Network Share: A Terp slant
The power of Rivals.com is undeniable; our network is THE go-to for all things college and high school sports related. There is no reason to go elsewhere.
With that in mind, we bring you Network Share, a collaborative effort among sites specializing in specific schools. This time around, Scott Greene, Publisher of TerrapinSportsReport.com, agreed to provide a true insider's look at Maryland Basketball.
Of course this is germane due to Georgetown hosting Maryland this evening at 6:30P. Those interested in attending can purchase seats here. Providing more on the match up from a Hoya perspective is this article.
Regarding the Terps, Greene was posed a few questions, and graciously provided in depth, cogent, informative responses. He's THE source of all things Maryland Athletics related.
Below are the queries Greene received, along with excerpts of his replies. For the entire transcript, visit our Premium Court message board. Greene pulls the curtain back on Maryland Hoops!
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Greene's info excepts:
1) How do you rate Maryland's perimeter defense?
"The Terps lost their top perimeter defender from last season in Rasheed Sulaimon, but added quickness and length on the perimeter this season in freshman guards Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter. In fact, head coach Mark Turgeon said ahead of the Georgetown game that he feels Cowan and Huerter are the Terps' top two perimeter defenders right now. What Cowan lacks in height...".
2) How do you rate the Terps' perimeter defense?
"Due to early season injury in the front court, Duquesne graduate transfer LG Gill found himself playing the five in the Terps' season opening win over American. Maryland coaches see Gill as more of a four this season but his play says he's really more of a natural three. Gill is very skilled and can score at all three levels...".
3) Do you expect to see Maryland with diamond pressure they showed in spurts vs. American?
"For the most part, (HC Mark) Turgeon prefers to stick with straight man defense and doesn't like to pressure. With the Hoyas now seeming like they might pressure and try to push tempo themselves, maybe...".
4) Is it too much to expect Melo Trimble to lead the team in points, assists and minutes?
"Melo Trimble is the straw that stirs the drink for Maryland. There's little doubt that barring something unforeseen, Trimble will be the Terps' leading scorer. He showed in the Terps' opener that he's going to attack the basket and with Anthony Cowan now able to play on the ball some, it should allow Trimble to get some easy looks from the perimeter. Whether or not Trimble will lead the Terps in assists is tough to say...". .
5) What is the tone and tenor of the squad after narrowly escaping American?
"The tone and the tenor of the team really hasn't changed since narrowly defeating American. The reality is, the Terps are working in a number of fresh faces...".
6) What will the outcome be?
"The Hoyas present a major challenge right now for the Terps given the fact Maryland has so many new pieces and has been riddled with injuries in the front court early on. Even without Bradley Hayes...".