Terrapin Takes, Wednesday 6/19: Len Bias, Romelo Trimble, Trayvon Reed, Shawn Boone

September 5, 2011; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Randy Edsall (right) touches the turtle after beating the Miami Hurricanes 32-24 at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

• It’s June 19th again, which for Marylanders and Celtics fans means they will likely remember the greatest player that never was: Len Bias. Twenty-seven years ago today, Bias overdosed on cocaine and passed away just two days after being selected second overall by the Boston Celtics. His death reverberated through so many facets of society that it’s almost impossible to forget the guy, even to this day. Here’s my memorial to a legend, and here’s another great one on TestudoTimes.
• In some fantastic news for Maryland basketball, prized 2014 recruit Romelo Trimble received a big bump in the 247 rankings, thanks in large part to a phenomenal Top 100 camp. In not-so-fantastic news for Maryland basketball, Dion Wiley took some big hits after receiving a raw deal at the exact same camp. They basically switched places, but I have a feeling things will balance out towards the end of summer.
• Speaking of that heralded 2014 class, Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon would love to lock up a commitment from a big man. One of those targets happens to be 7-footer Trayvon Reed of Georgia. Reed can be considered one of the top targets, but he’s being recruited by a lot of players, and southern players tend to want to remain in the south. The move to the Big Ten, at least in this case, could hurt. But Alex Len being drafted somewhere high might give Maryland some major sway in obtaining Reed. (Baltimore Sun)
• Not a whole lot is known about the latest Terps football commit Andrew Gray, so Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post giving us an in-depth look into the personality of the guy is pretty invaluable. I love how tough this kid sounds, and the fact that he has a “nasty disposition.” As has been said many times, there is nothing like a football player with a mean streak, and you get the feeling that Gray will be a big contributor for the Terps when it’s all said and done.
• Maryland football also recently offered three-star Dwyer High (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) safety Shawn Boone, and that’s probably a good idea. His offer sheet is starting to pick up some big names, and it’s good that Maryland made their presence known relatively early before he blows up. I’d heard of Boone before and watched him obliterate some players a few times, so yeah, hope that we get this kid. He is a major playmaker.