Official Maryland Terps Thread 3.0

Wizardspride · Post #261 » by **Wizardspride** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 7:13 pm

[tweet]https://twitter.com/umdwbb/status/581159198127325184[/tweet]

Chocolate City Jordanaire · Post #262 » by **Chocolate City Jordanaire** » Fri Mar 27, 2015 9:27 pm

Wizardspride wrote:http://maryland.247sports.com/Article/I ... m-36379565

In Loss, Brantley Saw Terps' Need for Him

Maryland freshman point guard Melo Trimble had survived blows all season long, but finally, in the Terps final game of the season, he went down for the count.

Trimble took not one, but two shots that forced him out of the game Sunday night against West Virginia, and the second hit -- an accidental knee to the head from teammate Damonte Dodd -- forced him to sit out for good. He was consoled on the bench by his coaches, teammates and his mother, Kim Trimble, and it was later revealed he'd suffered a concussion.

With its only point guard watching from the sidelines and fighting back tears, Maryland’s chances to beat West Virginia’s ultra-aggressive pressure defense vanished. The Terps collapsed in the final eight minutes without Trimble, as Turgeon was forced to use former walk-on Varun Ram, wing man Dez Wells and an assortment of role players to try to advance the ball into halfcourt.

Turgeon had no one to whom he could turn behind Trimble for ballhandling, and so the game spiraled out of control. The possible solution to Maryland's point guard problem, meanwhile, was watching the game at Hooters in a small city in Texas. Junior college point guard Jaylen Brantley itched to get on the court while watching on TV in Odessa, Tex.

“It was pretty tough. Two ball handlers in the game at the same time is definitely a benefit,” said Brantley, who will enroll at Maryland in June as a sophomore. “It would have definitely been different. I’m not going to say we would have won the game because of me, but it would have been a different outcome probably if I was with them.”

Maryland survived and thrived all season relying solely on Trimble and won a program-record 26 regular-season games. Its season-ending loss marked the longest amount of time Maryland went without its point guard, who averaged nearly 34 minutes a game and led the team in both scoring and assists. But Turgeon doesn’t want to go into next year in a similar situation, and that’s where Brantley, a four-star recruit who committed in October, comes in.

Next year is going to be SWEET!

Also, yesterday was sweet watching Kentucky hand West Virginia its ass.

Post #263 » by **Ruzious** » Fri Mar 27, 2015 9:40 pm

Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:
Wizardspride wrote:http://maryland.247sports.com/Article/I ... m-36379565

In Loss, Brantley Saw Terps' Need for Him

Maryland freshman point guard Melo Trimble had survived blows all season long, but finally, in the Terps final game of the season, he went down for the count.

Trimble took not one, but two shots that forced him out of the game Sunday night against West Virginia, and the second hit -- an accidental knee to the head from teammate Damonte Dodd -- forced him to sit out for good. He was consoled on the bench by his coaches, teammates and his mother, Kim Trimble, and it was later revealed he'd suffered a concussion.

With its only point guard watching from the sidelines and fighting back tears, Maryland’s chances to beat West Virginia’s ultra-aggressive pressure defense vanished. The Terps collapsed in the final eight minutes without Trimble, as Turgeon was forced to use former walk-on Varun Ram, wing man Dez Wells and an assortment of role players to try to advance the ball into halfcourt.

Turgeon had no one to whom he could turn behind Trimble for ballhandling, and so the game spiraled out of control. The possible solution to Maryland's point guard problem, meanwhile, was watching the game at Hooters in a small city in Texas. Junior college point guard Jaylen Brantley itched to get on the court while watching on TV in Odessa, Tex.

“It was pretty tough. Two ball handlers in the game at the same time is definitely a benefit,” said Brantley, who will enroll at Maryland in June as a sophomore. “It would have definitely been different. I’m not going to say we would have won the game because of me, but it would have been a different outcome probably if I was with them.”

Maryland survived and thrived all season relying solely on Trimble and won a program-record 26 regular-season games. Its season-ending loss marked the longest amount of time Maryland went without its point guard, who averaged nearly 34 minutes a game and led the team in both scoring and assists. But Turgeon doesn’t want to go into next year in a similar situation, and that’s where Brantley, a four-star recruit who committed in October, comes in.

Next year is going to be SWEET!

Also, yesterday was sweet watching Kentucky hand West Virginia its ass.

It would have been nice if WV lost by 50, but 39 will do.

