Outlook: Does anyone hear that? Listen closer, we usually hear it around March, . . . → Read More: Previewing the Terps and Hokies: Will Seth Greenberg Be Crying Once Again?]]> Virginia Tech Hokies (12-8, 1-4 ACC) At Maryland Terrapins (12-7, 2-3 ACC)
Saturday 2:30pm Comcast Center, College Park, MD
Leading Scorer: VT- Erick Green 15.8ppg MD: Terrell Stoglin 20.9ppg
Last game: VT- lost to BYU 70-68 MD: lost to Duke 74-61

Outlook:
Does anyone hear that? Listen closer, we usually hear it around March, it’s the sound of Seth Greenberg pleading his team’s case to be in the NCAA Tournament. Maybe the Hokies have been “snubbed” in the past , but after a 1-4 start in conference play this season, Virginia Tech has a lot of work to do if they want to even be in the conversation come tourney time. Not only have the Hokies lost four games in conference, but they have lost to Boston College and Wake Forest. However, they did beat a good Virginia team in their last ACC game, despite scoring just 47 points. Not many expected the Hokies to be toiling around the cellar of the conference, but things like that don’t happen by accident. It just may be possible that this year’s Virginia Tech team is just not that talented, no matter how much Seth Greenberg wants to dispute the critics. Even after saying all that, it would not surprise anyone if they came into the Comcast Center and left with a win.

I know there is no such thing as a moral victory, and despite what anyone says, the Terps simply collapsed again Wednesday night. Despite leading the game in the second half, Maryland showed their usual ineptitude running the half- court offense, and failed to make shots for 40 minutes. While Duke couldn’t miss at the free throw stripe, MD couldn’t convert, and had noticeable breakdowns on the defensive end the floor. Alex Len is starting to look to like the second coming of Will Bowers, only weaker. And, Nick Faust has yet to show any sort of ability to make a three pointer. The one bright spot has been Ashton Pankey, who is a menace on the glass, and strong enough to play against players who have more size then he does. If I could not see the name on the back of their jersey, I might mistake Pankey for former Terp Byron Mouton, which is high praise for the red shirt freshman. Despite previous results against the Hokies, this is a game the Terps expect to win, and one they need to win if they want to finish in the top half of the conference.

Prediction:
Two bold predictions here: First ,Terrell Stoglin will lead the Terps in scoring this game. Second, Seth Greenberg will be running his mouth about his team’s tournament chances immediately after this game. Okay, okay I know neither of those is bold, but truthfully, this game is a complete coin flip. I give a slight advantage to the Terps being at home, and think they gained some confidence (if it’s possible to gain that from a 13 points loss) after their game against Duke. I look for a sloppy game from both teams with poor offensive execution. But, somehow the home team gets the job done.
Terps 65 Hokies 61.

What a crappy week.  The Ravens gets bounced from the AFC Championship, then lose Chuck Pagano, the Orioles miss on Prince Fielder and Maryland loses to Duke.

If you need something to brighten your day, the BSR Podcast is the best we can do.

Duke Blue Devils (16-3. 4-1 ACC) at Maryland Terrapins (12-6, 2-2 ACC) Wed Jan 25th 9pm Comcast Center, College Park, Md Last game: Duke- lost to FSU 76-73 MD-lost to Temple 73-60 Leading scorer: Duke- Austin Rivers 14.4ppg MD- Terrell Stoglin 21.5ppg

Outlook: After that, there is likely to be nothing but bad . . . → Read More: Previewing The Terps Vs The Dookies: A Evening For The Blues]]>

Duke Blue Devils (16-3. 4-1 ACC) at Maryland Terrapins (12-6, 2-2 ACC)
Wed Jan 25th 9pm Comcast Center, College Park, Md
Last game: Duke- lost to FSU 76-73 MD-lost to Temple 73-60
Leading scorer: Duke- Austin Rivers 14.4ppg MD- Terrell Stoglin 21.5ppg

Outlook:
After that, there is likely to be nothing but bad news, as the visiting and sixth ranked Blue Devils come to College Park looking to avenge their first conference loss. No matter what their fans may chant, Duke and Maryland are rivals as the Terps have more success against the Blue Devils then every team in the conference but North Carolina. The crowd is sure to be electric and the crowd is sure to be their loud, taunting selves. The Terrapin faithful is sure to turn the Comcast Center into the home court advantage it has not been all season. Just ask this guy what the Maryland crowd is like.

Outside of the crowd and the emotion of the court dedication Duke has the advantage everywhere else. Once again the Blue Devils possess a team that is capable of winning the national title and one that on paper is far more talented than the Terps. The Blue Devils have looked vulnerable in their three loses but those losses came against teams that had strong interior games coupled with good guard play. Their three point shooting makes up for their short coming’s in the inside game and will likely carry them past the Terps and deep into March.
The emotion of the court dedication and the fierceness of their rivalry should help keep the Terps in the game early. There is nothing a Maryland player or fan likes to see more than this.

