Weekly recruiting roundup
The Maryland men's basketball program got a boost in the frontcourt Thursday when St. John's Northwestern Military Academy forward Martin Breunig committed to the Terps.
Breunig, who joins Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) point guard Sterling Gibbs and City shooting guard Nick Faust in Maryland's 2011 class, picked the Terps over Virginia and several mid-major schools.
Maryland still has one scholarship to give for the 2011 class. So with Breunig's pledge, where does that leave the Terps in their pursuit of Oakland Mills forward Greg Whittington?
Scorpions coach Jon Browne said in a text message Thursday night that Maryland coach Gary Williams visited Oakland Mills for a practice that day. Williams "specifically told me that there is a full scholarship for Greg should he choose to attend Maryland," Browne wrote.
Browne wrote that he had "a great conversation" with Williams about Whittington, who is also considering Clemson, DePaul, Georgetown and Texas.
Whittington on Wednesday powered Oakland Mills to a win in the District V championship game against Broadneck.
The Howard County champions brought more size, quickness and athleticism to the title game, and it was apparent early. Behind a pestering zone trap and a 23-point performance from 6-foot-9 senior Greg Whittington, Oakland Mills scored the game's first 20 points to come away with a 58-24 win over the Bruins.
• Faust led City in scoring Thursday night in the Knights' 75-59 loss to top-ranked Patterson in the Baltimore City Division I championship game.
Patterson sophomore forward Myrek Lee-Fowlkes scored 11 of his 18 points in the first half to help offset City senior guard Nick Faust (25 points) as the game went to halftime tied at 33.
Aquille Carr scored a game-high 32 points -- including 25 in the second half -- to lead the Clippers.
• Gibbs will lead Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) against Irvington for the Essex County Tournament title on Saturday.
Seton Hall Prep claimed its second consecutive American Division crown behind the leadership of senior guard Sterling Gibbs. The Maryland-bound star averaged 22.9 ppg. in 14 divisional contests.
• SB Nation contributor Adam Zagoria wrote this week about the Washington-area's top basketball prospects, including Terps target and DeMatha center BeeJay Anya.
"He's got a DeJuan Blair-type body," one Atlantic 10 assistant said. "He's a big kid. He can really seal you in deep and score without making any post moves."
• Terps women's commitment Tierney Pfirman will miss South Williamsport's postseason run with a stress fracture in her leg.
"As difficult as sitting on the bench may be, I have confidence in my teammates to play to the best of their ability and pull together to hopefully get a win and go as far as they can in the playoffs."
Comments
Nice to hear that Gary finally had the courtesy to attend an in-person meeting with Whittington's father, agent, er, coach. Now that the proper respects have been paid, I hope all is forgiven.
Posted by: Shas | February 25, 2011 12:40 PM
Matt, Great job -- as usual. Do you think that Breunig's commitment means that MD is no longer in the running for D. Hubert? Thanks.
CA Terp Fan: I think Maryland will still go after Hubert. His game is pretty different than Breunig's. Hubert's more of a 5, and Breunig is a 4 who could probably play some 3. -- Matt
Posted by: CA Terp Fan | February 25, 2011 12:45 PM
"Patterson sophomore forward Myrek Lee-Fowlkes scored 11 of his 18 points in the first half to help offset City senior guard Nick Faust (25 points) as the game went to halftime tied at 33."
What about the 32 points by Patterson's soph Carr?
DarNel: Good point. I just used that quote from the story because it had Faust's numbers in it. But I added a line on Carr's performance. Thanks. -- Matt
Posted by: DarNel | February 25, 2011 1:19 PM
Matt,
Thanks for the post. Do you think the alleged scholarship offer to Whittington means the Terps are foreseeing Hubert signing with UNC? With only one scholarship left, why would UMD promise it to both?
Unless, are you already counting our offer to Hubert as an occupied scholarship? Therefore, we could potentially sign both?
BTW, should both these guys sign with UMD, this could be the most height the program has ever had. Assuming Parker & Faust play the 2 and get major PT next year, we could be rolling with 2-4 positions with at least 6'6 height and deep range. That's crazy for college.
Phil: I think Maryland's offers for Whittington and Hubert are both valid, but it would have to be first come, first serve because (like you said) there's only one scholarship remaining. I don't necessarily think the offer to Whittington means that the Terps coaches have written off Hubert to UNC. I think they're just covering their bases with two high-quality players. They'd be happy with either. -- Matt
Posted by: Phil | February 25, 2011 1:26 PM
Are wally judges chances slim to none in being a terp?
Brian: I'm honestly not sure on Judge. -- Matt
Posted by: Brian | February 25, 2011 2:09 PM
Matt,
Any update on Wally Judge?
Joe: Unfortunately, I don't. -- Matt
Posted by: Joe | February 25, 2011 2:34 PM
Matt, With the hiring of Bradford as D coordinator as the LB coach Dudzinskifrom U Mass do you expect Maryland to run the same or similar attacking style of defense under Brown ???
shaan: Good question. That would make sense, but I don't know that for sure. We might not find out until spring practice starts. -- Matt
Posted by: shaan | February 25, 2011 2:36 PM
Matt, anyone recruiting the CARR kid yet?? If so, who have you heard ??
curt: I haven't checked on Carr's recruitment lately. He's definitely high-major. Memphis had offered him awhile back. -- Matt
Posted by: curt | February 26, 2011 5:01 AM
What is the update on Ashton Pankey's leg rehabilitation?
Posted by: Henry | February 26, 2011 2:32 PM