Matt:

No questions or thoughts this time. Just wanted to thank you for your stellar efforts at keeping us informed of the Terps' recruiting efforts.

Matt, Great job (as usual).

Thanks guys. Much appreciated, as always.

Thanks for the work, Matt. Is it just me, or has the company the Terps are keeping, in terms of the level competition for basketball recruits, skyrocketed in the last year? When you don't really know much about these kids, like me, the easiest way to gauge the situation is to look at the other schools listed alongside the Terps.

How much of the recruitment buzz is because of something different Gary is doing, and how much of it is his relatively new staff stepping up? I guess that question is unimportant. What is important is that the uptick is real.

shas -- Maryland is definitely involved with more highly rated prospects in this class than they have been in the past couple years. I think you can attribute that to staff continuity. GW had so much staff turnover with guys taking other jobs that UM seemingly had trouble planning ahead. They were playing catchup at times, which led to recruiting the occasional risky kid. That's not the case anymore. Driesell, Ehsan and Booth have been together now for a couple years, and I think that shows. The staff seems to complement each other well.

your right on the money Matt. after winning the Nat. Championship in 02, MD,lost all three top assitants in the years shortly after.Hahn,Patsos,and Dickerson!
i believe Chuck Driesell's ties in VA,and the entire staff's work is begging to pay off.
GO TERPS!!

Exactly right Matt. The Gary critics don't get how recruiting works or the impact of losing assistant coaches. They place it all on the coach and overlook the changes that came from the program's success, namely the departures of Dickerson and Patos. It took Chucky and Booth and Ehsan a while to get up and running and make their connections. (and Michael Adams was lazy and a bust and cost us a year in the recruiting cycle) You have to work kids from 9th grade now, you can't introduce yourself when they're a junior or senior and expect to get quality players, which is what happened during that transition between the title and last year. The Terps have been working together for a few years as you pointed out and it's starting to pay off. Word on the street is Maryland may actually have their choice of players with so many kids wanting to come to CP. The tide has obviously turned. It won't surprise me a bit if Maryland plays the waiting game on these last two scholarships and lands any combination of the 10-15 guys they have put so much emphasis on, including Tobias Harris. Gary is going to get that second titlle and valididate his coaching status. Me thinks it happens with this class.

You would have to think once Under Armour develops their presence in college hoops apparel thinks will get even better for the Terps recruiting.

What is the latest on the Burney scholarship situation? Also is it possible we bring in three more in the 2010 class? Just wondering also why Rivals did not report on T Harris visit or the in home visits of Leslie, Jones, Smith and Harris that UMD has planned? Isn't this big recruiting news? I read that D Harris was leaning somewhere else. Have we cooled on him? Sorry for all the questions, but please help if anyone has the answers. Matt, Go Terps or TNT you guys usually know.

Thanks.

Another factor is the buzz itself. Building on a solid class of Padgett and Williams, MD then landed Ross, and then an unknown Stoglin started making a name for himself on the AAU circuit -- other recruits now seem to have become more interested. Then Parker commits and now MD is on the short list for other big names. Recruits want in and that is the key. Playing time is probably also a factor - these guys feel they will get time right away. This is an exciting time to be a Terp.

Hey Rob,

Good point on UA. Amazing how that product has taken off.

Matt probably knows more about this than me, but I wouldn't put too much stock in Rivals or Scout. Maybe I have a Terp complex, but it's hard to get info on the Terps on those sites.Our local guys do a better job, including Big Matt, . Terrapin Times (rivals franchise I think), Inside MD sports and testudo times are all pretty good pay sites.

There's a line outside the door for in-home visits with Gary. It's defineitely news, unless you write for the Post. From what I have heard from some of my high school and AAU coaching buddies, the Terps have a legit shot at T. Harris who loved Maryland and loved playing with the Teps. The joke is they had to ban him from coming on campus cause he was there all the time. The focus is on Harris right now. Wouldn't that be something. The Terps are still pursuing Leslie as their second option and some think he'd be a better player than Harris (rebounding, defense, toughness). I still have my reservations as we've seen this before when a guy like Calhoun opens the wallet for Rudy ($50,000 a year at UCONN), but you gotta keep trying.

If the Terrps have cooled on anyone, it's Roscoe Smith, who I think just paid a visit to Duke. No one thinks he's tough enough to play for Gary or play the 4 now that Ross and Parker are Terps. D. Harris lists South Carolina as his leader, but the Terps are still working him (ACC, national title contender if he signs.) Like the PF spot, there are so many potential Centers who list us, it's hard to keep up. My understanding is D. Harris, Johnson and Kirk are all being pursued pretty equally.

