With its newfound depth, Maryland men’s basketball must be flexible

(Photo Courtesy of Maryland Athletics.)

Following a surprisingly close Hofstra game, caput omnibus Mark Turgeon referenced his inner-Larry Brown — his by-any-means-necessary will to win.

Dark-brown, Turgeon's former coach and mentor, is a i-of-a-kind basketball game-lifer, who during his time as a professional athlete, NCAA and NBA head bus, fostered an indelible winning mindset.

Information technology was Chocolate-brown's philosophy that inspired Turgeon's decision to bench center Qudus Wahab for the entirety of the second half and employ a variety of small ball lineups.

"… Tonight — it'southward the Larry Brownish in me — I had to effigy out how to win the game," Turgeon said of the lineup alter. "… It didn't e'er look groovy, but it gave u.s. the best chance to win."

It's also a mindset that will demand to endure if Maryland men'south basketball hopes to utilize its talent effectively.

Last flavor, depth and proper personnel seemed to exist the ii most hampering problems for the Terps. Today, with those matters seemingly addressed with newcomers, the biggest immediate business may now be finding an adaptable, trusted rotation.

Turgeon and the Terps barely had a vi man rotation last yr. And outside of relatively smooth sailing to a share of the Big Ten championship the yr before, Maryland also struggled to find a serviceable seventh man in its 2022 campaign.

Five games in, Turgeon has seven players logging considerable minutes and eight averaging at to the lowest degree 15 minutes per contest. Having that trio of dependable role-players to spell the starting lineup could exist what propels Maryland to being a true 40-minute squad.

Maryland knows what it has in Eric Ayala, Hakim Hart, Donta Scott, Fatts Russell, Ian Martinez, Julian Reese, Xavier Green and Wahab. Only it has enough more to offer. It doesn't hurt to go deeper and try new looks.

As the Large Ten slate looms, players' roles need to be decided chop-chop to ensure the Terps aren't scrambling to observe good minutes confronting more than established opponents. Finding solid minutes also ways Turgeon can freely adapt his lineup for varying situations.

With the shooting woes, mayhap James Graham Three, a young guard Turgeon lauded for his ability to change practices with his efficient shooting stroke, has earned a chance to evidence himself in games. In small ball lineups, Pavlo Dzuiba might be a serviceable swiss-army pocketknife kind of thespian as he molds into a more complete athlete.

In more frontcourt demanding situations, Turgeon seems keen on playing Reese and Wahab together. The twin tower duo should find familiarity on the court every bit Purdue, Michigan and other tall opponents await.

"Hopefully, down the road, [we're] playing [Wahab and Reese] together," Turgeon said. "The matchups have but been then tough. Nosotros're playing these little teams that spread you out."

Turgeon's willingness to attempt Scott at the 5 was especially articulate in the Terps competition against Hofstra. Scott's performances defensively at center terminal flavor and the ability he provides as a flooring spreader accept earned him trust from his head charabanc. Against quicker, guard heavy teams, Scott'due south experience is vital.

The backcourt depth as well offers plenty offensively and defensively, depending on whether Turgeon is looking for shots to fall or guards to contain.

The flavor is young and the opportunities are endless. It'southward up to Turgeon and his coaching staff to realize the immediate potential of Maryland and detect the winning pieces as fast equally possible.

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Source: http://wmucsports.net/maryland-mens-basketball-depth-flexible/

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