2007 Maryland Terrapins Basketball Preview
The Maryland Terrapins (25- 9 overall, 10- 6 ACC) tied for third in their conference and made it to the second round of the NCAA where they were defeated by Butler 62- 59. Coach Gary Williams (378- 200 in 18 years at Maryland, 585- 328 in 29 years) got the club to the NCAA Finals in 2002 and saw his team win it all. Williams seems to manage to develop a contender every season despite the fact that Maryland has a major turnover in players every two years.
The Terrapins were second in the conference in scoring, averaging 79.9 PPG, and came in fourth in scoring “D,” allowing 67.5 PPG. They were certainly expert at passing the ball, notching 17.3 APG, placing them second in the ACC. Maryland, an excellent defensive team, led the ACC in blocked shots. The club hit threes at the rate of .385, while opponents knocked them down at a rate of only .302.
Senior forward James Gist (12.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 53.5 FG%) can block shots and hit his mid-range jumper at will. If he can post up with authority, using his superior athletic talents, he’ll have a breakout year. Bambale Osby (5.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 56.3 FG%) is a fine shot blocker and tough inside banger. Braxton Dupree, a freshman center with good defensive skills and fine hands, will be asked to contribute immediately. In the frontcourt, there’s some solid experience coming off the bench, which includes Dave Neal (1.6 PPG, 1.2 RPG)—a hardworking junior who plays tough.
The backcourt features two excellent ball handlers in sophomores Eric Hughes (4.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 42.0 FG%) and Greivis Vasquez (9.8 PPG. 4.6 APG, 44.4 FG%). Vasquez offers confident and strong play at the point. Hayes is an accurate shooter from downtown.
Williams is a master at developing young teams that play well individually and together. After almost 30 years as a NCAA head coach, he still loves the challenge of topnotch college basketball. This year Williams has experience and depth along with some exciting new players. The ACC features another NCAA contender in the team from College Park, Maryland.
