Maryland Basketball: Five storylines to watch this season

Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon directs his team during the game with the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon directs his team during the game with the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
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The Maryland basketball team is set to open the 2016-17 season on Friday evening.

This year’s group is quite a bit different than last year’s squad that reached the Sweet 16 and had very lofty expectations.

Many expected the 2015-16 unit to get to the Final Four and maybe even win a national title. Unfortunately for the Terrapins, it wasn’t in the cards and Mark Turgeon will be starting anew this winter.

Maryland will begin the 2016-17 season with a few local matchups in November.

On Friday night, the Terps welcome American to the friendly confines of the Xfinity Center. The Eagles are coming off a disappointing season in which they went 12-19 (9-9) and finished sixth in the Patriot League.

The Terps may have lost four of their five starters from last year, but the most important one is back in star guard Melo Trimble.

Let’s dive into the five storylines that you need to be keeping an eye on as this season progresses.