It was announced this week that former University of Maryland verbal Terrence Ross has decided to leave Montrose Christian. The Washington Post’s Steve Yanda reported the likely destination for Ross was Westwind Academy in Phoenix.
Leaving Montrose, and their Head Coach Stu Vetter; is probably the final nail in the coffin, for Ross becoming a Terrapin.
Vetter sends players to colleges across the country, but has sent Vasquez, Bowie, and Shane Walker to Maryland in recent years (and previously Terrence Morris). Vetter is big on commitment, and has a strong relationship with Gary Williams. He would have supported Ross through the process of reopening his recruiting, but would have continued to be a strong advocate for the Terps.
With Vetter publicly stating this was a personal decision made by the family, my read is that the family knows Ross will not be attending Maryland, and did not want to hear the opinion of Vetter any longer.
I wrote previously about Ross ( http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/terrence-ross-discussion.html ) and I still ultimately come to the same opinions.
It appears now Ross will definitively not be a Terp. Well, that happens. He is a high-school kid, that will probably change his own mind of where he wants to go 1,000,000 times between now and when he signs with someone in the Spring.
For obvious reasons I hope he does not wind-up at Duke, but if he does, he does. I continue to see comments from others blaming Gary Williams for Ross not honoring his verbal. I just do not understand that point of view.
When Ross gave his verbal, he said it was Maryland that had recruited him the hardest. All Gary Williams can do is sell his program, and provide a vision to a prospect. Williams did a good enough job doing that, that Ross gave his verbal commitment.
Ross is a young kid, with the future on his door-step. He is allowed to change his mind, and do what he thinks is best for him. Going from a somewhat unknown Top 100 recruit, to a Top 30 recruit, does changes things. If that forces him to look elsewhere, it sucks, but that is beyond the control of Maryland.
Frankly, the only person I feel bad for is incoming Freshman Mychal Parker. Part of the reason Parker signed with Maryland, is so he could team with Ross.
While I respect that Ross has to do what is right for him, and understand that HS kids change their minds; I think it was a mistake to ever give his verbal, and help recruit Parker if he was not 100% committed.
I think the Terps have done a good job of controlling what they can control. When Ross did not sign, they adjusted and signed Howard. Howard is described as having the intensity, and drive of Vasquez, and is gaining the benefit of playing for National power Oak Hill.
On the court, the Terps are heading into the 2nd-half of the ACC schedule, well positioned to make the tournament for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.
Who knows, maybe Stoglin will be able to change Ross’s mind once again, out there in the Arizona desert. I kid, I kid.
The bottom-line is that Maryland clearly would have been/would be better with Ross signed. However, things work out like they work out. People playing the ‘blame game’, just miss the point. Ross to Maryland just did not work out, and you move on.
The future for the Terps is bright, with or without Ross in a Maryland uniform.
2010-11 Terps
1) Bowie (Senior), Stoglin (Frosh)
2) Tucker (Senior), Howard (Frosh)
3) Mosley (Junior), Parker (Frosh)
4) Padgett (Soph), Pankey (Frosh)
5) Williams (Soph), Gregory (Senior), Goins (Junior)
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. (at-least to start the year). 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 focal points of the team. Gregory, Padgett, and Pankey can be expected to provide athleticism, rebounding, an a defensive presence. Maybe Goins leaves, and maybe he does not.
Either way, you can expect that Maryland will add at-least one more big which will help out the rotation at the PF, and Center positions.
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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.