Official Maryland Terps Thread 2.0

Post #821 » by **Ruzious** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 2:06 pm

How cool must it be to have that kind of support from one of the greatest coaches in history - who happened to be your college coach. It's gotta give him an advantage - perhaps like Coach K having Bobby Knight as his college coach and supporter? Thanks for posting that, CCJ.

Cramer · Post #822 » by **Cramer** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 3:18 pm

Was it just be or did Len look pretty impressive in the 10 seconds or so we got to see?

Post #823 » by **Ruzious** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 5:09 pm

Cramer wrote:Was it just be or did Len look pretty impressive in the 10 seconds or so we got to see?

NCAA Champ Yun Ship! :lol:

He's got some fiscal ability and apparently good fundamentals. One thing you can't tell about until he plays are his hands. If he manages to catch most balls that come his way, he should score a fair amount of points against most ACC teams - there's not a whole lot of big guys - outside of Duke, UNC, and FlaSt - from what I've read - but I still haven't seen most ACC teams. Looking forward to seeing how he and Howard change the team. And Stoglin's carrying the team now - can he adjust to being more of a team player?

Chocolate City Jordanaire · Post #824 » by **Chocolate City Jordanaire** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 6:54 pm

Cramer, like Ruzious, I think the big guy's hands are questionable. Seemed to me a slight push from Padgett dislodged Len and he did not make the catch. That said, to me the most impressive part of his game is the "fiscal" ability.

On the very same play where he didn't make the catch, Len made a very good recovery to bend over and retrieve it. He instinctively pushed off and shielded Padgett from getting to it. His quick move to floor level for the ball kind of reminded me of a wrestler shooting for a takedown. Len does not have a lot of strength but he plays like a physical big man. He's got some big bully in him. He is much quicker than I expected. (Am I making too much out of a big diving for a loose ball?)

Combining this ten or so seconds with what I have seen in other videos of him shooting and handling the ball, I think he will be pretty good right away. He already has a pretty good midrange shot. Hopefully Alex Len is not too good too soon that he's a one-and-done to the NBA player.

I think he will probably be around for a couple years and then go pro.

Wizardspride · Post #825 » by **Wizardspride** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 3:39 pm

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... jackrabbit

Don't count Terps out

Mark Turgeon is on the verge of doing something no other coach in America will do. He'll add two starters in the next 10 days.

Maryland's coach said that point guard Pe'Shon Howard will return Friday against Radford -- and that 7-foot-1 import Alex Len becomes eligible on Dec. 28.

Turgeon said that Howard, a projected starter who will allow Terrell Stoglin to slide over and play off the ball for much of the time, has practiced well thus far. "What a difference he makes," Turgeon admitted. "He's a point guard and also gives us depth. Right now it's hard to pull guys when they make mistakes."

Len will miss the Radford game before making his college debut against Albany. While somewhat of a mystery man, Len has been practicing with the first team in an effort to improve -- and could start from Day 1 for the Terps.

"He has really good hands, is every bit of 7-1 and is long," Turgeon said. "He's got a nice touch and a good feel for the game -- and he's gotten a lot tougher."

He'll also have three games under his belt before ACC play gets under way.

Wizardspride · Post #826 » by **Wizardspride** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:01 pm

https://twitter.com/#!/CHICKatCSN/statu ... 4096571392

@CHICKatCSN
CHICK HERNANDEZ

Co-defensive coords at Penn St. Ron Vanderlinden & Larry Johnson both being talked to for MD DC gig now. Weird

Post #827 » by **Ruzious** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 6:27 pm

Wizardspride wrote:http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/16532747/good-n-plenty-no-love-for-hoyas-this-redhot-jackrabbit

Don't count Terps out

Mark Turgeon is on the verge of doing something no other coach in America will do. He'll add two starters in the next 10 days.

Maryland's coach said that point guard Pe'Shon Howard will return Friday against Radford -- and that 7-foot-1 import Alex Len becomes eligible on Dec. 28.

Turgeon said that Howard, a projected starter who will allow Terrell Stoglin to slide over and play off the ball for much of the time, has practiced well thus far. "What a difference he makes," Turgeon admitted. "He's a point guard and also gives us depth. Right now it's hard to pull guys when they make mistakes."

Len will miss the Radford game before making his college debut against Albany. While somewhat of a mystery man, Len has been practicing with the first team in an effort to improve -- and could start from Day 1 for the Terps.

[b]"He has really good hands, is every bit of 7-1 and is long," Turgeon said. "He's got a nice touch and a good feel for the game -- and he's gotten a lot tougher."

