Official Maryland Terps Thread 2.0

[Wizardspride]

https://twitter.com/#!/insidemdsports

Jeff Ermann ‏ @insidemdsports


InsideMDSports.com News Break: Michigan transfer Evan Smotrycz has committed to the University of Maryland.

Jeff Ermann ‏ @insidemdsports

Following a redshirt year next winter, Smotrycz, a 6-9, 235-pound forward, will give the #Terps the 3-point threat they've been seeking.

Jeff Ermann ‏ @insidemdsports

Credit #Terps staff for making quick work of Evan Smotrycz. #Terps had no preexisting ties w/him but moved quickly & secured a commitment.

Jeff Ermann ‏ @insidemdsports

#Terps frontcourt had been painfully undersized in recent years. In 11 months, Turgeon's added six players 6-8 or taller.

Jeff Ermann ‏ @insidemdsports


Shaq Cleare (6-9/275), Jake Layman (6-8/200),Alex Len (7-1/225), Charles Mitchell (6-8/260),Damonte Dodd (6-9/240), Evan Smotrycz (6-9/235).

[Ruzious]

With the Smotrycz recruiting, it looks even more like Turgeon likes big skilled players who aren't necessarily very athletic. He's kind of a surprising signing to me - considering he'll have to sit out a season, and they have 3 freshman bigs coming in - who will presumably be ready for more playing time in their sophomore seasons.

[Wizardspride]

With the Smotrycz recruiting, it looks even more like Turgeon likes big skilled players who aren't necessarily very athletic. He's kind of a surprising signing to me - considering he'll have to sit out a season, and they have 3 freshman bigs coming in - who will presumably be ready for more playing time in their sophomore seasons.

It's not surprising at all to me because Smotrycz provides a completely different skillset than the other incoming bigs.

Those other guys are bangers while Smotrycz is a face up four who can bury 3's.

[Wizardspride]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/recr ... 8556.story

Meet the Recruit: Terps women's commitment Tierney Pfirman


In a small town best known for its world-famous summer baseball tournament, Tierney Pfirman stands out.

Ever since Pfirman joined the South Williamsport (Pa.) High varsity basketball team as a freshman, her development has been closely chronicled in the local newspaper. Notoriety in a small town means getting recognized, for example, at the grocery store.

"All the old men read the newspaper," said Pfirman, a Maryland-bound forward. "I'll walk by and they'll say, 'Hey, are you that Pfirman girl from South Williamsport? Oh yeah, we read about you in the paper.' But that's pretty much it. 'Are you from South Williamsport? You're tall -- are you Tierney?'"


Getting used to fame in her town -- and regular comparisons to WNBA player and fellow Lycoming County native Kelly Mazzante -- has been a process for Pfirman. But looking back on her high school career, Pfirman sees plenty of positives from being in the spotlight.

"it definitely got me out of my shell and expanded by communication," she said. "It's definitely only going to get better from there."

Pfirman is headed for a bigger stage in College Park this fall. While she doesn't know what her role will be as a freshman, she'll join the Terps with a realistic sense of confidence about what can be accomplished at Maryland.

"There's a lot of work still to be done," Pfirman said. "Hopefully I can help ... accomplish team goals and win the national championship. ... [It's] just the next step in the experience that awaits. [I'll] just hopefully be able to bring out my skill level and just help them."

[b]Name: Tierney Pfirman

Birthdate: Feb. 4, 1994

Birthplace: Williamsport, Pa.

Hometown: South Williamsport, Pa.

Height: 6-1 1/2

Position: Forward

High School: South Williamsport

Senior statistics: 24 ppg, 13 rpg, 3 apg

Rankings: ESPN.com -- No. 22 player nationally, No. 4 forward, four-star prospect, 95 rating

Runner-up school: "I would have went and visited Vanderbilt and maybe Iowa State."

