Live with freshmen, die with freshmen
Maryland head coach Gary Williams said all the right things about freshman guard Terrell Stoglin's play in the Terps bitter 79-75 loss to the Boston College in their ACC opener.
Stoglin missed a critical three-point attempt from the top of the key with 17 seconds remaining. And Williams backed his freshman, saying he had no problem with Stoglin taking the shot.
"Terrell tries to win -- just like when Greivis (Vasquez) was a freshman," Williams said. "He's trying to win the game."
Fine. And I'm sure Williams was happy to see that Stoglin didn't shy away from taking that critical shot. So many players -- not just freshmen -- want no part of the ball in the waning seconds of a tight game and actually run away from shots like that.
But there's also no question that the talented Stoglin forced a number of shots in the second half -- he was only 6-for-17 from the field -- and that he'll have to play smarter, and under more control, the rest of the way.
That being said, Stoglin, who ended up with 14 points, looks like he could become a big-time player for the Terps. He's lightning-quick, has a killer cross-over dribble, sees the whole court and is fearless in his drives to the basket.
I don't see Gary Williams being able to keep the kid out of the starting lineup for much longer.
Comments
Agreed. Its also great to see that type of growth in Gary Williams. Before and even in Stoglin's case, some of those shots have earned the young players a quick yank. But slowly you can see that Stoglin has great potential and talent and him being on the court more and more is indicative that Coach Williams see's it as well. Some of his pullups need to be reeled in still, but I def look forward to watching him evolve as a PG for the Terps
Posted by: Aaron | December 13, 2010 1:33 PM
Agree- and we go back again to the Senior play. If Cliff would have hit his key foul shots, or at least one, it could have taken some of the pressure off. Stoglin then missed his foul shot and then forced the long three. No doubt though he is fearless and can score.
Posted by: CoachJ | December 13, 2010 2:00 PM
Stoglin played 28 minutes; he really should play at least 35.
Stoglin and Howard were the only perimeter players who could dribble penetrate, and not be out of control.
Bowie can actually contribute from the wing, and should play there exclusively, splitting time with Tucker and Mosley.
Tucker repeatedly turned his head on defense, and was slow to get back at least twice in the second half after a turnover. Gary has a month to review that game film.
Posted by: onceawarrior | December 13, 2010 4:46 PM
Discussing Stoglin's performance leads one directly to addressing Bowie and his senior teammates. Commentary on the 3 seniors' up-and-down performances is pretty much worn out. Over the course of this season, and like it or not, Maryland's success or failure will largely depend upon their contributions. For now, the bench contributions from Stoglin, as well as Howard, Padgett, Wiess and Palsson, are all important. Bringing Stoglin off of the bench might remain the Terps' best option as he can provide an instant spark.
Right now, I'm more concerned with Mosley's "slump." Without assessing any "blame," as games are won and lost over the course of 40 vs. 2 minutes, I believe the missing "ingredient" to the Terps' formula thus far has been Mosley's reduced production. He brings a complete game to the floor, however, right now it seems that he's slgithly off in virtually every area. Look for improved results with Mosley's improved production (play?)
Posted by: Terp'nTexas | December 13, 2010 5:25 PM
Got to hit the free throws otherwise we'll lose more games like the one against BC.
Go Terps!
Posted by: Rodney Cool | December 13, 2010 10:28 PM
Is it time to start thinking about the NIT? No signature win during non-conf and the ACC is very top heavy, meaning the only possibility for quality wins come vs Duke & UNC. Not much of a chance there considering we lost a home game vs a team with 8 scholarship players. BC was a bigger loss than people imagine.
Posted by: bobo | December 14, 2010 5:20 AM
it all boils down to foul shooting - major college teams should be shooting 70% plus not in the 50's% - they shoot 70% and they are undefeated - Gary must be going crazy to see that production
Posted by: geoff | December 14, 2010 6:07 AM