Padgett, Williams make debuts
So how did the newbies do?
*Freshman James Padgett had some impressive moments. Padgett lost the ball moving toward the basket in the first half. But he later put the Terps up, 33-26, on a feed from Sean Mosley and followed on the next possession with a follow-up slam. He finished with eight points and four rebounds.
*Freshman forward Jordan Williams also made his debut before the Maryland fans, who had previously seen him in intrasquad scrimmages. He scored seven points to go with six boards. He checked in with 15:20 left in the first half and committed an offensive foul on his first field-goal attempt. He scored his first point on a foul shot with 2:27 left in the half, then made a put-back to push Maryland’s lead to 44-31.
I really think these guys will help with inside depth. But they are freshmen. And this was a smallish, Division II opponent. So it's hard to draw too many conclusions.






Comments
Jeff, You wrote: "...But they are freshmen. And this was a smallish, Division II opponent. So it's hard to draw too many conclusions." True, but in fairness, it was also their first college game. We know it's not Duke or UNC.
The main thing is they didn't embarass themselves.
A couple of questions about the two frosh. From what you saw, how comfortable did they appear in terms of getting in the flow of what Gary Williams is trying to accomplish with his team?
Second, I was a little surprised that Padgett got the start over Willaims, seeing as he is generally considered the less regarded of the two. Do you Gary made the decision based on how they were in practice, to exploit a match-up or was it more just "flip a coin" than anything else?
----FROM JEFF---
If Padgett is a little ahead offensively, it's because of the better competition he played against in high school. That's what I was told after the game. That may have been the reason for the start. But coaches were generally pleased with both of them last night.
Posted by: Ken Francis | November 4, 2009 2:21 AM
I think Padgett will start in the beginning of the year and then Williams will come in once he gets used to playing people his own size. But I have a few problems with the way we played yesterday. First, why does Gary think now that we only should play one big guy at a time? Why can't we play Padgett and Williams together and see how they do? I'm sorry, but Milbourne is not a 4, he's a big 3, and he plays better at the 3. I'd like to see us start Vasquez, Mosley, Milbourne, Padgett, and Gregory this year until Williams gets used to some tough competition.
Another thing was the way the offense was running, it didn't seem like there were any opportunities for the big freshman to post up. I was looking to see how their post moves were, but they never got a chance. Hopefully that changes as the year goes on. The good news is they both looked like they'll be good players who can contribute this year
Posted by: zach | November 4, 2009 11:17 AM
Mention the name Len Bias, and many a Terps fans will take a moment to reflect upon one of the most amazing athletes to ever touch a basketball. The young man didn't grace the world long enough, but the game he brought to MD will be remembered forever.
Thanks Lenny Bias!
Just a reflection after last evening ESPN's 30-30 show.
Posted by: smugturtle | November 4, 2009 11:52 AM
Coach Zach,
With Dino not able to play last night and Goins hurt, Gary did not have the luxuary to play both freshmen big same time on the floor. Otherwise, when they were tired and need be taken out, who going to be the post player --- Milbourne? Jin Soo?
Posted by: CHL | November 4, 2009 1:09 PM
Jeff- the kids are going to be OK. What I've seen out of both in practices, scrimmages and now an exhibition against 'live competition' is the potential of both to be major contributors during their four years in CP. Both are athletic (in different ways) have good hands and after getting over those first game jitters, settled down and fit into the team offense and defense. Time, practice and experience is all they need. I lked how Padge showed a glimpse of his athleticism with the follow-up slam. I liked how Jordan hustled and played solid defense. The future is bright with these two. Enjoy watching them develop over the next four years.
Posted by: Terps06 | November 6, 2009 8:17 AM