyone around the Maryland program is surprised about the kind of season Landon is having. His work ethic is unbelievable and he deserves success. Against Aminu and Wake Forest he did not play well for much of the game but missed a number of shots he normally makes and came back to hit two big jumpers down the stretch. The ONLY thing that will probably ever limit his minutes would be foul trouble. Other than that he needs to be on the floor. His uncanny ability to nail 15 footers is one of the things that gives the other players the room they need to operate. As for the All Conference thing…if the team continues to play at this level, it will be hard to deny him a spot somewhere.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Do you get the sense this team has reached their ceiling, or do you see this team continuing to build? Any predictions for how Maryland will end the regular season, and what you think they are capable of come March?”

Chris Knoche: “They still have a number of places where they can improve – transition defense, free throw shooting, rebounding on both ends, etc. As a Gary Williams team they will not ever be allowed to think that they are anywhere close that ceiling. As for predictions, I’m just not very good at them. Too often I think that fans and the media refuse to let seasons play out and are ready to completely trash a team in January (witness 2009 edition of Maryland basketball) or are ready to crown someone playing well early in the season (Miami was 15-1 just two weeks ago).”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Based on what you have seen, what do you think of the ACC as a whole this year?”

Chris Knoche: “We have not seen every team live and up front but I’d say there’s some good balance without any of the superpowers we’ve been used to seeing. There are a lot of good teams…nothing that will make you afraid to play ’em.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Plenty of this season left to play, but it is always fun to look ahead. Based on currently known departures, and arrivals, we are looking at a 2010-11 Maryland team that could look like:
1) Bowie, Stoglin
2) Tucker, Howard
3) Mosley, Parker
4) Padgett, Pankey
5) Williams, Gregory, Goins

Even if Bowie is not a true PG, his experience, size, quickness, and ability to drive should position him to start as the lead guard. Having Stoglin, and Howard available to back him up as ball-handlers should help. Mosley and Williams will have plenty of experience, and should be ready to contribute as the focal points of the team. Gregory, Padgett, and Pankey can be expected to again provide athleticism, rebounding, and a defensive presence. I see Bowie, and Tucker being capable of Senior seasons which are similar to the Senior Season of Drew Nicholas. Players that gained a lot of experience their first 3 seasons, and flourished in a starting slot to end their career. Thoughts on them, and an early preview of what you are looking forward to next-season?”

Chris Knoche: “Jeez, you won’t even let us enjoy watching this season play out?? Just kidding – looking ahead like that is one of the fun parts about college hoops. The parts do change every season! I would love to compare Adrian or Cliff to Drew Nicholas but that’s unfair. Drew played behind two of the great guards to ever wear the uniform in Blake and Dixon. You had the feeling that, given the chance, he could play that way. There is no doubt that both of them are capable enough to do it.One of the really cool things about watching guys is to see the incremental improvement in their play. The jump in a guy’s development between his freshman and sophomore seasons, for example, can be a night and day thing. We’re seeing it in Sean Mosley now. Maybe Jordan Williams and/or James Padgett can do something similar for next season.“