The New Jersey Nets selected former Maryland star big man Jordan Williams with the 36th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft Thursday night. Earlier in the draft, the Nets traded for former Providence scoring sensation Marshon Brooks, who will join Williams in the draft class.

The Nets have one of the premier point guards in the league in Deron Williams, but beyond that there’s not much else. Travis Outlaw, Kris Humphries, and Brook Lopez have three of the starting spots, and Brooks will probably take over for Anthony Morrow at the shooting guard slot. Honestly, New Jersey is one of the few places where Williams could conceivably compete for a starting job – Humphries is more known for his off-the-court life than on his on-the-field achievements.

Backing up Lopez at center are Johan Petro and Dan Gadzuric, and backing up Humphries at power forward is Brandan Wright. We wish Williams the best of luck at the next level.

It’s official – Jordan Williams will hire an agent, entering the NBA draft. WaPo breaks the story, but credit has to go to Ryan Feldman, who reported this last week. Williams will reportedly sign with Andy Miller of ASM Sports, whose clients include Kevin Garnett, Serge Ibaka, and many others.

In two years and 66 games as a Terp, the center averaged 13.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Chad Ford of ESPN says that Williams will be a late first-round pick, and we wish him the best of luck.

A lot of people have questioned Williams’ readiness for the NBA, but it seems like he received a positive reception at the camps this spring. We wish him the best of luck in his career (there are a lot of teams that could use big man depth, and I’m hoping my Lakers pick and get rid of Caracter) and we’ll certainly be following it closely.

Needless to say, this is a huge blow to Maryland’s tournament hopes next year. Without Williams (and Dino Gregory), the Terps’ frontcourt currently consists of James Padgett, Berend Weijs, and Ashton Pankey (unless they can pull off Robert Goff). That’s one player who has woefully underperformed in his career as a Terp, a wiry JuCo transfer with very little going offensively, and a redshirt freshman who has played less than an hour of competitive basketball over the past two years.

It is not, however, the end of the world. Maryland has three great recruits coming in next year in Nick Faust, Sterling Gibbs, and Martin Breunig. Granted, two of them are guards and one of them is a swingman, but all three of those guys have the potential to be studs in the ACC. My proposed lineup for Gary Williams in the 2011-12 campaign:

PG – Pe’Shon Howard

SG – Terrell Stoglin

SF – Nick Faust

PF – Martin Breunig

C – James Padgett

Yeah, it’s a small lineup, but I think Maryland could stand to go with a Villanova-type approach this year. With Sean Mosley, Sterling Gibbs, Mike Parker, Hawk, and Weijs coming off the bench, that gives the Terps a solid nine and a half man rotation (sorry, Berend). I just hope Gary is willing to make a major change in his coaching strategy to better suit his current team.

More after the jump.

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One made the Terps proud in the playoffs. Could the other one follow soon?

We’ve got three bits of news on the basketball front. First, the bad: Jordan Williams has reportedly signed with an agent. Now, don’t freak out just yet, this isn’t coming from a big news organization although the guy does cite someone at the place Jordan is training. I have no reason to believe this guy, but no reason not to believe him either. For now, we’re treating this in the same class as a Twitter rumor and we’ll keep you updated if anything becomes official.

In the category of things definitely happening next basketball season, the Puerto Rico Tip-Off field has been set. Maryland joins Alabama, Colorado, Iona, Purdue, Temple, Western Michigan and Wichita State in the field. Interestingly enough, the Terps are the only one of the bunch who did not play postseason basketball last year. The two top teams of the group are obviously Purdue and Temple, but don’t sleep on Alabama, Colorado (even with the loss of Alec Burks), and Wichita State. They’re all quality teams, and Alabama will be a popular sleeper pick in the SEC next season. The event is sponsored by the Big East, even though no Big East teams are in the field. Your guess is as good as mine as to how that works.

The tournament will be held from November 17-20 (it’s a single elimination bracket-styled tourney) and will be on the ESPN family of networks. This might be a better look for the Terps than the tourney up at Madison Square Garden this past season or even the Maui Invitational two seasons ago. While there are no high-end teams (unless you count Purdue), there are a lot of good teams, which will hopefully result in actual quality out-of-conference wins for the Terps, something they severely lacked last season. We’ll have more on this once the first-round matchups are announced.

In the category of things definitely not happening next basketball season, Ryan Harrow has decided to transfer from NC State. After Sidney Lowe’s departure from the school, the stud freshman has decided to leave as well. Now, the most likely reason for his decision is the removal of Lowe, but we’d like to speculate it’s a hybrid of being afraid of Terrell Stoglin (who he had a rivalry brewing with) and Debbie Yow (because it’s always somehow her fault).

Image from the Sun.

According to a team official, Jordan Williams has put his name into the NBA Draft. It’s an expected move from the sophomore after a sophomore season in which he averaged 16.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. According to the official, Williams is not planning on hiring an agent, which keeps the possibility of a return for his junior year open.