He'll also have three games under his belt before ACC play gets under way.[/b]

His comments about Len are REALLY good to hear. Turgeon had made comments months ago saying that he didn't expect a whole lot from Len this season - so apparently, Turgeon's seen a lot of improvement over those months.

Wizardspride · Post #828 » by **Wizardspride** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:49 am

Albany coach discusses Alex Len after his 14 pts, 8 rebs, 3blk debut.

http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... 11aac.html

On Alex Len:

"We knew nothing about Len. You can Google him and see all the nice things that Fran Fraschilla says about him. And then 20 minutes before the game, I guess Scott Spinelli tells my assistant that Larry Brown was at practice the other day and said the kid's going to be a lottery pick. That's the last thing you want to hear about the opposing team when you know nothing about him and you're about to take the court. He was like the great unknown for us, and we pride ourselves on our scout and we just didn't know anything about him. As soon as he took warmups, I saw right away he shot a 3,and I was like, `I hope this kid is just a finesse kid and will hang out on the perimeter.' And he's not. He's not strong right now, but he's long, he's agile and he's skilled. He's going to be a good one. I'd have him live with the strength coach, give that strength coach a raise, but that kid's going to be good. He might be a lottery pick one day with his frame and skill.

MF23 · Post #829 » by **MF23** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:54 am

You can look at Len play for 5 mins. and tell he's more advanced than Blatche or McGee in terms of understanding the team game, boxing out and awarness on the defensive end. He's very sharp for such a young big man. Go Terps!

FAH1223 · Post #830 » by **FAH1223** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 9:19 am

Len was pretty good. Gonna head to Comcast when ACC play starts, I'm glad the Terps are beating the teams they are supposed to be beating with the thin roster up until now with Howard and Len coming back

Post #831 » by **Ruzious** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:25 am

Wizardspride wrote:Albany coach discusses Alex Len after his 14 pts, 8 rebs, 3blk debut.

http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... 11aac.html

On Alex Len:

"We knew nothing about Len. You can Google him and see all the nice things that Fran Fraschilla says about him. And then 20 minutes before the game, I guess Scott Spinelli tells my assistant that Larry Brown was at practice the other day and said the kid's going to be a lottery pick. That's the last thing you want to hear about the opposing team when you know nothing about him and you're about to take the court. He was like the great unknown for us, and we pride ourselves on our scout and we just didn't know anything about him. As soon as he took warmups, I saw right away he shot a 3,and I was like, `I hope this kid is just a finesse kid and will hang out on the perimeter.' And he's not. He's not strong right now, but he's long, he's agile and he's skilled. He's going to be a good one. I'd have him live with the strength coach, give that strength coach a raise, but that kid's going to be good. He might be a lottery pick one day with his frame and skill.

Great article. There are all kinds of good - and brutally honest - quotes from Turgeon and assorted others.

Chocolate City Jordanaire · Post #832 » by **Chocolate City Jordanaire** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 1:15 pm

Ruz, thanks for mentioning the quotes.

The Maryland players collectively sound as if they have a higher basketball IQ than the Wizards do. They are smarter IMO. Reading the quotes by Stoglin and Howard, they already sound like coaches on the floor. Howard took blame as PG for some of his teammates misses. Stoglin emphasized that with Alex Len, the Terps can now play inside out basketball. Both of them and Padgett laud Alex Len's great ability, and they also expressed some empathy for the big man's situation of not getting to play until now and him possibly being nervous.

The best thing is that is a very young Maryland team. The worst is Alex Len might be too good already to stay past this season. Either way, this season is going to be a fun one for the Terps.

Post #833 » by **Ruzious** » Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:26 pm

CCJ, I wish I saw the game - seems to me they oughta televise Terps games on normal stations, but what do I know? It's exciting to see this team develop in half a season from having no expectations to where we can expect them to be competitive to some extent when the ACC real season start. My guess is that Len needs another year to build up his body before considering the NBA - especially considering the 2012 draft is expected to be very strong and deep. Next season, they've got Shaq Clear coming in - a real wide body - along with a small forward with great range and a swing guard. They'll have some real depth and real experience. Turgeon's got things going the right way. And from comments I've heard from several sources, he's recognized as a great X's and O's guy.

Scabs304 · Post #834 » by **Scabs304** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 4:05 am

Good thing about Len missing the first 10 games he is more likely to be back next year.

Cramer · Post #835 » by **Cramer** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 3:32 pm

Ruzious wrote:CCJ, I wish I saw the game - seems to me they oughta televise Terps games on normal stations, but what do I know? It's exciting to see this team develop in half a season from having no expectations to where we can expect them to be competitive to some extent when the ACC real season start. My guess is that Len needs another year to build up his body before considering the NBA - especially considering the 2012 draft is expected to be very strong and deep. Next season, they've got Shaq Clear coming in - a real wide body - along with a small forward with great range and a swing guard. They'll have some real depth and real experience. Turgeon's got things going the right way. And from comments I've heard from several sources, he's recognized as a great X's and O's guy.