Jones has a lot of west coast schools on his list (UCLA is pushing hard for him and he would fit well there). Mitchell lists Oklahoma as his leader last time I checked. Don't be surprised if we get an elite PF and Jonathon Graham. Signing Graham would go a long way to repairing the relationship with his dad, solidify the Baltimore angle (overblown, but still....) and he would be the perfect backup initially. Gary likes players like JG, and the Terps assistants like him. By all accounts, he wants to come to Maryland, so I assume he's kinda their backup He's a PF, but the Terps have a bunch of guys that could play either spot, including Padgett and Williams. And if they sign an elite player, that may actually hurt them signing another elite player. There's only five spots on the court and one ball.

Very psyched to watch the young Terps take on Cal tonight.

Last thing. I hear Burney is working incredibly hard to overcome his injury problems. I think they give him one more year. It is rare you pull a scholarship (unless you're Calipari) from under a kid (see Pearman). Burney will hang it up if he can't go after this season and apparently considered it this year. So we could have another scholarship open up late next year. Right now, it seems they would be better holding it until they see what happens with the two they have for 2010.

Thanks GOTERPS for the reply. reading Rivals recent article on T. Harris you would think Syracuse has the wrap on him. The one think that is pretty amazing about UMD recruiting is that they keep a pretty go lid on things. No one really new about Soglin,Ross or Parker signing until it was done. Got to think Gary and his crew are in full swing after these last prospects. I think Chucky is stepping up big time...must be in his blood. Also I am really starting to believe that both C.J. and Tobias like it CP. Any chance we would sign both (including Jones in that mix) and forgo a big till the following year?

Hey Rob,

I doubt we sign both Harris and Leslie, besides the unlikely scenerio they both sign, that would put the team 4 deep at PF. Besides, I can't imagine either of those two guys wanting to split time. I kinda thought Harris would end up at a school that pays - UConn or Kentucky being the leaders of that group. Frankly, if i was a Harris (or any other big recruit) I would be leery of UK and worried about getting stripped of a title if we won one. Not to mention, they are already loaded with players. But you just never know what a kid is thinking or the influence his parents might have on the decision. I like our chances though to land Harris based on what I heard, even more so than with Leslie. But even if the Terps don't get one of those two guys, there are a lot if high quality PFs out there. Hell, Jones might be the best of the group. I think they get a premier PF in this class, it's just a matter of which one, but O don't think they sign two.

I did hear they are looking at PGs too for 2010. Maybe backup for Stoglin? A frontcourt rotation of Williams, Padgett, Parker, a PF and Gregory is pretty deep.....do you need another center, which you seem to be alluding the answer may be no.

matt-
After watching that football game and seeing just how bad we are, I am seriously concerned with losing to JMU and ET a second year in a row.
Freidgen won with Vanderlindin's recruits, and has regressed since. I don't understand how a Major D-1 program has no line. 2 walk-ons, that right there should say something is seriously wrong.
My question is, can they fire Freidgen mid-season or does he have some sort of protection?
I am really concerned about the state of this program.
We are regressing every year.
People can say what ever they want about Gary and his recruiting, but, Freidgen and whoever his scouts are, might be the worst talent evaluators in NCAA sports.
The couldn't get a 5 star to save their lifes, and they barely get any 4 stars.
Tate and Arnet, and they don't even start for some reason.

Ryan, if we lose to any of those teams this year I think Ralph may be gone. We should also look to replace Yow why we are at it. She has run her course and it is time for a change. The irony may be if Gary puts together a couple good years he might save her job. A program with both a bad football and basketball team usually spells out a quick exit for an AD at a major university like UMD.

Thanks GOTERPS for answering my question. Matt must be taking it easy on vacation. Doesn't he know we never take a break from this...? Can't wait to see who we land next. I think back to this time last year when we were grasping for players and now we are in great position. Way to turn it around GW and staff. Keep on pressing!

Well....I have to agree with Ryan, though maybe I wouldn't say Ralph and his coaches are the worst talent evaluators in the NCAA. The team has gone to six bowl games in Ralph's nine years, they've won three straight bowl games, they just missed winning the ACC last year and it is worth mentioning that prior to Ralph's arrival the team had been to ONE BOWL GAME IN 15 YEARS. So, it ain't that bad.

The team has recruited some pretty good players, especially at RB, WR, and in the secondary. It's hard to put your finger on it, but I know this: you win football games on the offensive and defensive lines and MD has not recruited well on either line under Ralph. And the offensive and defensive play calling has been weak at best the last three years.

And I don't know why Tate isn't starting either, though Arnett apparently got beat out fair and square.

BUT, The University has already addressed Ralph's replacement. Ralph will leave on his terms. Like Gary, and regardless of his very vocal critics, Ralph has built a solid program that has had success. I agree he is overrated, but he's a MD grad and part of the family. He will not be fired in midseason.

As for Gary, you heard it hear first. The 2010 class will return to the Final Four. Gary is going to win a second title. Count on it, prepare for it, and don't be bitter when he does.