Remember, it’s not the end of the world. Greivis Vasquez declared after his junior year, but after getting schooled in NBA Camps, decided to stick around for one more season at Maryland. That’s what is the most likely scenario for Williams.

If he wants to return for another year, Williams has to withdraw from the draft by May 8.

Here’s a quote from the big man:

I’m excited about testing the waters and seeing where I would be. It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the next level. This will give me an opportunity to get feedback from some NBA coaches and scouts on what parts of my game need improvement in order to be successful.

As always, we’ll keep you updated.

Image from donbest.com.

Well, that fell apart very quickly. Maryland played Duke really close until the end, and it was a one point game well into the second half. The Terps lost their composure, however, and were unable to seal the deal as they fell to Duke, 87-71.

Jordan Williams had 16 points with 16 rebounds (seven offensive), Cliff Tucker scored 12 off the bench, and Dino Gregory and Pe’Shon Howard each scored 10 as Maryland lost to the Blue Devils for the third time this year.

Terrell Stoglin had an awful game, making only two of his ten shots on the night, scoring six points and committing five turnovers.

Nolan Smith was hurt during the game, which I’m sure you’ll hear about a lot, but the Blue Devils actually played better without him. Kyle Singler scored 29 points with nine rebounds, and Seth Curry, Ryan Kelly, and the Plumlee brothers each chipped in with double digits to carry Duke into the next round of the ACC tournament.

This all but officially knocks Maryland out of the NCAA tournament, and now it’s time to look to the NIT, and to next year.

As I said on Twitter, I would say it was a fun season, but it really wasn’t. I am very excited for next year, though Maryland will have four quality guards in Pe’Shon, Stoglin, Nick Faust, and Sterling Gibbs and a player of the year candidate in Jordan. If either Mosley or Breunig can prove that they can play on the big stage, you’ve got a team that can go fairly far in the tournament. Hell, James Padgett has even come on strong as of late. The Terps will be a dark horse in the ACC next year, and it’s going to be an exciting team to watch.

Gary Williams has only really struggled in one area of coaching, and that’s recruiting. He’s one of the best game planners around and has a reputation for getting the best out of his players. Maybe the additions of Faust, Gibbs and Breunig will change that first perception.

Image from testudotimes.com.

Coming into Maryland’s opening ACC Tournament game against NC State, most of the hype was surrounding two young stars – and that part was right. They just picked the wrong two young stars.

Yeah, Terrell Stoglin only scored nine points while Ryan Harrow scored 12 for the Wolfpack, but the matchup between the two freshman guards was one to watch as Maryland knocked out NC State, 75 to 67.

Jordan Williams had game highs in points (16) rebounds (13) and blocks (three), taking advantage of a late NC State decision to start Jordan Vandenberg and a Tracy Smith injury. Dino Gregory continued his solid play, scoring 11 points with nine rebounds, while Maryland got solid scoring production off the bench from Cliff Tucker (nine points with four rebounds), Sean Mosley (seven points), Pe’Shon Howard (seven), and James Padgett (six points and seven rebounds.

Haukur Palsson got the start at small forward for Maryland, and made a three early on. He played solid defense throughout the game, but only ended up with five points and three rebounds.

The Terps led by 17 with under 9 minutes left in the first half, but the Wolfpack were able to close it down to a nine point halftime deficit.

To be honest, this was more of NC State playing poorly than Maryland playing well. The Wolfpack had 22 more shots than the Terrapins, but made only one more. Sidney Lowe’s squad (if it’s even his squad for much longer) shot 33.8% from the floor, 11.8% from three and 61.1% from the free throw line.

Maryland kept the Wolfpack in it, turning the ball over 15 times, but NC State ultimately did not have the scoring power to turn out the win. Scott Wood, who was so good earlier in the year when these two teams played, missed all six of his threes tonight, and Harrow was the only starter to score in double digits (Smith and Javier Gonzalez did so off the bench).

I, for one, think this could turn into a semi-rivalry. Harrow and Stoglin were jawing back and forth throughout the game, and if Leslie and Williams stick around, you’ve got two teams with young stars who could contend for ACC titles soon after disappointing seasons this year. Scratch that, this is contingent on Debbie Yow waking up and firing Sidney Lowe, who just looks out of his element as a head coach.

The Terps now get to face Duke tomorrow night in the second round as they try to salvage their tournament hopes.

Zegliiiiiiinksi! Image from greatblogofvirginia.com.

Sammy Zeglinski had one of the best performances we’ve seen all year in ACC play and Maryland was just unable to score down the stretch against Tony Bennett’s tough D, falling to the Virginia Cavaliers 74-60 on Senior Day. It was the Terps’ third straight double-digit loss.

Zeglinski, the junior from Philadelphia who came into the game averaging under seven points per game, made six of seven three point attempts on his way to a career-high 25 points.

The Terps were trailing by double figures late in the second half, but were able to cut the Hoos’ lead to five with five minutes remaining. After three wasted possessions in a row, however, their momentum was lost and Maryland was unable to recover.

Top 2012 recruit Justin Anderson was at the game, which doesn’t exactly bode well, especially since he’s reportedly down to Maryland, North Carolina and VIRGINIA.