Other schools considered: Northwestern, Rutgers, Delaware, Villanova, Dayton

Favorite all-time Terp: Marissa Coleman

Favorite music: Jason Derulo and Iyaz

[Wizardspride]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/recr ... 9502.story

Meet the Recruit: Terps women's center commitment Malina Howard


The attention that comes with five-star status has a way of changing some basketball recruits. Egos get inflated and focus occasionally shifts from team success to individual glory.

Malina Howard is not one of those cautionary tales. The Maryland-bound post player – ESPN.com’s top-ranked center in the 2012 class – finished a senior season that saw her earn just about every individual award imaginable. But the No. 1 highlight of Howard’s final high school campaign was leading Twinsburg High to its second-straight Ohio Division I title.

“I’m pretty much the same as always,” Howard said. “All the accolades and awards, they’re an honor. But that’s not the important thing; it’s bettering myself as a player and making sure I’m able to do great things at the next level.”

When she wasn’t focusing on her high school team and her studies, Howard paid close attention to the 2011-12 Terps.

“I talked to the coaches a lot – as much as I could,” Howard said. “I watched as many of their games as I could. They came to watch my games. I visited there a few times.”

Howard said the Maryland staff hasn’t spelled out a specific role for her to play in College Park, but with the graduation of center Lynetta Kizer, there seems to be an obvious hole for Howard to fill. The future Terp said she’s working hard to be a more “dominant force” in the post and extend her range. Howard said she’s “really excited” to put her hard work to practice at Maryland.

“I’m ready to help the team do great things,” she said. “Whatever’s best for the team, that’s what I’m down for.”

Name: Malina Howard

Birthdate: Nov. 20, 1993

Birthplace: Warren, Ohio

Hometown: Twinsburg, Ohio

Height: 6-4

Position: Center

High School: Twinsburg High

Senior statistics: 19 ppg, 10 rpg

Rankings: ESPN.com -- Five-star prospect, No. 7 player nationally, No. 1 center, 97 rating.

Runner-up school: Notre Dame

Other schools considered: Tennessee, Connecticut, Florida State

Favorite pro basketball player: Marissa Coleman

Favorite pro basketball team: Orlando Magic

[Wizardspride]

https://twitter.com/#!/Jakob_Engelke/st ... 4043795456

Jakob Engelke
‏ @Jakob_Engelke


Sam Cassell Jr. makes it official and commits to the #Terps before the Capital Classic.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Saw the wire about cassell jr during the wizards game. Very good news, cool Sam Sr can see his son play at comcast.

[Wizardspride]

https://twitter.com/#!/bperroni

Brian Perroni ‏ @bperroni


According to his coach, Iowa Western C.C. WR Deon Long committed to #Maryland #Terps. Played for Locks at UNM last year. 2nd team all conf

Deon Long is a former 4-star recruit out of Dunbar HS (D.C.)

[Wizardspride]

http://www.diamondbackonline.com/sports ... 55-P6vOXlU

BREAKING: Guard Terrell Stoglin will not return next season



In a stunning development, sophomore Terrapins men's basketball guard Terrell Stoglin will not return to the team next season after declaring for the NBA Draft on Sunday night, according to a report.

Stoglin announced he would return for his junior season in late March, but InsideMDSports.com reported this morning that he filed paperwork with the NBA on Sunday, the final day college players could enter the draft.

Stoglin led the ACC in scoring this season, averaging 21.6 points per game, and was expected to be a cornerstone of what some believed would be coach Mark Turgeon's first NCAA Tournament team in College Park.

[Wizardspride]

https://twitter.com/#!/kevins980

kevin sheehan ‏ @kevins980


Wasn't necessarily Stoglin's choice. Had to go.

[Wizardspride]

Stoglin, Parker Suspended for Year


Men’s basketball players violated Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Terrell Stoglin and Mychal Parker have been suspended from the men’s basketball team for one year due to a violation of the University of Maryland Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, athletics department officials announced Monday.

