Milbourne will still play some '4'
One of the positives of Maryland getting a pair of freshmen power forwards is that it takes some of the pressure off Landon Milbourne, who often played the "4" last season. The 6-7 Milbourne habitually guarded forwards much bigger than he is.
But don't expect Milbourne to shift to immediately shift to small forward and remain there. It's not happening, said coach Gary Williams.
For one thing, Maryland needs to assess how quickly the two newbies -- power forwards Jordan Williams and James Padgett -- can play at the 4.
For another, Milbourne grew accustomed to playing down low and got pretty good at it.
"I think Landon is very comfortable at the 4," the coach said.
The thinking is that this transition is going to take time. Still, Milbourne may learn to love his two new teammates as the season unfolds.
Comments
Little over 5 weeks until Maui! Can't wait to see them in that little gym! Jeff, if you have not been there yet, the place is the greatest!!! Not much bigger than Calvert Hall or Loyola's gym! It is a treat to watch Basketball there! Plus all this excitment about B-Ball is making everyone forget this miserable football team!!!!
Posted by: renoterp | October 16, 2009 6:27 PM
But who fills the five hole? Padgett and Williams are power forwards, Burney is done and Milbourne is a push in the four hole. MD has lots of big guards and PFs but no real point guard or center. This is a year when hustle and coaching will make a big difference. Go Gary! Whenever he has talent he underachieves and whenever he is challenged he rises to meet it!
Posted by: ziggy | October 16, 2009 7:39 PM
This is a big year for my old classmate Gary. It has been a disappointment since 2002 but he has some talent this year. Let's see if he still has it in him to produce a winner.
Posted by: Bags | October 17, 2009 9:15 AM
I'm really sort of disappointed that Milbourne has had to play out of position pretty much his entire career. I think he should be commended for his team first attitude because I do think there is a chance that had he stayed in his natural position that he could've had a shot at the NBA. Maybe with a real good year he will anyway, but I think he should be recognized for sacrificing some of his personal goals for the sake of the team. Very refreshing to see.
Posted by: Nicholas Sadaka | October 17, 2009 2:00 PM
I think milbourne may be the secret weapon this year With him on the floor with some size, rebounding will be a plus. He moves well and will benefit from the bigs. We go as Grevis does, on to the acc championship!
Posted by: dave | October 17, 2009 11:04 PM
Derrick Lews had to play center at 6-7.
Lonny Baxter played center at 6-6 (yes-that was his legit height)
Posted by: Mark G | October 19, 2009 3:21 AM
I THINK THIS WILL A BIG YEAR FOR THE TERPS.GREIVIS VASQUEZ WILL BE PLAYER OF THE YEAR IF HE HAS BETTER SHOT SELECTION,AN IF ERIC HAYES TAKES MORE THREES AND MAKES THEM AT A FORTY PERCENT CLIP,WATCH OUT FINAL FOUR.
Posted by: anthony edwards | October 19, 2009 8:44 PM
Can't wait to see the 2009 version in Tallahassee on Feb. 4th. My only chance to see them live down south. This season hangs on how well these fellas can play together as a team and not worry about individual stats. Go Gary!
Ed Miller class of '67
Posted by: Ed Miller Port St. Lucie | October 26, 2009 7:25 PM