I heard Diamond Stone will make a choice in the next few days - choosing between Sconsin and MD. Expect to hear something by April 1st - hopefully we're not the fool.

Pitbull · Post #264 » by **Pitbull** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 1:04 am

Next few days?!?!?! HE MADE IT TONIGHT!

http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/3/27/7996099/diamond-stone-recruiting-maryland-commits-wisconsin

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Diamond_Stone33/status/581614332800327681[/tweet]

:rockon:

80sballboy · Post #265 » by **80sballboy** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:45 am

http://terrapinstationmd.com/2015/03/27 ... -maryland/

Great recruiting day for Maryland.

FAH1223 · Post #266 » by **FAH1223** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:41 am

Pitbull wrote:Next few days?!?!?! HE MADE IT TONIGHT!

http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/3/27/7996099/diamond-stone-recruiting-maryland-commits-wisconsin

[tweet]https://twitter.com/Diamond_Stone33/status/581614332800327681[/tweet]

Huge. Just huge.

Wizardspride · Post #267 » by **Wizardspride** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 5:18 am

ESPN 100 No. 7 overall and McDonald's All-American center Diamond Stone ended his recruitment on Friday by committing to the Maryland Terrapins and head coach Mark Turgeon over his home state Wisconsin along with Oklahoma State and Connecticut.

This is a huge pick up for the Terps as they continue to build momentum after a great first season in the Big Ten.

Diamond Stone's inside-out ability makes the ESPN 100 center a perfect fit for Maryland.

Why he committed: The five-star center will have an opportunity to be a top front-court scoring threat immediately and is an excellent fit for the Turgeon system that allows his post players to score inside and out.

"Diamond liked the fact that Maryland had a good team returning and I think he wanted to be on his own away from home a little bit too," Stone's father Bob told ESPN.com "He also had a good rapport with the players on the visit."

What he brings: Stone has excellent size at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. He is a gifted low-post scorer that has great feel, footwork and touch as he executes a variety of low-post moves with either hand. Stone also has range to the arc and is a good passer out of the post, not to mention his ability to area rebound and his on-ball shot blocking. Stone is skilled enough to command a double team right away on the college level when he is aggressive and locked in.

How he fits: Head coach Mark Turgeon will have a low post scorer that he can run the offense through from either low block or in pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll situations. Stone will provide Maryland with a go-to guy in the post and will be a factor immediately, helping teammates get open looks with all the attention he will attract. Stone is a big time frontcourt match-up problem. Expect Turgeon to work to set up those scenarios right away.

We got to watch them all season and Diamond liked the way Turgeon allowed the players to play through mistakes," Bob Stone added.

Who he reminds us of: Stone reminds us at times of a young Al Jefferson with his ability to score at will in the low post, face up and rebound. Stone is more of a willing passer, but their ability to put up big numbers in the low post is very similar.

How the class is shaping up: Stone joins playmaking point guard Jaylen Brantley who will provide experience in the backcourt coming from the junior college ranks. This tandem will give the Terps immediate help at the two most important positions in basketball: Point guard and center.

Post #268 » by **Ruzious** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:14 pm

Wizardspride wrote:Next season's roster as it looks "right now".

My projected starting lineup:

PG:Melo Trimble (Nothing needs to be said. Stud)

SG:Dion Wiley (Talented but was a little rawer than expected coming out of HS. I have him as a starter mainly because he's a better defender than Jared Nickens)

C: Michal Cekovsky (Very good athlete. Just needs to gain some strength)

SF:Jake Layman (Very talented but too passive at times. If you noticed Layman was a completely different player while Wells was out with his injury. He was aggressive taking it to the hole, posting up etc. I think you'll see that guy next season

PF: Robert Carter Jr. (Transfer from GT who had to sit out this season. There are some reports saying he's the best player on the team. Period. Former 5* who can play inside and out.

My projected bench:

PG: Jaylen Brantley (The 1# Juco PG. Has 3 years of eligibility. The plan is for Trimble to play alot of 2 guard next season alongside Brantley)

SG: Jared Nickens (3pt sniper who has to work on his defense.)

C: Damonte Dodd (Very athletic but was extremely raw coming out of HS/Prep School. He needs to become a better rebounder. There's no reason he shouldn't be a good one with his body/athleticism.

SF: We actually don't really have one. Yet. We have a few targets that we're still after. I suspect Nickens will see some time there as well.

PF: See above.

Now for the potential program changer:

The Terps are in the running for the #1 center in the country, Diamond Stone.

It seems to be a Wisconsin-Maryland battle.

