Last season Maryland had a roller coaster ride that ended up the same way the last few seasons had ended; an NIT berth after falling off the bubble fence in late February. The Terps had an awful non conference season by their standards; dropping six games, all six in the D.C. metropolitan area. As soon as the conference season startd, Gary Williams managed to get the team rolling, starting with a win at then #1 UNC. The Terps hung their hats on that victory all the way until Selection Sunday, but losing six of their last eight in conference and in the opening round of the ACC Tournament cost them an NCAA spot. The Terps must find a valuable replacement for both of their big men inside; James Gist and Bambale Osby combined for 49 minutes, 15 boards and 27 points per game last year as seniors.
Maryland returns both of their starting guards, Grievis Vasquez and Eric Hayes. Vasquez led the team in scoring last season, averaging 17 a game, and Hayes was the team’s top perimeter threat. The Terps only have one senior, Dave Neal, who had only one start and averaged less than eight minutes per game. Therefore with Hayes and Vasquez, Maryland has a foundation for the next two seasons on the perimeter. Unfortunately the ACC is littered with big men this season and things are mighty thin up front. Sophomores Braxton Dupree, Jerome Burney and Dino Gregory will all play vital roles as returning sophomores; none of whom are defined and have yet to prove themselves on such a stage.
Maryland has a reason for excitement: young experience in the backcourt and potential in the frontcourt. The problem will be adjusting to a very difficult schedule which features the Old Spice Classic and an obviously demanding conference schedule. Maryland should return to the NCAAs, but it will not be easy. They must win the games they are supposed to at home in the non-con to put themselves in position for wiggle room in the ACC.
58. Massachusetts
Coach Travis Ford led the Minutemen to a 25-win season and a trip to the NIT championship where they lost to Ohio State in the final. The Minutemen started out 11-2 with impressive road wins at Boston College and Syracuse and against Houston at home. Then the schedule picked up and lost seven of ten at the outset of the A-10 schedule, which really cost them a shot at an at-large bid. Losing in the A-10 quarters also ended their dreams for a NCAA appearance, but ended on a high note in the NIT.
The Minutemen lose high scorer swingman Gary Forbes, but guard Chris Lowe returns for new head coach Derek Kellogg. Kellogg was an assistant at Memphis and hopes to bring the quick, uptempo Memphis game to Amherst. Lowe led the A-10 in assists last year and helped Forbes earn player of the year honors in the league. The scoring will be dependent on junior guard Ricky Harris. Harris averaged 18 per last season and will have to improve even more than last season when he earned A-10 Most Improved player award. Harris knocked down an astounding 104 three pointers and should match that total with the amount of touches he looks to get this season. “Having two guys (Lowe and Harris) who have proven themselves is great,” Kellogg said. Inside the Minutemen have a lot of size. 7-1 center Luke Bonner and 6-8 Tony Gaffney both provide senior leadership for this team as they both played in all 35 games last season. Three underclassmen provide bulk to the Minutemen interior which should help keep them fresh and able. Freshmen Tyrell Lynch and Travon Wilcher both come in expecting to see significant minutes replacing both Gaffney and Bonner.
Umass has the skills to go to the NCAA Tournament, but compared to everyone else in the league they may end up being a step behind St. Joe and Xavier. They are deep, talented and really athletic, but transitioning to Kellogg’s system and ways could cause some growing pains for what is an incredibly experienced starting rotation. Blend the returnees with some explosive newcomers and this Massachusetts team will be rolling come February and certainly a force in March. Expect another 25-win season for the Minutemen.
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