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| 5. MARYLAND |
LAST YEAR: 25-10 |
'99-00 RANK: #25 |
 Why No. 5?: The Terps return all five starters and could make a legit case for No. 1 if it weren't for a lopsided NCAA second-round loss to UCLA. The Terps were embarrassed defensively in the rout. But that shouldn't be a concern this year with the return of a hungrier team from Gary Williams on down. Terence Morris is still one of the harder players to defend because of his inside-out skills. Lonny Baxter has emerged as a legit low-post threat and an imposing defender. The backcourt is deep and dangerous with Steve Blake at the point, Juan Dixon and Danny Miller on the wings, backed up by sharp-shooting Drew Nicholas and Tulane transfer Byron Mouton. Baxter gets plenty of help off the bench from Tahj Holden and now has two more centers in Chris Wilcox and Mike Mardesich. The Terps have enough fouls to keep Haywood and Duke's Carlos Boozer befuddled when the teams meet in the ACC. The questions facing the Terps are mainly consistency. Everything is in place for a title run.
Will Climb If: The Terps can finally emerge as a No. 1 team out of the ACC. That means beating Duke and Carolina. Maryland has been thought of as the third team in the ACC the past few seasons, even though the Terps have finished second. If Maryland can get past the Duke factor during the regular season then the Terps could be the most feared team entering the tournament.
Will Fall If: Maryland flops in the loaded Maui Invitational, loses to a depleted Wisconsin team in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, or falls to an up-and-comer like Michigan, GW or St. John's in the BB&T Challenge. There are few flaws on this team in personnel, but they've got to prove they can handle the big-game situations because of the UCLA loss.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"I believe that the Maryland Terrapins should be ranked No. 1 one in the preseason polls for two reasons. First of all, they are returning everyone. How many other teams can say that? Secondly, they clearly have the hardest working coach in college basketball. Since none of the teams have played a game yet, the powers that be should ask themselves one question : Which starting five has the most wins together? The answer to that question should lead you to your No. 1-ranked team in the preseason polls."
Adam Morgan, Towson, Md.
"The Terps have the depth, the skill and the coach to make it to the Final Four this year. All five starters are back including the best pure player in the game in Terence Morris. Newcomers like Byron Mouton and Chris Wilcox will add punch and scoring and the Terps should go further then they ever have before."
Matt, Washington, D.C.
"This is a travesty. Maryland should be No. 1. Don't hold prior history against them."
Dan Berman, Cole Field House, Md.
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