Mike Miller covers College Basketball (and the NFL) for NBC Sports.

You can find his College Basketball writing at:
http://beyondthearc.nbcsports.com/

You can find Miller on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/#!/MikeMillerNBC

Baltimore Sports and Life thanks Mr. Miller for answering a few Terps questions.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Lots of talk about Coach Turgeon and his staff – Bino Ranson, Scott Spinelli, and Dalonte Hill – being extremely active on the recruiting trail. I want to look at the 9 scholarship players they have inherited.

2011-12 roster.
Guards: Stoglin, Howard, Faust
SF: Mosley, Palsson, Parker
Bigs: Padgett, Weijs, Pankey

The Terps are going to have to deal with a lack of depth, and Front Court scoring all year. Are you forecasting a complete rebuilding year, or do you see enough athleticism and talent on the roster where a Tournament bid is still possible?”

Miller: “It’s certainly possible, but it seems unlikely. No Jordan Williams on a small team? That’s an issue unless a couple of the guards suddenly develop into go-to guys (or if Nick Faust can step in right away). That said, Turgeon’s dealt with rosters like this before at Texas A&M and did just fine. His offense isn’t dependent on a dominant big man, or even a good one. There are enough athletic players on the roster to make the defense as good as last season, which will be the key. But this team will have issues scoring. Not sure a fantastic defense will be able to compensate enough for an NCAA tourney berth.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “My preference would be to see Turgeon start Weijs at Center, and go with an undersized 4. The two most logical candidates to play up at the 4 would be Mosley, and Parker. After a strong Sophomore year (as the 4th option) Mosley struggled as a Junior with greater focus on him. He is obviously more experienced, plays physical, and has done most of his scoring around the basket. Parker came to College Park last year as the most heralded player in Maryland’s Freshman class. While playing   limited minutes, he did flash his high-level athleticism. Would you start one of these two at the PF, or would you go with a more traditional PF/C alignment of Padgett, and Weijs?”

Miller: “Honestly, of all those guys, I’m not sold on Weijs. He’s the biggest of the bunch, but he’s a stiff. He could certainly start, but unless he shows improved shot-blocking skills, there’s not much reason to have him on the floor. Another reason not to worry about forcing Weijs out there? The ACC still isn’t loaded with stellar post players. The guy who shows Turgeon he’s capable on defense is the one who’ll get the call. My guess is you see Padgett, Parker and Weijs in some kind of big man rotation Turgeon figures out the best combo. Once ACC play rolls around, Mosley could see some time at that spot given his versatility and experience.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Ashton Pankey played just 3 minutes last year, as he continued to deal with the leg injury that ended his Senior year. If healthy, how would you compare and contrast him with Padgett?”

Miller: “I’ve never seen him play, so I couldn’t say. I know he’s a St. Anthony’s prospect, which means Bob Hurley probably instilled work ethic and some basketball smarts in him. If he’s healthy, he’ll almost certainly be in that big man mix.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Hawk Palsson became a fan favorite with his hustle, and shooting ability (41.4% from 3). Do you see him as a player that eventually can be a starter, or will he always be best suited as a contributing role player?”

Miller: “Limiting the team’s best 3-point shooter – and one who’s 6-foot-6 at that – doesn’t seem like a good idea. But it’s not horrible, either. If he’s best coming off the bench so he can stretch the defense or provide instant offense, stick with it.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “In previous interviews with Evan Daniels (National Recruiting Analyst, Scout.com) and Paul Biancardi (National Recruiting Director, ESPN) they were both very enthusiastic about the incoming Freshman Nick Faust:

Evan Daniels: “Faust is a flat-out scorer. He started out primarily a shooter with a quick release and deep range. But over the course of the last year he’s added an ability to attack the basket and despite his wiry frame finish through contact. I’d like to see him develop his mid-range game and continue to get stronger, but it’s hard to not be impressed with the overall make up of Faust’s game.”

