fear the turtle?

I was very disappointed in tonight's game against Clemson. The final score was close (97-93), but overall the game was not. The Terps (16-9, 7-7) were down by as much as 16 in the first half before cutting it to 9 at the half. They remained close for most of the second half, keeping it within 10, even cutting it to 3 at one point. However, sloppy defense, bad fouls, poor shooting, and overall uninspired basketball led them to another conference loss. What bothers me the most is the inconsistency of the team from game to game. Clemson, tied for last in the ACC standings (13-13, 3-10 in conference play!) has now swept the Terps after losing 13 straight contests to them before this season. Next for Maryland is a North Carolina team that will be a #1 seed in the NCAA tourney, barring a total collapse before the ACC Tournament, . I should add that North Carolina destroyed Clemson by 32 three nights ago and obliterated Maryland by 34 in January.

Things are not looking good. We (yes, we) are on the bubble now. We have dropped to fifth in the ACC, only one game in front of Miami and a half-game ahead of Georgia Tech. At this rate, we are in jeopardy of not controlling our own destiny, hoping for another conference tournament run like last year. We only seem inspired on the court when playing Duke (an almost lock for a #2 seed). If we finished the regular season with 9 conference wins (winning 2 of our last 3), I see at the highest a 6 seed, which places us in the precarious position of meeting up with a lights-out shooting mid-major team with everything to prove against an opponent from a high caliber conference. I'll say it again...things are not looking good.

I've been a fan of the Terps since 1996-97 season, the season after Iverson left Georgetown right along with my interest in Hoyas basketball, although I always have an eye on how the program is doing, and this year John Thompson III has done a great job putting them back into the March Madness mix.

The players:
Gilchrist- has his days, but does not have the consistency of say Chris Paul of Wake or Jarrett Jack of G-tech. The team needs him to be a leader but I don't think he is ready mentally for it. Some nights it seems like he doesn't show up at all.

Garrison- The mo'fo is too tall not to have any inside presence...ok, i'm still a little pissed off at the loss tonight. He's a decent rebounder but has no post moves, takes too many outside shots. Where is Lonnie Baxter when you need him.

McCray- A wonderful shooter, it's unfortunate he doesn't do it more. He should be the first to shoot on the team...shit, he's a shooting guard!

Gist- I like him. He reminds me of Joe Smith only a little slimmer. He's young though and shouldn't have to play the role that he has been forced into. Give him another year and he'll be a consistent 16pt/10reb. guy.

Ebekwe- He's a mini Chris Wilcox, attacks the rim, has potential to be a great player on the blocks but he doesn't attack enough and he also, like Garrison, takes too many outside jumpers. They belong in the paint. Post up nigga! Post up!

Mike Jones...who?- Well, it's about damn time Gary Williams gave homeboy some real PT. Known out of high school for his outside shooting, I like how he has taken the ball to the basket the past two or three games. He is the X-factor come March.

Bowers- A body. Rarely contributes points. his hook is awful. 3-4 boards a game. go figure.

Ledbetter- Gilchrist's replacement, slowly being brought into the system. I don't have much to say about his game. I haven't seen enough of him.


Tonight, I was informed by the telecast that the ACC tourney is here in DC...? It has been in Greensboro so long...I assumed it would be there this year as well. I wonder if the change of location has anything to do with Maryland winning the tournament last year. hmmm...

All in all, I love Maryland basketball and I support them no matter what, but it's time to step that game up...

GO TERPS!