By Gregg Cobert, on April 19th, 2012  The East was covered in the last installment and today we head to the wild wild west. The current standings break into 5 sections (Top Tier, Battle Los Angeles, Memphis, the race to sixth, and the chase to qualify).
Top Tier
San Antonio Spurs 45-16
Oklahoma City Thunder 45-17
The Spurs and the Thunder have emerged as this year’s upper echelon in the West. However that does not mean both teams are unbeatable. The Spurs have gotten there through incredible coaching by Gregg Popovich. His veterans (Tim Duncan and Ginobili) have been watched to preserve their legs for the playoffs. The role players like Danny Green, Matt Bonner, James Anderson, and Tiago Splitter have stepped up. They have gotten some savvy pickups in Boris Diaw and Stephen Jackson. However, Tony Parker has been amazing and has not gotten much credit for it. Unfortunately he will probably be beaten out by Chris Paul for First Team All NBA which is a bummer although I love CP3. As for the Thunder, they have relied on their Big 3 (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden) for offense and Serge Ibaka and his defensive prowess. All four players have stepped up their games this year and gotten better. They have also gotten veteran leadership and savvy off the bench from Derek Fisher (claimed off waivers). READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on April 17th, 2012  The 66 game sprint of the shortened NBA season began on Christmas day and is winding down. Most teams have about 5 or 6 games remaining to put their final imprint on the season whether it is competing to get into playoffs or playoff positioning, making final appeals for award races, or tanking to improve chances for the lottery. Unfortunately the Wizards fall into last category and are squarely in the number 2 slot for the ping pong balls. Over the next few days, we will break down each of the three categories starting with the playoffs and the races still going in today’s segment.
Let’s start with the cleaner of the two conferences, the East. The Chicago Bulls have amazingly not had the MVP from last year, Derrick Rose, for over a third of the season and yet it looks like they will get the number 1 seed even over LeBron and Dwyane Wade and the Heat. The Bulls don’t have a solid number 2 option like the Heat or Thunder or Lakers but somehow Tom Thibodeau has coached this team superbly even without the practices. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on April 10th, 2012  Sophomore Mychal Parker is leaving the Terps and transferring to a different program. At this time, no decision has been made by Parker. In his freshman season, he was little used and saw very little time on the court. However, in his sophomore season, he improved and was a contributor off the bench averaging 18 minutes and 4 points and 3 rebounds.
Parker is 6’5 and 195 pounds that played predominantly the wing positions this past year. Parker did not give a reason for transferring but one of the reasons may have been the crowded backcourt situation as Terrell Stoglin and Nick Faust seem entrenched for the Terps next year and Pe’Shon Howard returns from injuries as well as the incoming recruits.
Parker had a lot of talent and potential and Terps fans caught glimpses of it this past year like against Duke on February 11 when he had 12 points on 3 of 4 shooting and 6 for 6 from the charity stripe. I hope he does well wherever he transfers to and gets some playing time. While Parker’s leaving is a blow to the Terps, the crowded Terps backcourt opened up.
By Gregg Cobert, on March 8th, 2012  The first half was back and forth with both sides holding leads and playing good uptempo basketball. However, the Terps played inspired hoops in the second going on a 20-4 run to open the half and keeping the lead that high until the final buzzer, 82-60. Let’s get to the glowing report card.
Nick Faust A-
Faust started strong with Stoglin and both had awesome games. He finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was crucial in the team’s run to start 2nd half. It has been great seeing Faust grow as the season has progressed. The Baltimore product will be a fixture in the Turgeon offense and defense.
Terrell Stoglin A+
Stoglin also had a strong start and finished with 25 points on only 14 shots which is quite efficient. He also chipped in 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. He had a monster game to help pace the team. The Terps will need Stoglin and Faust at their best to catch a break and have a chance against the Heels tomorrow. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on March 5th, 2012  The Terps were unable to pull out the victory at home against the Cavaliers at home yesterday unlike the Lady Terps or the Terps wrestling who captured the ACC Tournament title. The Terps basketball team fought valiantly and really showed good effort to come back after being down to the Cavs at halftime 31-22. The Terps clawed back and lost in overtime 75-72. Let’s get to the report card of Sunday’s game.
Sean Mosley A-
Very Good Sean showed up on senior day as he had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 dimes. The only thing to cap the day would have been a W for the lone senior on the Terps squad but alas it was not meant to be.
Terrell Stoglin B+
The Gunner was in very good form pouring in 25 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists. The 25 points assured him of leading the league in scoring and tied for ninth in the country at 21.2 per game. Stoglin actually made more from three point range (5) and the foul line (4) than he did from two point range (3) despite having 16 shots from 2 point range. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on March 2nd, 2012  So the Terps are in Chapel Hill tonight to play North Carolina on senior night. I’m pretty sure it will be a 20 point blowout but I have been known to be wrong before. Let’s see what happens.