Paul Biancardi: “He plays the game with high energy along with the natural ability to score the basketball in various ways. He can finish a break at the rim or with the jumper. In the half court he will make 3′s coming off screens or spotting up from his teammates penetration. He has shown the pull-up jumper along with a solid basketball IQ. At 6’6 I like his size to see over defenders and rebounding the ball. He is only 17 so he is young of age. With a strong work ethic, while hitting the weight room he can reach his potential, the talent is all there. Which means he is an All-ACC type of player in time.”

Do you see Faust as a talent that can consistently put up points as a Freshman?”

Miller: “Consistently is a bit much to ask for most freshmen. He’ll have great games, but he’s also bound to struggle at points. The best-case scenario is Faust starts fast and maintains his confidence into ACC play and leans on guys like Mosley and Stoglin when he hits a rough patch.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Pe’Shon Howard is not going to wow anyone with his athleticism, but he is a strong interior passer, and was regularly knocking down open 3’s as last year ended. I thought Howard ran the offense better than Stoglin in the ½ court, but Stoglin is better at creating. What do you like about Howard, what needs to improve?”

Miller: “I’m with Rob Dauster – Howard’s confidence is his best asset, even if it doesn’t usually manifest itself as being more aggressive on offense. Turgeon’s offense will probably play to Howard’s strengths given past performances from guys like B.J. Holmes and Donald Sloan. Neither were overwhelming athletically, but they were smart and dedicated to running the offense. And the more he works on his jumper, the better.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Terrell Stoglin was a 2x ACC Rookie of the Week, and named to the ACC All-Freshman team. The 6’1, 185 pound Guard has never met a shot he didn’t like, which can be good and bad. I saw a guy that looked around and saw teammates that were not capable of putting the ball in the basket, and took the responsibility upon himself to score. He shot 46% from the floor, 36% from 3, 83% from the line, averaging 11.4 ppg for the year. In February he had a stretch of 5 conference games where he averaged 23 ppg. The negative aspect of his play, is that he often made poor decisions with the ball in his hands. Will he be on your ACC Pre-season teams in the Fall?”

Miller: “I would need three teams. Maybe four. But that’s a testament to the ACC’s guard talent. Stoglin’s game is bound to improve this season – it usually does from your freshman to sophomore year – but staying ahead of the curve in that ACC is no easy task. Just when the top players leave, elite prospects arrive. That said, Stoglin’s already a fine passer, displayed a scoring knack last season. If there’s an area his game needs work it’s his decision making. As you said, he was very aggressive in looking for his shot (though his ARate stayed awfully high), but that was probably a factor of the offense. Don’t expect more of the same under Turgeon. The offense will be more balanced and test Stoglin’s shooting.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “In our recent interview (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=2467) with Jay Bilas (ESPN), Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News), and Jason King (Yahoo Sports) those analysts stated Coach Turgeon’s teams play disciplined, tough physical defense, value possessions, get high quality looks on offense, provide max effort, do not beat themselves, and get the most out of their talent. Did Turgeon’s most recent A&M teams have more talent this Maryland team?”

Miller: “Other seasons yes, but not last year. Khris Middleton emerged as a solid player, but that was about it. The rest of the Aggies were guys who knew their roles and filled ‘em. That’s how you get 24 wins with average talent. It doesn’t help against premier teams (Kansas and Texas throttled the Aggies), but it’s ideal for everyone else.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Carolina figures to be dominating, Duke will be Duke. What other ACC teams currently interest you?”

Miller: “Florida State – even without Chris Singleton – should be a top-5 team again. Clemson, too. But the most interesting of the bunch should be Virginia. Tony Bennett has nearly everyone back and an incoming freshman in Malcolm Brogdon who could start right away. The Cavs finished 2011 strong and should finally be adjusted to Bennett’s deliberate offense. I mean, these are his guys. Most of ‘em are young, but these are the players he wants. Besides, if they finish below .500 again, Bennett’s going to feel a little heat. Expect the Cavs to be right there with FSU and Clemson as a top-5 ACC team.”

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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