2006 Maryland Terrapins Basketball Preview

2006 Maryland Terrapins Basketball Predictions

In 2001-02, the Maryland Terrapins won the national title but in the past two years the team has not made it into the tournament. The team hasn’t one senior on it, but it’s got a formidable group of juniors and sophomores, along with some fine new blood.

Point guard may be up in the air for a while but freshman Eric Hayes, who has all of the attributes of a solid point-man, will probably eventually become the starter over the junior Parrish Brown (2.7 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 43.4 FG%, 85.7 FT%). Junior D.J. Strawberry (10.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 42.9 FG%, 68.6 FT%) should excel at the shooting position. Strawberry, who has fine athleticism and great scoring potential, started all 32 games last season. Guard Mike Jones (10.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 41.7 FG%, 89.9 FT%) will be a potent shooter off the bench.

The Terrapins frontcourt has two extremely athletic starters—sophomore center James Gist (8.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 49 .0 FG%, 67.3 FT%) and forward Ekene Ibekwe (11.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 50.6 FG%, 62.3 FT%). Both play tough inside games and can slam dunk with authority. But Ibekwe has had trouble from mid-range and although he’s worked to improve, he’s still shaky in that area. Gist, who’s added upper body strength, will be more aggressive underneath. Two freshmen, Jerome Burney and Landon Milbourne, show great promise.

Coach Gary Williams had a troubled senior class last season all of whom are now gone, although none graduate. Of the returning juniors, four were starters in 2005-06, providing this team with an experienced core. In the last three years, Williams has seen 5 assistant coaches depart. This season he’s created stability among his assistants. In 17 years at Maryland, Williams is 353- 191. You don’t compile a record like that and continue to sit out the big dance.

There may not be any seniors, but there’s a strong squad of starters. Although not very deep, there’s fine talent prime for development. The Terrapins look ready to contend for a playoff berth once again.

If you want more info on the 2006 Maryland Terrapins College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Boston College Eagles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.