Jalen Rose has publicly backed the Maryland nickname of this year's Terrapins. He is something of an authority on the matter as a member of Michigan's 'Fab Five.' Right now, coach Kevin Willard's 'Crab Five' is taking the world of college basketball by storm.
They made it past a tough Colorado State team with an excellent game-winner by Derik Queen. A lot of the second-round game, however, saw the Rams in the lead. As part of the broadcast, the former Michigan player used his platform to speak on what he was looking for during their eventual comeback.
Many were frustrated by the seeming lack of paint touches by Queen and Julian Reese in particular when the offense was in a dry spell. Seemingly extending an identifying reference hand, Rose wanted to see the two Maryland bigs have looks down low and plays run deliberately through them.
Rose shared that when the Michigan offense back in the day had hit a low point during games, he would make a concerted effort to get the ball to the likes of Ray Jackson and Juwan Howard. Doing so can accomplish two things, as it did for UM in the early 90s.
Slowing things down and getting paint touches can give offenses a chance to get a good look. Sometimes, depending on the rhythm of the game, the pace needs to be slowed down, and the hard-working frontcourt players down low just need the ball in their hands. More importantly, particularly when the matchup favors the bigs, teams can get a good, close look at the basket. A potential double team from opposing defenses as a response can open up cleaner perimeter looks as well.
In the case of the Terrapins specifically, Queen and Reese are the best players for coach Willard this year. The senior and freshman are capable scorers in their own right and just know how to make winning basketball plays.
A lot of modern fours and fives enjoy stepping out beyond the arc and extending the range. In fact, it's a needed component for most players nowadays. The need, however, to establish a low post presence and force teams to respond will never go out of style and will always remain an important part of winning basketball programs.
Case in point, maybe coach Willard telekinetically received Rose's message; maybe two great basketball minds saw and read the same thing during the second-round action, but UMD went to their two stars. Reese and Queen took over, and all of the damage came in the paint, either on made baskets or via free throws.
Especially after a loss, questions and second-guessing coaching decisions can become driving forces of off-season reactions following a tournament exit. Had the Terrapins lost to a 12 seed, a lot of people would have wondered what could have been had Queen seen more post looks. Talented players need to be put in positions to best succeed and get recruited to campus for a reason.
Reese's efforts set up the comeback, and Queen's heroics sealed the win. The 'Fab Five' member wanted to see more of what gave him success from today's 'Crab Five.' For grateful Maryland fans, it's a good thing that he got his way.