The Terps beat Division 2 Indiana University of Pennsylvania 75-54 last-night at the Comcast Center.
This was the only exhibition, prior to Maryland starting their season with Charleston Southern next-week.
Here are my thoughts from the game:
1) Dino Gregory was suspended 1 game for violation of team-rules. As there had been some conjecture about the suspension possibly being longer, this is a good thing. His athleticism, and willingness to rebound, and block-shots (not to mention provide 5 fouls), is something this roster needs.
2) Jordan Williams had 7pts, and 6 rebounds. James Padgett had 8pts, and 4 rebounds. If the Terps regularly get anything close to 15 points, and 10 rebounds combined from these two – MD is going to win a lot of games. Obviously I understand that despite IUP being one of Division 2’s better teams, that they were not blessed with a lot of size, nor Atlantic Coast Conference athleticism. That really is not the point. Williams, and Padgett both did what you want your bigs to do, that is make their living in the post. Establish a presence, clean-up garbage, and get put-backs.
Terps Radio Analyst Chris Knoche made repeated points about Padgett showing an ability to score with both-hands, and also spoke enthusiastically about Williams’ ability to actually catch the ball.
With the rest of the guards, and wings on this team – these bigs can contribute by just running the floor, and getting positive position.
3) Chris Knoche and Johnny Holiday also spoke about the clear gains in Mosley’s game. Mosley was interviewed, and I thought some of his comments were telling. He suffered that bad ankle injury early last-season, and perhaps that sapped some of his athleticism. With a full-year in the MD program, he said he is leaner, and has added muscle. He also stated he has worked on his handle, and that he has confidence back. He said this year, that he would not pass on open-shots, and followed-up those comments by going 7 for 9 from the floor last-night, hitting jumpers from multiple-spots. Mosley did a lot of things for this team last-year, and was often too-physical for opposing guards. If he is now a step-quicker, can finish around the rim, and has a more consistent shot; Mosley averaging 10pts a game, becomes a realistic proposition.
4) Hayes started last-night over Bowie which I thought was interesting. Not sure if this was Gary giving Hayes the nod, as he starts his Senior year, or if this was to motivate Bowie. When Bowie entered the game, he seemed intent on flying around and making plays. Both players are vitally important to the roster, and will get near-equal time.
5) MD is deep. Assuming Gregory reclaims the starting position, MD will be able to bring Bowie/Hayes, Tucker, Padgett, Williams, JSC, and maybe Goins off the bench. The Terps are going to be able to mix-and-match lineups against a lot of different teams.
6) Milbourne owns that little 12-15 foot base-line jumper.
7) It sounded like an exhibition game, as the Terps went through spells of lackadaisical rebounding, and ball-control. MD has 3 games before heading to Maui, and it is important that the Terps improve every-game.
Next-up:
Game 1 of the Regular Season against Charleston Southern:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/before-maui-look-at-charleston-southern.html
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