Terrell Stoglin is more than capable of going off for 30 points but he alone will not be able to carry the Terps to victory. Coach K is sure to have a game plan in place to stop Stoglin so someone else will have to step up and knock down shots. In addition to that, Padgett and Pankey will need to be monsters on the glass to limit Duke’s second chance point and also provide some extra opportunities for their team. The game is not played on paper and you never know what can happen, but it will be a tall task for the home team spring the upset Wednesday night.

Prediction:
So not only do I still have to feel the sting of that Ravens loss, and the Prince Fielder doesn’t don the Orange and Black but now I have to watch the Terps face a talented Duke team that is sure to be angry and will likely run them out of their own gym. I would love to be wrong on this one but I have a feeling it could get ugly. The only thing that will keep this game close is the early emotion of the court dedication, the crowd and the rivalry. I expect the Terps to hang around early but the Blue Devils to pull away to win comfortably. Either way, I still hate JJ Reddick.

Duke 81 Maryland 64

You can follow Marco “The Little Roman” Romanell on twitter @mromanell and Baltimore Sports Report @BalSportsreport

I wish I played basketball at Maryland so I could wear cool Under Armour shoes with Gary Williams signature on them.

As Terps fans know, Maryland will honor Gary Williams by naming their court after the legendary coach before tonight’s game against Duke.  The University held a ceremony for Williams on . . . → Read More: Terps Players To Honor Gary Williams With These Under Armour Shoes]]>

I wish I played basketball at Maryland so I could wear cool Under Armour shoes with Gary Williams signature on them.

As Terps fans know, Maryland will honor Gary Williams by naming their court after the legendary coach before tonight’s game against Duke.  The University held a ceremony for Williams on Monday that featured such highlights as toasts from Coach K, Roy Williams and Juan Dixon as well as a fist pumping silhouette of the coach projected on to the Comcast Center.

But nothing is as cool as Under Armour’s shoes designed specifically for the Terps players for tonight’s game.

You’ve probably already seen how Under Armour revolutionized college football uniforms with their designs for the Terps 2011 season, but the basketball shoes take UA’s Maryland spirit to the next level. (More pictures after the bump.)

Under Armour tweeted that the shoes are currently not available to the public at this time.

When Gary Williams abruptly retired in May, I set my all-time speed record for blog writing. The moment that twitter-bomb detonated, I had so many different thoughts racing through my normally traffic-less head that I didn’t even know what I wanted to say. I just knew that I wanted to . . . → Read More: One Last Night In Garyland]]>

Courtesy Getty Images

When Gary Williams abruptly retired in May, I set my all-time speed record for blog writing. The moment that twitter-bomb detonated, I had so many different thoughts racing through my normally traffic-less head that I didn’t even know what I wanted to say. I just knew that I wanted to say something.

Because after Bob Wade left this program face down in a gutter somewhere, Gary came in and did what he does best. He built. Not just some very good teams, but a program that surpassed the glory of the Driesell years, and one that could contend for a national championship. This is what I wrote about replacing a legend.

          Before getting into who has to step into the large, sweat-soaked shoes that have been left over, it needs to be noted what Gary did for Maryland. The critics will say that Gary was a disinterested recruiter who shunned quite possibly the most fertile recruiting ground in the country right in his back yard.

           Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, and Rudy Gay are just a few of the names he missed out on, but take a look who got those kids. Durant went to Rick Barnes, who I’ll get to in a minute, but the next two coaches are Jim Calhoun and Bob Huggins (who didn’t coach Beasley, but he recruited him).

           Huggins and John Calipari have coaching careers that closely mirror the idea of “dine and ditch” (althought Cal usually racks up a bigger tab). Calhoun’s unquestioned success has covered for some major indiscretions (recruiting violations, and the possibility of UConn being ineligible for the 2013 NCAA tournament).

            It’s impossible to deny that Gary didn’t strike it rich in a veritable gold mine, but he won a national championship and fielded a competitive team every year of his tenure, and he did it without having to sign a deal with the devil (boosters, certain AAU coaches) as the aforementioned names did. Because of him, plenty of Maryland fans were shocked to find out yesterday that this job is as highly regarded in the coaching industry as any because of the pristine condition Gary left it in.

             What cannot be questioned was Gary’s coaching acumen. When it came to game day, there is no coach that I can think of in college basketball (with the possible exception of Coach K) I would rather have commanding a team. With Gary at the helm, Maryland got to the NCAA tournament with DAVE FREAKING NEAL STARTING AT THE 5. AND THEY WON A GAME.