Stone is a Wisconsin native and was considered to be a Badger lean for awhile but the recent rumors have him leaning towards Maryland.

Supposedly is Stone is excited about the possibility of playing with Trimble and Carter.

And he should be

Jeebus, what a lineup the Terps will have - most talented in school history?

I think they end up starting Trimble and Brantley together. With all the full court defenses, it's a big advantage to have 2 ball-handlers - see WV game. Layman, Carter and Stone together... on paper, it looks awesome. And plenty o bench. I'd expect we start the season as a top 5 in the country ranked team.

Wizardspride · Post #269 » by **Wizardspride** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:53 pm

Stone’s immediate value…Maryland’s frontcourt was its weakest link last year. The addition of Stone, along with Georgia Tech transfer Robert Carter, suddenly make it a major strength. Few teams have the luxury of having a big man who can score inside in this era, and now the Terps have two projected to start on next year’s potential nationally contending team. It’s a frontcourt that can measure up to just about anyone in the country on paper, outside of maybe Kentucky depending on its NBA departures.

Stone is a versatile weapon on offense, known for his throwback post skills and ability to facilitate in the paint, but he’s also a capable shooter who has extended his range this year. He’s a near-perfect fit for a Maryland team that lacked an offensively skilled big men last year. Stone will benefit from being surrounded by shooters and his style of play will also help create more open looks on the perimeter because of the attention he can draw inside. He also has soft hands and should help point guard Melo Trimble improve his assist numbers by finishing dump-off passes around the rim. He figures to come in right away and start at the center position, while Carter will play next to him at power forward.

Wizardspride · Post #270 » by **Wizardspride** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 5:34 pm

[tweet]https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/581615466768121856[/tweet]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/J_Row4/status/581830250591571968[/tweet]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/581621279419154433[/tweet]

Wizardspride · Post #271 » by **Wizardspride** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 6:47 pm

[tweet]https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel/status/581628569241182208[/tweet]

80sballboy · Post #272 » by **80sballboy** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 3:13 pm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ter ... t-options/

Layman may just be wondering about his role next season because Robert Carter and Diamond Stone will be starting, leaving Layman to play small forward, which is I guess more of his natural position. Turge will go out and get another wing and he won't have much of a problem now getting another Dez Wells-type who can defend. I don't think he has a shot at the first round in the NBA. Trimble has no shot at the lottery because he doesn't have length, great leaping ability and great speed. That's what the NBA is looking for in the lottery unless they see him as Trey Burke, who hasn't been great. I also wonder if he's really 6-1 instead of 6-3. But he might be picked late in the first round if he came out. Would be a major mistake by him unless he's desperate for $$$.

Wizardspride · Post #273 » by **Wizardspride** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 3:31 pm

80sballboy wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ter ... t-options/

Layman may just be wondering about his role next season because Robert Carter and Diamond Stone will be starting, leaving Layman to play small forward, which is I guess more of his natural position. Turge will go out and get another wing and he won't have much of a problem now getting another Dez Wells-type who can defend. I don't think he has a shot at the first round in the NBA. Trimble has no shot at the lottery because he doesn't have length, great leaping ability and great speed. That's what the NBA is looking for in the lottery unless they see him as Trey Burke, who hasn't been great. I also wonder if he's really 6-1 instead of 6-3. But he might be picked late in the first round if he came out. Would be a major mistake by him unless he's desperate for $$$.

1.) Inside sources say Layman isn't a big fan of school in general and that's why he's exploring his options but I suspect he'll be back.

2.) Trimble is a legit a 6-3. Or 6-2 and a half. I've stood right next to him and I'm 5-11.

Trimble will be back. He's just doing his due dilligence. Smart move.

Wizardspride · Post #274 » by **Wizardspride** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 8:48 pm

Click to read the rest
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terp ... story.html

Before Diamond Stone committed, Terps commit Jaylen Brantley knew his secret

Jayylen Brantley had kept the secret for a couple of weeks, not telling any of his future teammates at Maryland or even men's basketball coach Mark Turgeon. The secret was about Diamond Stone.

Before Stone told his parents, the Terps coaches and ultimately the college basketball world Friday night, he had told Brantley that he would be joining him in College Park next season.

“Me and him talk almost every day,” Brantley said Saturday from Odessa, Texas, where he played this season at Odessa College, a junior college. “He texted me one day two weeks ago saying that Maryland was the best fit for him. He wanted to keep it between us until his season was over.