On Sunday, Stoglin entered his name for the upcoming NBA Draft. The deadline to declare for the draft was April 29, with the draft itself to be held June 28 in Newark, N.J.

Parker has already announced his intention to transfer from Maryland to attend another institution. The suspension levied to both players is a university sanction, rather than one imposed by the NCAA.

"Being a University of Maryland student-athlete carries a tremendous honor and responsibility," said director of athletics Kevin Anderson. "As much as we appreciate the effort these two young men gave to the program this season, they were unable to live up to that responsibility. We’re disappointed, but hope they use this as a learning experience."

Stoglin averaged 21.6 points per game this season, tops in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was a second team All-ACC selection and earned All-District honors from both the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

Parker averaged 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in playing all 32 games for the Terrapins as a sophomore.

[Ruzious]

Not good. Testudotimes.com reported that Stoglin's suspension is from a failed drug test. I don't think it's been reported what Parker's suspension is for. It seems strange to suspend players who announced they are leaving, but it helps to clear things up. Actually, I wish they hadn't done that in Parker's case, because he left such a classy note in announcing he was transferring. But with Stoglin, it's different. Apparently, he twittered something to the effect that - I'm leaving and Maryland basketball is "screwed". Then again, you never know if his account was broken into.

Either way, it's a bad day for the Terps basketball program. Peshon Howard was arrested - though it seems like a very minor charge - and he might have actually been the good guy. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/ma ... story.html

I'm guessing Turgeon knew this was coming - and this was the reason he recruited Sam Cassell's kid.

I'm sure people are going to be attacking Stoglin now - and he probably deserves it, but there's no doubt the kid was a quality college basketball player. He was probably never going to make it in the NBA, but he certainly could have had a fine career overseas. Now, he might have ruined that opportunity and forever ruined his reputation. And now some folks are going to use this to blast Gary Williams for recruiting a bad kid. It's a shame all the way around.

[closg00]

Stoglin should transfer, get another year of experience under his belt while boosting his draft-stock. Stoglin isn't showing-up in any of the mocks yet.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Not good. Testudotimes.com reported that Stoglin's suspension is from a failed drug test. I don't think it's been reported what Parker's suspension is for. It seems strange to suspend players who announced they are leaving, but it helps to clear things up. Actually, I wish they hadn't done that in Parker's case, because he left such a classy note in announcing he was transferring. But with Stoglin, it's different. Apparently, he twittered something to the effect that - I'm leaving and Maryland basketball is "screwed". Then again, you never know if his account was broken into.

Either way, it's a bad day for the Terps basketball program. Peshon Howard was arrested - though it seems like a very minor charge - and he might have actually been the good guy. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/ma ... story.html

I'm guessing Turgeon knew this was coming - and this was the reason he recruited Sam Cassell's kid.

I'm sure people are going to be attacking Stoglin now - and he probably deserves it, but there's no doubt the kid was a quality college basketball player. He was probably never going to make it in the NBA, but he certainly could have had a fine career overseas. Now, he might have ruined that opportunity and forever ruined his reputation. And now some folks are going to use this to blast Gary Williams for recruiting a bad kid. It's a shame all the way around.

I was listening the other day to Mark Schlereth on the radio and he was talking about guys at the NFL combines or pro days (I forget which) who fail drug tests. His position on when a guy fails a drug test is either (1) the player has a serious drug problem, or (2) the player is stupid; and he doesn't want that player either way. Harsh, perhaps, but I can't argue against his take. Choose another player and avert potential headaches down the road.

I'm not unhappy to see Stoglin go. He can make the NBA on the right team, even the Wizards. He's a lot better scorer than Mack. However, his maturity level is questionable, as is his FG accuracy. He will have to play PG at the next level. Stoglin will make a lot of money play BB somewhere, even possibly the NBA.

I posted up a few pages that Stoglin can do like former Terp Andre Collins, and have a nice career.

