Five things Maryland Terrapins fans should be thankful for

Nov 17, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jared Nickens (11) shoots during the second half against the Georgetown Hoyas at Xfinity Center. Maryland Terrapins defeated Georgetown Hoyas 75-71. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Basketball program

Former coach Gary Williams was an icon in College Park and around the college basketball community. When Williams decided to retire a few years ago, there were question marks that the men’s program may take a hit. While reports surfaced that Arizona coach Sean Miller was going to take the job, ultimately it was Mark Turgeon who became Maryland’s next head coach. Turgeon wasn’t considered a big fish and was questioned quite a bit, even as recently as the beginning of last season.

Turgeon has proved to be a wizard on the recruiting trail. This year’s roster is the truest example of that as he has landed the types of players that fit his style of play. Melo Trimble is the traditional point guard that the Terps have been searching for. As talented a scorer as Seth Allen was, he was more effective off-the-ball and those types of guards can be found elsewhere. Trimble can viewed as a savior of sorts for the Maryland program, but Turgeon surrounded him with great players. He has landed recruits and transfers like Robert Carter, Jake Layman, Jared Nickens, and Diamond Stone just to name a few. With a roster that is as deep as any in the country, the Terps are a national title contender this year. There’s plenty of similarities to the Maryland team that won it all in 2002. This team has the potential to be just as special as that group. For that, Terp fans must enjoy every game and really bask in the glow of such a talented squad.