              In the most important nationally televised games, games where some teams would be blinded by the spotlight, Maryland was almost always game. There are a few blemishes, including some thumpings at Cameron and the Dean Dome, but there were also games like the 2007 win at Carolina, the 2006 win at Duke, and the unquestioned dominance of all things Comcast Center and Cole Fieldhouse under his reign. From 2006-2010, the Terps were 3-2 against North Carolina whose yearly McDonalds intake resembles that of Morgan Spurlock. Why? Because Gary Williams could run tactical circles around Roy Williams, and just about anyone else you put in front of him.

            Lastly, and I’ve said this before, the worst thing to see as a fan is a team or coach with a sense of apathy. The prime example that comes to mind for me is the 2005-2006 UConn team with five first round draft picks that lost to George Mason. Although Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong didn’t end up really lighting the world on fire in the NBA, they were both more than adequate college basketball players. Marcus Williams was a dazzling point guard with outstanding court vision, Denham Brown provided a long distance threat, and Rudy Gay was a continuously running highlight film.

            That team should have won the national championship running away, but there were games where they simply did not show up. Part of the blame goes on the players, but part of it definitely goes on Calhoun for not being able to get such a talented group to play to their potential.

             I can not think of one time when I was at Maryland where I thought that the basketball team was just going through the motions during a game. Every game was always the Duke game to Gary Williams, and if a player didn’t believe that, then he was pulled off the floor and given a few choice words by the coach.

             Every single player to a man that played under Williams will say that they respect him, and all the players that I saw improved dramatically in every year under his tutelage. He was a brilliant tactician, and a better motivator, and no matter who comes in, it will not be the same without seeing that predatory crouch on the sidelines during games.

In the four and a half years I was at Maryland, Gary continued to do what he always did. He screamed himself hoarse at his assistants, he built teams from the ground up, and he won games.

I watched the last season of a very good Maryland team (Strawberry, Jones, Ibekwe), and spent three years watching the coach build another from scratch. Gary oversaw the maturation of a great practice shooter, a tweener lefty, and an athletically limited unconventional point guard into a dead eye three specialist, a senior leader, and the 2010 ACC player of the year. He may have never had the sturdiest material to build with, but there was never a question that he got the most out of what he had.

Being a fan of three teams with frequent head coach openings (Mets, Jets, Knicks) I’ve seen a lot of them come and go. I’m a Rex Ryan guy, and I was sad to see Bobby V get a raw deal in Queens, but Gary Williams is my favorite coach I’ve had of any team, and it’s not even close. Turgeon may turn out just fine, but not seeing that sweaty, surly, sixty-something year old giving credence to the idea of earmuffs on the sidelines is still strange.

And that’s what gives an extra meaning to tonight’s game. For all of the grief I’ve given the athletic department, they were smart enough to recognize what was plain to see to every Cole or Comcast denizen for the past 22 years. That even though he looks so damn miserable, and even at an age where his crouch will probably tear a groin muscle, Gary Williams belongs on a basketball court. Tonight will ensure that he’ll always be there.

– Follow me on Twitter @patguth321 –

You can get in touch with the BSR Podcast by sending your emails to podcast@baltimoresportsreport.com or leaving a voicemail at 443-379-4BSR (4377).

Here are . . . → Read More: BSR Podcast: Jay-Z And The B-Word, Ravens Keys To Victory, John Smolt’z House]]> The guys are back for another edition of the BSR Podcast.  Just like Jimmy The Greek, Patrick swept the weekend with his Divisional playoff picks and he made sure that everyone knew it.

You can get in touch with the BSR Podcast by sending your emails to podcast@baltimoresportsreport.com or leaving a voicemail at 443-379-4BSR (4377).

Here are some of topics discussed in this week’s show:

NFL Divisional Playoffs Recap

The defending champion Green Bay Packers fell flat against the hottest team in the playoffs, the New York Giants. Alex Smith was dominant as the 49ers knocked out the New Orleans Saints, Tebow time came to an end as the Patriots smacked around the Broncos and the Ravens kept it close with the Texans.

Ed Reed Critical Of Joe Flacco’s Play Against Texans

The biggest story this week came from an interview that Ed Reed gave in which he said that Joe Flacco didn’t appear to have a hold on the Ravens offense. The guys break down Reed’s poor timing and Flacco’s response.

NFC Championship Predictions

The Giants head west as 2.5 point underdogs to the 49ers, but they have had no problem in that role so far. The guys give their pick on who advances to the Super Bowl.

AFC Championship Keys For The Ravens

Before giving their winner, the guys give their three keys to victory for the Ravens in New England. Can the Ravens stop the tight end duo of Gronkowski and Hernandez? How do they contain Tom Brady and how much of a role should Joe Flacco play?

AFC Championship Predictions

An absolute must listen. The guys give their surprising picks for the Ravens at Patriots AFC Championship game.