[Nivek]

Pending draft camp info, I have Stoglin as a borderline 2nd round pick. He'd probably be better off to go undrafted and pick his team. Or go overseas for a couple years to work on his body and his game. Seems like a guy who would do well to land with a team with a good developmental program -- Spurs and Rockets come to mind. Go to work on their D-League teams and learn how to play their way.

[Ruzious]

No NBA team is going to give Stoglin even a cursory look after this. It's not just failing the drug test; it's his comments afterward. He'll have to be very lucky to get a job overseas or in the D League.

[Higga]

I was really looking forward to seeing Stoglin return next year and leading our upcoming recruiting class(one of the best in the nation I believe). Unfortunate he picked now to make such a terrible mistake. I could see a team taking a flyer on him in the 2nd round though.

[closg00]

No NBA team is going to give Stoglin even a cursory look after this. It's not just failing the drug test; it's his comments afterward. He'll have to be very lucky to get a job overseas or in the D League.

Haven't read the details about what happened, but if Lance Stephenson can be in the NBA, then so-can Stoglin IF he's got NBA talent. As a 6"1 SG, it's gonna be tough.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

No NBA team is going to give Stoglin even a cursory look after this. It's not just failing the drug test; it's his comments afterward. He'll have to be very lucky to get a job overseas or in the D League.

Instead of being at UMCP this past season, Jordan Williams pocketed $473K on the Nets. His body was transformed at IMG Academy and he's a good prospect (perhaps as good as Seraphin IMO). There was talk by a lot of people that Jordan should stay in school and get better. Next season he will make a guaranteed $762. (per Shamsports salaries). Jordan did Gary Williams bad and came off as a jerk, but he's looking richer now.

I said Terrell needed to win games and he needed to adjust to PG to improve his draft stock. His FG percentage is marginal. Now he's failed a drug test and made some comments. Okay, his character might be flagged. GS drafted Klay Thompson last season after he came up positive for illegal substance.

Ruz, some mocks will be adjusted IMO. Right or wrong there are GMs who will draft a guy that averages 21PPG in ACC play. Stoglin can play basketball, and could be a legit guy for Washington to look at in late round two UNLESS he does not pass Leonsis' "no jerk policy" to quote doclinkin.

[Ruzious]

No NBA team is going to give Stoglin even a cursory look after this. It's not just failing the drug test; it's his comments afterward. He'll have to be very lucky to get a job overseas or in the D League.

Instead of being at UMCP this past season, Jordan Williams pocketed $473K on the Nets. His body was transformed at IMG Academy and he's a good prospect (perhaps as good as Seraphin IMO). There was talk by a lot of people that Jordan should stay in school and get better. Next season he will make a guaranteed $762. (per Shamsports salaries). Jordan did Gary Williams bad and came off as a jerk, but he's looking richer now.

I said Terrell needed to win games and he needed to adjust to PG to improve his draft stock. His FG percentage is marginal. Now he's failed a drug test and made some comments. Okay, his character might be flagged. GS drafted Klay Thompson last season after he came up positive for illegal substance.

Ruz, some mocks will be adjusted IMO. Right or wrong there are GMs who will draft a guy that averages 21PPG in ACC play. Stoglin can play basketball, and could be a legit guy for Washington to look at in late round two UNLESS he does not pass Leonsis' "no jerk policy" to quote doclinkin.

Jordan Williams isn't a 6'1 shooting guard who failed 3 drug tests and then blamed the school for his problems and said the school is "screwed" without his royal presence. Jordan just didn't like going to classes. How many 6'1 shooting guards are there in the NBA? And how many 6'1 shooting guards are the in the NBA that failed drug tests?

Besides that, Jordan Williams DID make a GINORMOUS mistake. If he had waited a year, got in better shape and improved his FT shooting to at least decent, he'd likely be a late first this year and be making 3 times what he's making now - per year - guaranteed.