36 replies to this topic

[SportsGuy]

I think Duke is clearly better, but MD will have a chance to beat them head to head due to the match-up issues you posed.

I still like NC State better, and just feel like UNC will come around. My official prediction heading into ACC play is a 4th place, 12 win ACC season.

Im not giving up on UNC either...They just don't look to be as good as you would have thought.

HOWEVER, they are young and will get better as the season goes on.

NC St has lost to good and bad teams thus far.

Put it this way...If I were a MD fan and seeing how good Wells and Len are and seeing the depth and athleticism, I put my team's roster up against anyone's.

Just watching them the little I have(nothing like what you guys have seen), I see a big, athletic team who may have some issues at time scoring if they don't make perimeter shots but overall, a top 20 team...at the very least.

If MD is anywhere below a 5 seed in the tourney this year, I will be surprised UNLESS their NC schedule holds them back, which is possible.

But I think they win 12-14 ACC games and will be poised to be a 3/4 seed in the NCAAs.

[Mackus]

Funny when you look at their big men. Lenn is a monster. maryland needs to get him the ball more.

Actually Maryland reminds me of the old Carolina teams where the ball is shared and no one shoots alot.

Lenn needs to get the ball more. He is really unstopable down low.

Also noticed Wells only shot 11 times for his 23 yesterday. Impressive.

Come on, man.

It's LEN.

One 'N'. It's more work for you to continue spelling it wrong.

[BSLMattJergensen]

NC St and FSU have looked bad thus far. I don't see the argument for FSU being better than MD.

NC St and UNC may end up better but MD has as much or more talent than both of them....they are athletic and will be a great rebounding team.

I don't think Md will be better than Duke BUT they match up very well with Duke because of the athleticism on the perimeter and they have size down low.

I just have a hard time putting Maryland that high in November when they've only really been tested by Kentucky.

I could rethink FSU because they've lost both games (4-2) at home. Their youth is very talented but not quite resilient. Still you must contend with a 1st team ACC player like Michael Snaer. He struggled against the Gophers and FSU paid for it. NC St. could still end up the team to beat in the conference with a combo like Brown and Leslie. I had laugh at bit at some who thought Duke was headed for a down year. Coach K can recruit and coach with the best of them. UNC could be another team that improves later under Williams' hand.

I agree that this MD team has people excited due to their depth and athleticism. For the first time in a long time the Terps should be able to actually match up with upper tier teams. I just hesitate vaulting them so high so early.

[SportsGuy]

I just have a hard time putting Maryland that high in November when they've only really been tested by Kentucky.

I could rethink FSU because they've lost both games (4-2) at home. Their youth is very talented but not quite resilient. Still you must contend with a 1st team ACC player like Michael Snaer. He struggled against the Gophers and FSU paid for it. NC St. could still end up the team to beat in the conference with a combo like Brown and Leslie. I had laugh at bit at some who thought Duke was headed for a down year. Coach K can recruit and coach with the best of them. UNC could be another team that improves later under Williams' hand.

I agree that this MD team has people excited due to their depth and athleticism. For the first time in a long time the Terps should be able to actually match up with upper tier teams. I just hesitate vaulting them so high so early.

Thats fair....but something to be said about their talent, the depth and coaching.

[Mackus]

Eric (Maryland)


Where is Alex Len's stock right now? Has to be climbing towards that top 7-10 range no?
Chad Ford
(1:45 PM)


Been No. 5 on our Big Board since the first week of the season. Still has an outside chance at the No. 1 pick. He's 7-1, skilled and strong. Those guys don't come along very often. Will be watching him very closely. There is a lot to like there.

[Mackus]

I agree with mweb that Len is definitely gone after this season, so hopefully he continues to dominate and the team can really make some noise. If the outside shooting improves just a little bit and the team controls the ball a bit better, I think Sweet 16 is definitely doable.

[mweb08]

I agree with mweb that Len is definitely gone after this season, so hopefully he continues to dominate and the team can really make some noise. If the outside shooting improves just a little bit and the team controls the ball a bit better, I think Sweet 16 is definitely doable.

If those things happen, I think the Sweet 16 should be an expectation, and the Final 4 is doable.

[SportsGuy]

If those things happen, I think the Sweet 16 should be an expectation, and the Final 4 is doable.

No doubt.

I know people want to temper their enthusiasm right now and I get that.

But speaking as an "outsider", for what I am seeing from this team(in particular Len and his dominance right now), NOT making the sweet 16 would be a disappointment.

I know its early and I respect that aspect of things...but when you have a true top 10 pick(and perhaps the #1 pick) and the combo of talent, athleticism, size and strength MD has, you can see the makings of a very good team.

The need to score consistently though...between shaky outside shooting and turnovers, that is where their weakness could potentially lie.

But with their rebounding ability, they will get a lot of extra oppurtunities and will likely have a lot of one and dones on the defensive end.

Aaronholt and Faust's ability to shoot well from 3 will be important IMO.

[bnickle]

Yeah, Len is gone. There is literally no scenario I can envision where he returns. Even if his stock drops for some reason he's gonna be a 1st round pick. And if his stock drops that means he has regressed for some reason on the court. So just enjoy this year, hope he continues to play at this level or even better, and enjoy watching him get taken in the lottery next year and ultimately playing in the NBA.


BTW...someone here refresh my memory on Len. How did we find him and get him?? Who was it that saw him??? I know he didn't play in the States but how does recruiting Euro players work??

[BSLChrisStoner]

Yeah, Len is gone. There is literally no scenario I can envision where he returns. Even if his stock drops for some reason he's gonna be a 1st round pick. And if his stock drops that means he has regressed for some reason on the court. So just enjoy this year, hope he continues to play at this level or even better, and enjoy watching him get taken in the lottery next year and ultimately playing in the NBA.


BTW...someone here refresh my memory on Len. How did we find him and get him?? Who was it that saw him??? I know he didn't play in the States but how does recruiting Euro players work??

I forget the exact story, but believe he had saw a MD/Duke game on TV, and when he started putting feelers out to colleges, I think he let MD know he would be interested.

I don't believe anyone on the staff saw Len play at the 2010 U18 European Championships where he apparently first began to really open up eyes.

[SportsGuy]

Impressive win for Miami tonight..but I don't see them as better than the Terps either.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Impressive win for Miami tonight..but I don't see them as better than the Terps either.

I don't see them as having needed to rush the courts for beating a #13th ranked team on November 28th either.

[SportsGuy]

I don't see them as having needed to rush the courts for beating a #13th ranked team on November 28th either.

In fairness, that's a pretty big win for the program.

[You Play to Win the Game]

In fairness, that's a pretty big win for the program.

Yeah, it's a big win... but sheesh. Don't remember too many court rushes in November in my lifetime. Oh well, hope they had fun.

[bnickle]

Looks like its up to Duke to split the Challenge this year.

[mweb08]

Looks like its up to Duke to split the Challenge this year.

At least with the move to the Big Ten, there is no longer a temptation to root for Duke in any situation.

[SportsGuy]

Looks like its up to Duke to split the Challenge this year.

They are trying to give it away in the last minute.

They have missed 3 front ends of the one and ones.