News flash: Mens football and basketball are not the only sports the University of Maryland participates in, Soccer, lacrosse, womens basketball and the golf team have all had success under Yow. And so have Gary and Ralph. Now, Yow might be a little jealous of the attention and coverage the mens teams get (read that however you want...) and as a female AD she has a chip on her shoulder (as does the entire department). They do not like the autonomy Gary and Ralph act like they have. But overall, under Yow, the University has put forth competitive teams, has avoided scandal and wrongdoing and improved the athletic facilities beyond imagination prior to her arrival.

She is not getting fired either and she shouldn't be.

It still amazes me the draconian measures people throw out after a loss.

Rob -- Apologies for not responding. You were correct in your guess about me enjoying some time off. Thanks to GoTerps for answering all of those questions better than I could. I need to start cutting him royalty checks.

Ryan -- UM wouldn't think of dismissing Friedgen midseason. He's done far too much good for the school to be treated in such a manner. Plus, I still think they're a bowl team. The Cal game was ugly, but I think Maryland's a better team than what they showed.

Matt,

One thing I did not know until yesterday, is that Tobias' brother, Torrel Jr, went to UMD. I would think that Tobias looked up to his older brother and followed them while his brother was there and then afterwards. I would imagined that he visited him at college and maybe even caught some games. I would imagine this may play a huge role in us possibly landing him. Do you have any further info and what are your thoughts? Do I have my facts straight? Thanks in advance Matt or whomever my have the facts.

Rob -- I think you summed up the relationship/situation pretty well. There's certainly a comfort level with UM, thanks to his older brother, that he may not necessarily have with other schools. Whether that makes a difference in his ultimate decision remains to be seen, but it's definitely a positive for the Terps.

His brother lives in Virginia and is a huge Terps fan. One of the other advantages is the family (parents and lot of relatives) live in NJ. So, Maryland is right in the middle where everyone can go see Toby play. BTW, Torrel graduated from Maryland, got a great education (his words) and is definitely selling the University to his brother and the family. But the biggest thing is Toby also loved the campus and playing with the Terps. I have a good feeling that Toby just might end up a Terp.....

And Matt, I was just filling in for you while you were on vacation......no check necessary... :)

I love the blog.

They didnt win three straight bowl games. We lost to Oregon State 2 years ago in the Emerald Bowl. On another note, I think the problem lies in the assistant coaches and their recruiting. You have to realize they do a ton of the recruiting and they are only landing 4-5 four stars a year and no 5 stars. The last time we landed a 5 star was around 2005 in Bruce Campbell. It is time for us to hire someone who can recruit and start to turn this program around.

I see Roscoe is dropping out of the picture and this maybe a positive. Is it possible we are not pursuing as hard since we are confident in our recruiting efforts of Harris, Leslie and Jones? It would be great to see any of the guys above become a Terps. Again, I have to believe that it all started when Ross came on board. I think he made other recruits take a harder look at UMD. Also there is no doubt that both him and Stoglin are respecting by their peers and with the addition of Parker...look out! Of course the recruiting efforts of Gary and the staff have made the overall difference.

Thanks Matt and GO Terps for the follow-up. Did Torrel Jr have any ties with the team players while he was at UMD? I would imagine that basketball has always been a staple in all of the childrens lives since their dad was a good player. Hope he commits!

Rob,

I mentioned it a while back, the Terps lost interest in Roscoe when they signed Parker. With Parker, Ross and Mosley the two and three spots are filled. Roscoe is a three in college, not a four. it might be fair to say that Roscoe and the Terps both realized he no longer fit. The Terps want a physical PF, who can rebound, block shots, match up with big PFs and score inside. Roscoe was not that player. I''ve seen him play a few times and was not impressed with his size or intensity. He likes to avoid contact and play on the perimeter. From what i know, the Terps are confident they are getting a legit PF. Who that is remains to be seen, but I would say they are focused on Harris and Leslie and consider Jones somewhat of a longshot with his west coast ties. There are so many other players that could fit I think the Terps will wait it out.

I stand corrected on the bowl game, the Terps did lose to Oregon State. Ralph is 4-2 in Bowl games. Prior to Ralph's arrival, the last bowl appearance for Maryland was 1989 (1985 before that). Like with Gary, the criticism of Ralph is exaggerated. The team has definitely had success during his tenure.

Im not saying Ralph hasnt been successful, but at the moment we are suffering from crippling mediocrity. Something needs to be done to turn this program around. Basketball seems to be doing it, so i think football can too

Outside of Turner, this is still a very young team. I agree Ralph is overrated and hasn't put together a great team on his own. But like I said before, he's done a solid, if unspectacular job. The program was in turmoil before he got here. He will stay until he's ready to leave for reasons I stated above. The 2008, 2009 and the 2010 classes have very good players in them. We shall see.

Virginia landed former MD target James Johnson today. Along with Wil Regan, that's an impressive 2010 class. I believe they signed a four-star SG, too.