Could you please give us a report or write-up about how they play today? Thanks

Steve -- I'd like to go, but unfortunately I'm in the office all day.

Did anyone catch the Montverde Academy game and, if so, can any of you provide some meaningful insight on Palsson, his game, etc.?

I saw the 2nd half of the Oak Hill game and Howard, while not spectacular, looked very solid. He has a solid frame that already looks ready for the ACC competition (which, under Maryland's strength training program, will only get stronger). Although he scored 11 points, his outside shooting was somewhat erratic. His overall floor presence, however, was outstanding. While he appears capable of getting his shot, he seems to be an outstanding pass-first type of guard--he had 9 assists. Of those included ones on 3 consecutive possessions highlighted by a "look-away" wrap-around pass to a teammate for a lay-up after chasing down an offensive rebound off of a missed free throw followed by a perfect between the legs bounce pass to a teammate on a fastbreak that led to another lay-up. He also collected 4-5 rebounds in playing a nice all-around game.

His play reinforced my prior stated belief that Howard, because of his all-around game, including defensive prowess, may be the freshman to see the most court time and provide the largest contribution to next season's team (at least in the early part of the year). In all, I was pretty excited by what I saw from him and certainly look forward to him donning a Terps' uniform next season.

I saw the finals on TV. It was difficult to tell much about Palsson's game because Montverde's offense is limited to 2 players going one-on-one and never even thinking about passing, throwing up brick after brick. Which is why they lost to a much better coached Findlay Prep. He did seem solid on defense and guarded everyone from the PG to C, mostly covering for lack of defense of aforesaid ball hogs. Good help defender and court awareness. Did not try to break anyone down off dribble.

Well put, Skin. Watched some of the final as well- anyone that passes judgement on Palsson from watching him play w/ Montverde is a fool. Typical new kid in school scenario, not quite cool enough to hang out with the big boys. The 2 "stars" didnt look to pass the ball at all. I'm not trying to make Palsson out to be a future star, but i trust Gary saw something in practice when the kid was playing with the 2nd team that we dont get to see in a showcase type tournament.