Here's hoping the twins find this as enticing as I do.

Post #836 » by **Ruzious** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 3:59 pm

Cramer, I was actually very relieved when Nate Britt chose someone other than Maryland, because that might have Knicks'd any chance of getting the Harrison twins. If we could get them, we could be the UCLA of the East.

I haven't been following the recruiting lately, but my gut says they end up with Kentucky. Otoh, my gut's usually wrong and asking for pie.

mhd · Post #837 » by **mhd** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 8:12 pm

I'll take Alex Len over Javale right now.

MF23 · Post #838 » by **MF23** » Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:08 pm

I was pleased with the loss to NC State. Len if he stays on course will be a lottery pick. Maryland lucked up into him. Glad Larry Brown will be working with him and the rest of the team during the season. CJ Leslie is really playing within in himself as his fg% has gone up like 10% this year. Andre Drummond is the only player I would say has more physical ability than Leslie in college basketball. Then there was this kid Scott Wood who torched Maryland. Love Wood's game. NC State played really well and Maryland's depth almost led to a comeback. Stoglin and Len could provide a one two punch that can get the team far this year.

Post #839 » by **Ruzious** » Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:24 pm

MF23 wrote:I was pleased with the loss to NC State. Len if he stays on course will be a lottery pick. Maryland lucked up into him. Glad Larry Brown will be working with him and the rest of the team during the season. CJ Leslie is really playing within in himself as his fg% has gone up like 10% this year. Andre Drummond is the only player I would say has more physical ability than Leslie in college basketball. Then there was this kid Scott Wood who torched Maryland. Love Wood's game. NC State played really well and Maryland's depth almost led to a comeback. Stoglin and Len could provide a one two punch that can get the team far this year.

I love the Stoglin/Len combo. Now, P's got to step up his game and be the leader - the point guard that makes the whole team better. He's ok now, but he's not where I envision him yet.

I'd say Henson is the same player as Leslie - except Henson's a little bigger and a little better at basically everything.

Wizardspride · Post #840 » by **Wizardspride** » Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:48 pm

This is long but I wanted to post the whole thing.

http://dc.sbnation.com/maryland-terrapi ... e-locksley

Wes Brown, Mike Locksley And The Next Phase Of Maryland Football Recruiting

If you didn't plan your Thursday night around the Under Armour All-American Football Game, then you missed Good Counsel running back Wes Brown committing to play for the Maryland Terrapins towards the end of the first quarter.

Brown immediately becomes the best player in Maryland's 2012 recruiting class and should vie for playing time right out of the gate in a depleted Maryland backfield. Brown is ranked as the eighth-best running back in the nation on Scout, but he is ranked lower on the other two services. Strictly in terms of his football ability, Brown is a pretty big get for the Terps.

Brown's commitment comes as a pretty big shock, because even as recently as a week ago, Brown wasn't mentioning Maryland among the list of schools he was considering. But on Thursday, Brown chose Maryland over Colorado, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Miami. So what happened in the last few days to sway his deicion?

The first domino was the hiring of Mike Locksley as offensive coordinator. Locksley is an absolutely dominant recruiter of this area, and when he doesn't have to pull recruits to New Mexico, his results will be impressive. Locksley is listed as the lead recruiter for Brown on some services, which is pretty incredible considering it had been a dead period in recruiting until a few days ago.

The other big factor was the transfer of Brown's former Good Counsel teammate Zach Dancel from New Mexico to Maryland earlier this week. This one had a lot to do with Locksley as well, obviously, considering he recruited Dancel to New Mexico initially. But this was particularly important considering Brown has lived with the Dancel family for the last two years and his relationship with Zach is more than just former teammates. I believe it was a combination of these two things (which are pretty closely related) that helped sway Wes Brown.

Now, here's the important question for Randy Edsall, Locksley and the Maryland fanbase. Where can we go from here?

Brown is a very important recruit, not just because he is a talented football player, but because it could potentially open up the floodgates for other elite local talent to give Maryland a second look. If Maryland can swoop in and catch Brown at the last second, maybe they can do the same for some of the other big names around the area before signing day.

Who might they be? I'm glad you asked! The first name to consider here is Brown's teammate at Good Counsel Stefon Diggs. Diggs is one of the top 10 players in the country and would be an absolute game-changer as a recruit. The other big name is Eddie Goldman, the massive Friendship defensive tackle who could be the best player in the class. Locksley just happens to have a great relationship with Friendship coach Aaazaar Abdul Rahim. I'm just saying...