I really wonder why no one is talking about Terrell Stoglin. He was an impact player and leading scorer of the ACC last year before his suspension in 2012. Unfortunately, he was suspended and declared for the NBA draft. He went undrafted and plays for Ilysiakos in the Greek League. Instead of being the next John Lucas, he became the next John Gilchrist.
How does this impact UMD? Well, you took away our number one ballhandler and a bonifide scorer. Secondly, our turnover numbers are astronomical, even in the win against Duke, we turned the ball over 26 times mostly due to hard denial of the ball by Duke's perimeter defenders. Thirdly, our young ballhandling guards (Howard, Faust and Allen) have not developed as expected and therefore we consistently make sophomoric mistakes. I do believe because of his size and athleticism Faust can emerge as a talented PG prospect for the next level however he has to improve his court awareness, vision and ballhandling under pressure. Allen should be an off-the ball playmaker as he needs more strength and skill to be a full-time PG.
Three point shooting (259th in D1) is another major issue which we need to address through recruiting and practice. Aronhalt will graduate this year who will be our designated marksman? Layman? He has proved to be inconsistent although his measurables are impressive for a freshman. Dez Wells and Alex Len may also depart for the NBA. Our free throw shooting is so poor (285th in D1), I'm shocked that we even have a 20-9 record because it affects our ability to close out games. Which brings me to my next point, Turgeon is a great coach and a polished recruiter who deserves a few more years to bring in his players and develop our talent.
It is frustrating to watch now but hopefully the ends justify the means and we make a string of appearances in the NCAA tournament. Our SOS is 113th and our RPI is 75 which is a reflection of a soft preseason schedule. As it stands we have to win the game against North Carolina at home and @UVA. If we do lose one of those games I think we MUST get to the semifinals of the ACC tournament to make a solid case for the NCAA Committee.
With the Big10 conference getting as many as 8 teams in the tournament in 2013, UMD will have to seriously improve its play next year.
How does this impact UMD? Well, you took away our number one ballhandler and a bonifide scorer. Secondly, our turnover numbers are astronomical, even in the win against Duke, we turned the ball over 26 times mostly due to hard denial of the ball by Duke's perimeter defenders. Thirdly, our young ballhandling guards (Howard, Faust and Allen) have not developed as expected and therefore we consistently make sophomoric mistakes. I do believe because of his size and athleticism Faust can emerge as a talented PG prospect for the next level however he has to improve his court awareness, vision and ballhandling under pressure. Allen should be an off-the ball playmaker as he needs more strength and skill to be a full-time PG.
Three point shooting (259th in D1) is another major issue which we need to address through recruiting and practice. Aronhalt will graduate this year who will be our designated marksman? Layman? He has proved to be inconsistent although his measurables are impressive for a freshman. Dez Wells and Alex Len may also depart for the NBA. Our free throw shooting is so poor (285th in D1), I'm shocked that we even have a 20-9 record because it affects our ability to close out games. Which brings me to my next point, Turgeon is a great coach and a polished recruiter who deserves a few more years to bring in his players and develop our talent.
It is frustrating to watch now but hopefully the ends justify the means and we make a string of appearances in the NCAA tournament. Our SOS is 113th and our RPI is 75 which is a reflection of a soft preseason schedule. As it stands we have to win the game against North Carolina at home and @UVA. If we do lose one of those games I think we MUST get to the semifinals of the ACC tournament to make a solid case for the NCAA Committee.
With the Big10 conference getting as many as 8 teams in the tournament in 2013, UMD will have to seriously improve its play next year.
In the meantime, we should talk about the LADY TERPS Y'ALL!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, I actually pay attention to them more because over the last several years they have won more games and gotten better recruits than the men. In the ACC quarterfinal game tonight, Alyssa Thomas had 33 points, 12 rebs and 10 assists and was beastly in OT when we needed her. If it wasn't for 3 starters going down in preseason to ACL injuries we would be a top 3 team, but I'll settle for a semi-final berth in the ACC tourney, a #10 ranking and a deep run in the NCAAs. We are playing so many young players it bodes well for the future. Maybe Frese should manage the Men's program as well. LOL
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