Roy Williams has his three walk on seniors starting with Tyler Zeller. UNC has its regular boys at check in table and check in at 17:53 with the score tied at 2. Kendall Marshall is so good with the passing of the rock. He is the key cog to make the Carolina offense work despite everything they have with Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Tyler Zeller. Beautiful block by Henson on the interior on a shot that looked very open. Under 16 timeout and the Terps trail 8-2. In the early going, the Terps offense looks stagnant and the defense can’t keep their man in front of them which is causing problems.
Carolina traps at half court and the Terps pass it to Bad Sean who proceeds to miss the open 3. Turgeon was assistant under Williams from 89-92 when they were both at Kansas and are good friends. However, Turgeon’s friend is kicking the crap out of him so far at 10-4. Nice steal attempt by Stoglin but he wasn’t able to control it or he would have had an easy layup or slam. Maryland has to take advantage of those opportunites to have a prayer. Henson has six points and 2 blocks already with 13:00 minutes to go. Beautiful alley oop from Marshall to Reggie Bullock and a Terp isn’t even in lane to block it. 16-4 Heels at under 12 timeout. Terps are 2-12 from field and Carolina is 7-14 and the Terps have 4 turnovers.
Bank is open late as Nick Faust hits a trey to cut lead to 16-7. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on February 27th, 2012  The Terps traveled to Hotlanta and left the ATL with another loss to add to the collection they have gotten throughout the season. The game was back and forth the entire time but the Yellow Jackets (10-18, 3-11) made the plays down the stretch to secure the victory 63-61. The Terps (16-12, 6-8) only had 24 second half points and only shot 34.5% from the field. However there were some bright spots for the team. Let’s take a look at the report card.
Nick Faust B-
Faust had 11 points and was 2-3 from three. However, the Terps had only 7 assists on their 19 field goals. Faust contributed only 2 of the assists. I understand Faust is out of his natural position playing point guard following Pe’Shon’s Howard season ending injury, but the Terps need more than 7 assists. Maybe the Terps need to institute some Norman Dale into their games the last few games of the season.
READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on February 19th, 2012  Let’s start with the positives of the game which is the fact that they fell down early and were able to rally and come back and take a lead for a bit before being tied with Virginia at 31 at the half. The second was a different story as the Cavs (20-6, 7-5) opened the half on a 16-0 run and outscored the Terps 40-13. The Terps (15-11, 5-7) definitely quit in the second half and didn’t put forth the effort to fight back. Let’s get to the gruesome report card.
Terrell Stoglin scored 14 points all in the first half.
The Terps had 5 field goals total in the second half going 5-24 from the field and 0-6 from deep. They finished with 14 total field goals going 27% from the field. At one point in the second half, Maryland went 8:18 without a field goal.
The Terps finished with 15 turnovers (10 in the second half) so their turnovers doubled their made field goals in the second and finished with more turnovers than made field goals. UVA capitalized outscoring the Terps 22-8 off turnovers.
Maryland made 7 three pointers in the first half to keep them in the game.
READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on February 17th, 2012  The Terps had a strong first half and were able to put away the Eagles at the Comcast Center 81-65. The Terps (15-10, 5-6) were paced by the Terrell Stoglin’s 24 points and Nick Faust with 6 assists and 5 steals. The Eagles (8-18, 3-9) trailed 41-27 at the half but opened the half with the first 6 points. However the Terps responded themselves and went on a 9-2 run to extend the lead to 50-35. The win marked Maryland’s most lopsided win of the season. Let’s get to the report card:
Nick Faust: B+
As stated above, Faust had a career high in assists and steals and did an admirable job filling in for Howard at the point. The five turnovers are a bit disconcerting but he performed well. A strong test will be in store for him on Saturday when the Terps travel to Charlottesville to play Virginia.
Terrell Stoglin: A-
Following the benching and Twitter remarks, people were concerned if Turgeon had lost Stoglin. If the game last night was any indication, the answer is no. He had 24 points and 5 three pointers to help lead the team. With the 5 threes, he passed Gary Junior for the sophomore record. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on February 8th, 2012  umterps.com The Clemson Tigers (11-12, 3-6) were in another dog fight as is typical for their season (10 of their 12 losses by single digits), but the Terps (14-9, 4-5) were able to hold on 64-62. The Terps were up 53-39 with 7:55 to go and the Tigers had a chance to tie it after Maryland fouled Andre Young on a 3 point shot. He was an 88% free throw shooter and made 1 of 3. It was a tough hard fought win and if I had any hair, I probably would have pulled some out. Let’s get to the report card.
Pe’Shon Howard D+
Meh. That’s all I can summon for Howard’s game tonight. The most frustrating thing is that Howard is a 70% free throw shooter and missed two front ends of 1 in 1s. He had more turnovers (3) than assists (2).
