Coach Turgeon’s 2nd season as the Head Coach of the University of Maryland, formally gets on the way Friday night with Maryland Madness* and the countdown to the November 9th season opener vs. Kentucky at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

*Details on Maryland Madness can be found here.

Coming off of a 17-15 season overall (including a 6-10 record in Atlantic Coast Conference play) there is a sense that Maryland is primed for a jump in performance, even with the unexpected departure of leading scorer Terrell Stoglin in the off-season.

As the Harrison Twins were deciding between Maryland and Kentucky, there was a natural focus for fans of the Terrapins to day-dream about the possible lineup combinations (including transfers Wells, and Smotrycz who will then be eligible) that would have been possible for the 2013-14 season. Had the Harrison’s decided to come to College Park, the expectations would have been that a Final Four was well within reason. While I can not say I am ‘happy’ that the Terps did not land the Harrison’s, part of me is pleased that the attention can begin to turn back to this upcoming 2012-13 season.

While the Terps might lack the guard depth necessary to contend for a Conference title (and certainly Nationally) this  year; there is enough talent on this roster for a Top 25 finish – and after a 2 year absence – a return to the NCAA Tournament.

2012-13 Terps
Guards: Faust (Soph) Howard (Jr), Aronhalt (Sr), Allen (Freshman)
Wings: Layman (Freshman)
Bigs: Padgett (Sr), Len (Soph), Cleare (Freshman), Mitchell (Freshman)

Quick Hits:
1) Cassell not being eligible was fairly significant. Not because he was an elite talent, or a true PG; but because he was another Guard capable of handling the ball and apparently a good outside shot. With Cassell not part of the picture…

2) There is a lot of pressure on Howard to return to the lineup and stay healthy. Last year Howard had the broken bone in his left foot, before returning and tearing his right ACL. When he was able to play, his play was sub-par. Maryland needs the Howard that was capable of hitting open shots as Freshman, and physical enough to drive to the rim, and flash his strong interior passing. After averaging 3.2 assists and 1.7 turnovers as a Freshman in 18.5 minutes per, he averaged 3.7 assists and 3.2 turnovers as Sophomore in 33 minutes per. I’m looking for a 2-1 turnover margin, 35% from 3, and marked improvement at the foul-line. With the depth issues, maybe just being available for the full-season is the most important thing. In late July Turgeon said Howard was ahead of schedule. Expect more news on that during today’s Media day.

3) Aronhalt has averaged over 30+ minutes per game the last two years, and was 2nd team American East this past year. I’m expecting a guy that can knock down some 3′s, and be on the court in close/late situations due to his strong ability at the line. The primary question with him will be his ability to defend at the ACC level.

4) I think the recruiting analysts are right that at 6’2, Freshman Seth Allen is an undersized Shooting Guard, but I think the lefty will help the roster. He will provide a some scoring punch off the bench, and should Howard be limited; give the Terps another option.

5) Maryland should be able to bang with any team this year. Padgett and Len will be able to be aggressive at all-times, with Cleare and Mitchell available off the bench. These 4 players going at each other everyday in practice should help all of them. Now that Len has had a full year in the system, has gotten stronger, and has a better command of the language; you have to think he is going to abuse players this year. With his physical talent and work ethic, there is nothing he can achieve this year which would really surprise me. Cleare and Mitchell are both a bit raw, but both are good athletes with size. Several analysts have talked about Cleare already having good hands and feet. It would not be shocking to see Cleare bully his way into the starting lineup with Len at some point.

6) To me, the wildcard with this roster is Layman. I’ve yet to see him play for myself. Some of the people I’ve talked to have said he is less of a wing, and more of a face-up 4, or combo forward. Others believe he can play on the wing. For this team, I believe he has to be able to guard opposing SF’s. There does seem to be universal agreement he can shoot. At 6’8, 200 lbs, I hope to see a guy that can also back down defenders.

7) Nick Faust is going to crush people this year. His shooting numbers were ugly last year, but they improved as the year went on. Besides transitioning to the College game, he was also dealing with being a PG when last year began. At the end of the year, he was showing his athleticism, and going to the rim with ease. He was using his length to play the passing lanes and get out in transition. With Stoglin gone, I expect him to nearly double his scoring (8.9 last year) and compete for a spot on one of the All-Conference teams.

8) The OOC is horrible this year. Kentucky, Northwestern, George Mason is not enough. If you lose to Kentucky, you need to beat the other two, and probably win 10 games in the ACC to advance to the NCAA’s. That might be possible, but you don’t leave yourself much room for error. A few more challenges prior to league play would be nice. As is, MD could (should) be 11-2, or 12-1 when ACC play begins.

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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