2010-2011 ACC Preview

#5: Maryland

Games against 2010 NCAA Tournament teams: 10
Best non-conference game: Nov. 18 vs. Pittsburgh (in New York City)

Projected Starting Five:
F - Jordan Williams (Sophomore)
F - Dino Gregory (Senior)
F - Cliff Tucker (Senior)
G - Sean Mosley (Junior)
G - Adrian Bowie (Senior)

There's no question Maryland lost a lot off last year's team. Their heart and soul, Grievis Vasquez, is gone. As is his backcourt mate, Sean Hayes. But I have to say, I have faith in Gary Williams. Even though this is supposed to be somewhat of a rebuilding year for the Terps, I think they have enough in a somewhat down ACC to make it to the Big Dance.

What Maryland does have coming back is an emerging big man in Jordan Williams, who showed flashes last year. He ended up with 9.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, very strong numbers for a freshman. I think Williams will end up being the anchor of this team. His frontcourt mates, Dino Gregory and Cliff Tucker, have been role players in the past but should be able to step up and produce. And the Terps have a pretty solid backcourt, with Sean Mosley and Adrian Bowie, who combined to score 15 points per game last year.

Obviously, Maryland will really miss Vasquez. What they will need to get is someone who can fill the void both as a leader out on the floor and someone the team can turn to and produce when the game is on the line. The Terps have some interesting early season games. They will be tested right away, in their second game against College of Charleston. Later on, they have games against Pittsburgh, Temple and Villanova. So Maryland might have some growing pains in the first two months of the year, but I think they are primed for another decent season.