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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Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Damonte Dodd (35), Valparaiso Crusaders guard E. Victor Nickerson (1), and Maryland Terrapins guard/forward Jared Nickens (11) await a rebound during the second half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Damonte Dodd (35), Valparaiso Crusaders guard E. Victor Nickerson (1), and Maryland Terrapins guard/forward Jared Nickens (11) await a rebound during the second half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Can Damonte Dodd be “the guy” in the middle?

As we mentioned a few slides back, the frontcourt could be viewed as a question mark for Maryland.

Dodd is expected to be one of the proven producers, at least from a defensive standpoint. However, the Eastern Shore native may be asked to do a little more offensively.

The senior center has been in a reserve role for the majority of his time in College Park. However, he’s had no problem protecting the rim whenever he’s in the game.

Over his career, Dodd has averaged a block per game and averaged 1.5 as a sophomore.

Dodd also showed an improved offensive repertoire during nonconference play last season. Over the first nine nonconference games last season, he shot a mind-numbing 76 percent from the floor.

If Dodd can harness that along with being a rim protector, Maryland basketball could be in very good shape with their frontcourt.