Wizardspride · Post #275 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 2:47 am

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TerrapinNation/status/582284654943801344[/tweet]

80sballboy · Post #276 » by **80sballboy** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 3:01 am

Wizardspride wrote:
80sballboy wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ter ... t-options/

Layman may just be wondering about his role next season because Robert Carter and Diamond Stone will be starting, leaving Layman to play small forward, which is I guess more of his natural position. Turge will go out and get another wing and he won't have much of a problem now getting another Dez Wells-type who can defend. I don't think he has a shot at the first round in the NBA. Trimble has no shot at the lottery because he doesn't have length, great leaping ability and great speed. That's what the NBA is looking for in the lottery unless they see him as Trey Burke, who hasn't been great. I also wonder if he's really 6-1 instead of 6-3. But he might be picked late in the first round if he came out. Would be a major mistake by him unless he's desperate for $$$.

1.) Inside sources say Layman isn't a big fan of school in general and that's why he's exploring his options but I suspect he'll be back.

2.) Trimble is a legit a 6-3. Or 6-2 and a half. I've stood right next to him and I'm 5-11.

Trimble will be back. He's just doing his due dilligence. Smart move.

Layman wasn't a fan of school in his first year. If he leaves, the program will survive. Trimble is a different story. I just don't think the kid is ready and the NBA is not in love with him from what I hear.

Wizardspride · Post #277 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 3:18 am

80sballboy wrote:
Wizardspride wrote:
80sballboy wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ter ... t-options/

Layman may just be wondering about his role next season because Robert Carter and Diamond Stone will be starting, leaving Layman to play small forward, which is I guess more of his natural position. Turge will go out and get another wing and he won't have much of a problem now getting another Dez Wells-type who can defend. I don't think he has a shot at the first round in the NBA. Trimble has no shot at the lottery because he doesn't have length, great leaping ability and great speed. That's what the NBA is looking for in the lottery unless they see him as Trey Burke, who hasn't been great. I also wonder if he's really 6-1 instead of 6-3. But he might be picked late in the first round if he came out. Would be a major mistake by him unless he's desperate for $$$.

1.) Inside sources say Layman isn't a big fan of school in general and that's why he's exploring his options but I suspect he'll be back.

2.) Trimble is a legit a 6-3. Or 6-2 and a half. I've stood right next to him and I'm 5-11.

Trimble will be back. He's just doing his due dilligence. Smart move.

Layman wasn't a fan of school in his first year. If he leaves, the program will survive. Trimble is a different story. I just don't think the kid is ready and the NBA is not in love with him from what I hear.

Don't worry. Trimble has smart people advising him. He's not leaving.

He has said the only way he'd leave is if he's a guaranteed lottery pick.

Folks around the program expect him to leave after next season.

Wizardspride · Post #278 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 11:09 am

Tuesday
3:00, ESPNU - McDonald's All-American Scrimmage
(replayed Wednesday at 5:30 pm)

Wednesday
9:00, ESPN - McDonald's All-American Game - DIAMOND STONE!
(replayed at 12:30 AM and 7:00 AM on ESPNU)

Bonus - Girl's Game with two Terp commits at 6:30 on ESPNU

Wizardspride · Post #279 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 5:26 pm

A name to watch.

Rumors going around the Terps will pursue him.. He's from Baltimore.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/582589295321468928[/tweet]

Wizardspride · Post #280 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 5:43 pm

http://maryland.247sports.com/Bolt/Terp ... r-36500779

Terps Expected to Express Interest in Drexel Transfer

According to multiple reports, Drexel shooting guard Damion Lee will transfer from the program. Lee plans to graduate in June, which will allow him to transfer to a new school without sitting out a season.

The 6-foot-6 wing, who attended high school at Calvert Hall in Baltimore and played AAU basketball with D.C. Assault, was named first-team all-CAA this past season after averaging 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He shot 38.5 percent from three and 88.7 percent from the free throw line.

Lee sat out the majority of the previous year with a knee injury, allowing him to receive a medical redshirt, and suffered a broken hand at the end of the 2014-15 season.

Maryland hasn't been able to contact him yet because he was under scholarship at Drexel, but the Terps staff is likely to express interest now that he's on the market.

In addition to having a need for an athletic wing to replace Dez Wells, there's also a number of connections between the staff and Lee.

Maryland special assistant Juan Dixon also was a star shooting guard at Calvert Hall and graduating senior Jon Graham attended Calvert Hall at the same time as Lee. Lee and Melo Trimble are also from the same AAU program.