According to Ryan Feldman with The Hoops Report (http://www.thehoopsreport.com/article.aspx?id=703) he has been told by a source that Jordan Williams has signed with an Agent, and will not be returning to College Park.

The story here is consistent to what is being reported from numerous outlets. Earlier this week, Luke Wynn of Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/luke_winn/04/25/draft.decisions/1.html) wrote the following:

The Terps were the second-most efficient team that missed the NCAA tournament this year, and they could be an above-.500 ACC team in 2011-12 — but that’s only if sophomore center Jordan Williams pulls out of the draft. He was their centerpiece last season, averaging 16.8 points and 11.8 boards, and they might not even be an NIT team without him. Scouts still have doubts about Williams and list him as a second-rounder with an outside shot at the first. “His productivity as a rebounder is incredible,” said one scout, “but I’ve never seen him make jump shots, or show any sort of dribbling ability, and it’s a crime that they list him as 6-10.” No matter what Williams’ actual height is — 6-8? 6-9? — he’s said to be leaning toward remaining in the draft and hiring an agent.

At this point, it is time to firmly accept that Williams is likely to be gone, and just wish him the best. What does that mean for Maryland in 2011-12, and going forward?

2011-12 Terps without Williams:
Guards:
Stoglin, Howard,  Faust, Gibbs
SF: Mosley, Hawk, Parker
Bigs: Padgett, Bruenig, Weijs, Pankey

KSU transfer Wally Judge is visiting Maryland, but Rutgers is considered the front-runner. Even if he decided to become a Terp; he would have to receive a waiver to be eligible for next year. Maybe even more importantly, with his lack of production at KSU, you wonder  how much he would be able to provide.

Getting past Judge, Maryland in ’11-’12 would still be a team with some skill, but a team that I would go into the season thinking projects to be on the outside of the NCAA Bubble. If Maryland failed to reach the tournament again next year, the pressure on Coach Williams and the program would be immense. With Jordan Williams, I would have expected Maryland to finish Top 4 in the ACC, and capable of damage in March.

Without Williams, the front-court is going to be an issue all year. Maryland will have to run and gun, and use the athleticism they will have on the roster. If Faust can push for regular minutes at the 3, and Parker could give time playing up at the 4; it could still be an interesting team.

I was looking forward to next-year being a return to National prominence for Maryland. If Justin Anderson can get Shaquille Cleare to join him at Maryland, you are likely looking at 2012-13 as being the next opportunity for the Terps to compete within the conference, and Nationally.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

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.

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