1. Will the Terps get back to the NCAA tournament after two straight NIT appearances?
Gary Williams said he hopes getting so close to the NCAA tournament hurts players as much as it hurts him. There’s clearly no lack of motivation there, but the Terps will probably have to improve on their 8-8 conference record to make the big dance in a crowded group of bubble teams.
For the record, ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi has the Terps as his second team out of the 2007 field in his June 21 version of Bracketology.
History is on the Terps’ side as Williams’ streak of 11 straight tournament appearances represents unbelievable consistency. But the Terps will have to shed the problems that doomed possible trips to the 2005 and 2006 tournaments and separate themselves from the near-misses.
This Terp team will be tested – and could earn its spot in the tournament – during a month-long stretch to close the season that includes two games against archrival Duke.
2. Can Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez step into Gary Williams’ offense and contribute right away?
Hayes and Vasquez are smart players who had plenty of high school and all-star game success before joining the Terps. They both fit the mold of a Steve Blake-like point guard, as they pass the ball first before thinking about shooting.
Williams said Hayes and Vasquez are going through a “rush course” to learn the Terps’ system, but added that they’re savvy, quick learners. Hayes had 16 assists in the Terps’ exhibition games, while Vasquez is trying to bounce back from a sprained ankle.
Both players have plenty of confidence, which Williams said was important for young point guards to develop. No matter what kind of intangible or tangible skills Hayes and Vasquez need to polish, they’re basketball players first – and that will allow them to fit in.
3. Will the Terps’ perimeter defense continue to hurt them?
Though the Terps did not look good against the 3-pointer in their first two exhibition games against weaker teams, it is early. Hayes said the Terps haven’t had trouble scoring points, just keeping opponents from doing so. If that problem continues, the Terps will struggle severely in the ACC.
Williams wants his team to play great defense right now, but the Terps will need to improve technique on help defense around the arc for that to happen. Early season games against Illinois and Notre Dame will be barometers for how well the Terps improve on the perimeter.
4. Will the core of this year’s senior class make fans forget about last year’s senior class?
Each senior has had a special skill on past teams, from Strawberry’s stellar defense to Jones’s shot. For the class to make a real impact this season, Ibekwe, Strawberry and Jones will have to improve their all-around games as the core of the team.
Williams said Ibekwe going against Dirk Nowitzki at the World Championships has made him a more confident player, and Strawberry is embracing the leadership role, which means the Terps will have few issues about whom to turn to in the locker room.
5. Do the Terps have enough of an inside game to make it through a rigorous ACC?
Junior forward James Gist said the Terps have four dominant inside players, but all they really need is for one or two guys to control the paint. Gist and Ibekwe are lean, but they could be valuable to the Terps in many ways if they hone their inside game.
Junior college transfer Bambale Osby is a consistent, back-to-the-basket player with the ferocity of a bulldog. He won’t be counted on to pour in a lot of points, but he could give the Terps some more muscle inside.
Contact reporter Stephen Whyno at whynodbk@gmail.com