Jordan Williams did his thing, with 17 points, six rebounds, and a career-high six blocks. Unsurprisingly, Dino Gregory was the only one of the seniors to even show up, scoring 15 points. The other two, Cliff Tucker and Adrian Bowie, scored five points each and only hit one field goal apiece.

Terrell Stoglin had a quiet game by his recent standards, scoring nine points without hitting a three pointer. Mychal Parker played more than ten minutes, showing signs of his talent with a great feed to Gregory and signs of his youth with his two turnovers.

Overall, it was a pretty pathetic send off for the seniors, who all had their ups and downs as Terps. Gregory was the only one who was a solid contributor this season, but they all had their moments. I want football season.

Image from BaltSun.

A “Big Two” can’t win games. Jordan Williams and Terrell Stoglin had fantastic performances, but without any kind of support from their teammates, the Terps fell in Chapel Hill to the Tar Heels, 87-76.

Stoglin scored 28 points and Williams had 16 points with 19 rebounds as Maryland fell short in an important game for the Terps’ chances. With the loss, Maryland is now certainly out of the at-large tournament picture, and have to win the ACC Tournament if they want to be dancing in March.

UNC’s front court absolutely dominated the Terps, especially Dino Gregory and James Padgett. Tyler Zeller scored 25 with six rebounds, John Henson had 10 with 15 rebounds, and Harrison Barnes scored 21, including three early threes that set the Tar Heels on a run.

The Terps have two more games this year, at Miami and at home against Virginia. Terps fans, I know it’s bad, but please show up for senior night against Virginia. Scott Van Pelt is angry, which makes me angry.

Sorry for the short recap, guys, it’s a busy week.

He is the man. Image from csnwashington.com.

After losing two heartbreaking road games in a row to Boston College and Virginia Tech, Maryland has now rebounded with two strong home wins, over North Carolina State and now tonight over Florida State, 78-62.

After an early Deividas Dulkys scoring run gave the Seminoles a lead, Maryland clawed back and showed offensive dominance against one of the strongest defensive teams in the ACC. Granted, Florida State is now without Chris Singleton, their best player, but the Terps came out tonight with a very strong and spirited performance that at least keeps them in the discussion (albeit on the outside of it) of the NCAA Tournament field.

Terrell Stoglin continued his hot streak as of late, scoring 17 points with four assists, Jordan Williams got back his double-double flow with 11 points and ten rebounds, and three other Terps scored in double figures as Maryland won an important game between two bubble(ish) teams. Dino Gregory had 14 points with eight rebounds and three blocks, Adrian Bowie had 12 points with six assists, and Sean Mosley scored ten points.

The Terps went with a starting lineup of Stoglin, Mosley, Cliff Tucker, Gregory, and Williams, and it seemed to work out pretty well. Tucker didn’t score a point in 12 minutes of actions, but Maryland played well as a whole and got a well-deserved win. The Terps had one of their best games from beyond the arc this year, shooting 50% (7-14) from three, led by the two freshman guards – Stoglin and MVPe combined for five three pointers on seven attempts.

It was Maryland’s first win over an RPI Top-50 team, a previously glaring omission on the Terps’ tournament resume. Maryland will now head back out on the road, with a date at Chapel Hill with the Tar Heels on Sunday. Selection Sunday is in two and a half weeks, folks. Get ready.

Image from BaltSun.

As I mentioned on Twitter (woo shameless plug), there was no internet at my house this weekend, so I was unable to, well, do anything. It’s back now, so a quick apology for the slew of posts in the post hour or so, we obviously had a back up of available posts.

This was the kind of game Maryland kept losing this year – holding a strong lead early, letting the other team climb back in, and fight tooth and nail for an inevitably heart-breaking loss. Except this time, that last step didn’t happen. Maryland was able to hold to their lead this time with strong defense and a determined scoring effort from Jordan Williams, Terrell Stoglin, and yes, even Dino Gregory.

Williams scored 26 points with eight rebounds, Stoglin had 25 points with a career-high nine assists, and Gregory had 18 points and ten rebounds as the Terps moved to 6-6 in conference play, defeating NC State 87-80.

Gary Williams chose an (extremely) effective lineup of Stoglin, Pe’Shon Howard, Cliff Tucker, Gregory, and Williams, although Howard only played 20 minutes. Sean Mosley scored ten off the bench, while Adrian Bowie had five assists in 14 minutes.

The Wolfpack were led by Tracy Smith, who scored 19, C.J. Leslie, who scored 18 with eight rebounds, and Scott Wood, who scored 15 points on five three-pointers.

With 4:08 left in the first half, Maryland held a 33-24 lead, but a 16-2 run over the next three and a half minutes gave the Wolfpack a five-point lead. The game was tied at 71 with 6:39 left, but the Terps were able to take over the next five minutes, thanks to an effective fastbreak game commanded by Stoglin and Mosley gave the Terps a 82-72 advantage with about a minute left.

The Terps’ next game is this Wednesday, February 23rd at home against Florida State. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.