Rob Lowe Says Peyton Manning Will Retire

Rob Lowe, the guy from Parks and Recreation tweeted that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will retire. Who does this guy think he is, @incarceratedbob? The guys examine Manning’s injury and discuss the concussions and future of both Sidney Crosby and Brian Roberts.

Want To Buy John Smoltz’s House?

For just $7.2 million you can have John Smoltz’s 18,265 square foot house that features 10 bedrooms, 12 bathroom, a home gym movie theatre, outdoor kitchen, wet bar, golf course and football field. The only downside is that you have to live in Georgia.

Jay-Z Gives Up The B-Word?

Jay-Z and Beyonce welcomed Blue Ivy Carter this week and a rumor circulated that the rapper would give up the b-word after his daughter’s birth. The guys wonder how 99 problems would sound without it and give their favorite Jay-Z album.

Brian Stewart was hired yesterday to join Randy Edsall’s staff. Maryland’s defense, and actually Maryland’s everything, was an abomination in 2011. Stewart, who comes to College Park from Houston, will likely install a 3-4 system in an attempt to not lose ten games in a single season. In other words, HE MUST PROTECT . . . → Read More: VIDEO: Here’s Maryland’s New Defensive Coordinator, Coordinating]]>

Brian Stewart was hired yesterday to join Randy Edsall’s staff. Maryland’s defense, and actually Maryland’s everything, was an abomination in 2011. Stewart, who comes to College Park from Houston, will likely install a 3-4 system in an attempt to not lose ten games in a single season. In other words, HE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE. Seems reasonable.

Here’s some bonus footage of his 2010 Cougars doing Oklahomas. They seem pretty excited.

Wed 7pm, Comcast Center, College Park, MD

Last game: Wake- def V.Tech 58-55 MD: lost to NC St 79-74

Leading Scorer: Wake- C.J Harris 18.3ppg MD- Terrell Stoglin 21.4ppg

The Terps return to the friendly confines of the Comcast Center in . . . → Read More: Previewing the Deacons and the Terps]]> Wake Forest Demon Deacons (10-5, 1-0 ACC)
At
Maryland Terrapins (10-4, 0-1 ACC)

Wed 7pm, Comcast Center, College Park, MD

Last game: Wake- def V.Tech 58-55 MD: lost to NC St 79-74

Leading Scorer: Wake- C.J Harris 18.3ppg MD- Terrell Stoglin 21.4ppg

The Terps return to the friendly confines of the Comcast Center in search of their first conference win when they take on Wake Forest Wednesday night. With their loss to NC State and having six conference games against Duke, North Carolina and Virginia, which are likely to all be losses, the Terps to need win the games they are “supposed” to win and this game is can be viewed as one of them. While Wake did beat a good Virginia Tech team in their last game, they still are expected to finish in the lower of the conference, so defending home court is a must for the Terps if they want to make headway in the ACC this season. Despite Wake’s struggles the last couple of seasons and their expectations coming into this season, the Terps can’t take them lightly or they will fall to 0-2 in the ACC come about 9pm Wednesday night.

C. J Harris paces the Demon Deacon scoring attack averaging 18 points per game and shooting 55 percent from three point range. Harris hit several big shots down the stretch in the win against Virginia Tech on Saturday and is more than capable of shooting the Demon Deacons to victory against the Terps. If the Wake defense can keep the Terps offense to 65 points or less then Wake will have a great chance to win the game, if they can’t they will need the likes of McKie(17.9ppg) and Chennault(11.1ppg) to compliment Harris on the offensive end to give them a realistic shot of winning. The length and shot blocking ability of Carson Desrosiers was a major factor in the win against the Virginia Tech and could also play a factor in this game.

Like many games this season the Terps struggled from the line, failed to make big shots and had no scoring outside Stoglin in their loss to NC St. There shouldn’t be too much taken from the last game as it was a road game against a quality opponent that many people expected to be a loss. Returning home against an opponent that has lost to the likes of Wofford and Richmond this season should get the Terps in the win column. There really is no hard hitting analysis needed when analyzing this year’s team, if they can get consistent scoring outside of Stoglin, hit free throws and get points and rebounds from Len and Padgett they will win.

Certainly this is a game that Maryland expects to win and one that I believe they will win. I do not put much stock in Wake’s win against Virginia Tech because they were at home, and only managed to score 58 points. This year’s Terps team will struggle to blow anyone out ,but being they have yet to lose to an inferior opponent and they play much better at home, anything less than a win would be a disappointment. Look for Sean Mosley and Alex Len to step up and help carry the offense. Expect a close game the whole way through but the Terps and hopefully their yellow uniforms to prevail.

Terps 67, Wake 61

You can follow Marco on twitter @mromanell