Terrell Stoglin A +
In the first half he was 5-7 for 13 points and the rest of the team was 5-16 for 13 points. If that was all he did, that would have been great but he was excellent in the second half and got big baskets and free throws to cinch the win for the Terps. He finished with 27 points on 9-11 shooting (4-6 from distance), 4 steals, and clutch free throw shooting. The four steals led to easy offense for himself and his teammates. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on February 2nd, 2012  umterps.com For a lot of the game it looked like this might be the same Terps team that fans have seen all year. However, Maryland (13-8, 3-4) showed they had some fight still in them. The whole evening in Coral Gables went exactly as Miami would want it to go as they lead 62-46 with 7:09 but the Terps closed regulation on a 23-7 run to send it to overtime. They even had a chance to win with a Terrell Stoglin 3 at the buzzer that rimmed out. In the first overtime, the Terps had a brief lead at 72-71 but Miami was able to answer and the teams closed the first overtime tied at 76. In the second overtime, the Hurricanes (13-7, 4-3) scored the first 7 points and were able to hold off the Terps 90-86. Let’s get to the report card.
Nick Faust B
Faust was the starter in name only as his production and minutes were similar to what he has done off the bench. He had some bright spots and I love his ability to grab a steal for the team (he finished with 3). Faust’s shooting has also improved over the last few games as well which is a good sign. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on January 26th, 2012  There was a lot of emotion in the Comcast Center with the court being named in honor of Gary Williams tonight. The Terps played strong again for 30 minutes and had the lead by 3 points with 8 minutes to play. However, the Terps went through 2 separate cold spells of not having a field goal for over 3 minutes which sealed their fate. They could not help themselves either as they were 3-10 from the line in the 2nd half. Maryland (12-7, 2-3) fell 74-61 to the Blue Devils (17-3, 5-1). The main problem for the Terps was the fact they could not stop Mason Plumlee as he had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Let’s get to the report card.
Pe’Shon Howard B+
Howard had a very good all around game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was aggressive looking for his shot and also looking to find teammates for shots. It might have been his best game since coming back from the broken foot. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on January 21st, 2012  The Terps had an opportunity game to pick up a quality non conference road win. However, Roman was pretty close in his final score prediction of the game. The Terps hung close for most of the game and had the game down to one at 57-56 but were outscored 16-4 in the final 5:16 and lost the game 73-60. The telling stat for the game was the score from three point range. Temple won 27-12. Let’s get to the report card.
Pe’Shon Howard B
Mark Turgeon asked him to look for his offense more and today he found some. He finished with 15 points and was much more aggressive looking for his shot. It was good to see. However, it seems like it is a Catch 22. If he gets his offense, his assist numbers suffer and vice versa. I don’t know if a balance exists.
Terrell Stoglin B
Stoglin finished with 20 points again and added 2 assists and 3 rebounds. However, there were moments during the game as Temple built the lead that he didn’t touch the ball on offensive possessions. It’s great to see the Terps try and get others involved in the offense but as the team is struggling, you have to turn to the ACC’s leading scorer. READ MORE >>>
By Gregg Cobert, on January 21st, 2012 Typically, assistant coaches do not end up making coverage here at BSR unless your name is Cam Cameron or you make a knuckle-headed decision. Dalonte Hill committed the latter. Hill, one of the assistant coaches on the Terps bench, will not be on the bench the next two games after getting arrested for suspicion of DUI. The crazy part is that this is the second time Hill has been suspended. The same incident occurred in January 2008 when he was an assistant at Kansas State.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident just in College Park as Pat Forde points out in his Forde Minutes. It is amusing reading about Fran McCaffery’s chair tossing and how it doesn’t even come close to being the benchmark for the Big 10.
Dalonte Hill is an excellent recruiter as he was the man who was able to recruit Michael Beasley to Kansas State due to his DC Assault roots. However, it feels coaches say one thing to their players and then not follow it themselves. The double standard is amazing. Coaches are supposed to teach young men life lessons that hopefully extend beyond sports, but with misconduct, it shows the double standard. If a player were to be arrested for suspicion of DUI, I don’t think the punishment would be 2 games. Errors in judgment do occur for everyone but for repeat offenders clearly they did not learn from their initial punishment.
However, the bottom line is this. As long as coaches get wins or score the big recruits, they will still be able to find gainful employment. However, please don’t call yourselves teachers because it just confuses your pupils.
By Gregg Cobert, on January 18th, 2012  Maryland (12-5, 2-2) stayed close with Florida State (12-6, 3-1) for the first half and even had the lead with 17:18 to go. However, a couple of threes by Deividas Dulkys led the Seminoles on a run to put the team up 61-45. The Terps were unable to recover and suffered their second ACC loss. The game reminded me of the fight between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort. Everything is going fine, and then WHAM!!! lights out (begin at 2:10 mark). Let’s check out the report card.
Pe’Shon Howard C
4 points, 4 assists. He floated through the game and never made a mark on the game. Pe’Shon is such a solid passer and the team runs so much smoother when he gets the ball to teammates in their spots.
Terrell Stoglin A
Stoglin was a beast again tonight scoring 27 points but he also contributed in other ways adding 4 assists and 3 boards. He came to play but could never get another running mate to go with him. As a player this year, his decision making and growth has been a pleasure to watch. If only the Terps could find a Scottie. READ MORE >>>
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The East was covered in the last installment and today we head to the wild wild west. The current standings break into 5 sections (Top Tier, Battle Los Angeles, Memphis, the race to sixth, and the chase to qualify).
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