Fear the Turtle: Maryland Basketball Breaks the Top 25

As a kid growing up in Maryland, it was cool to "Fear the Turtle." 

Those were the days when the Terrapins still played at Cole Field House; Juan Dixon, Steve Blake, and Lonny Baxter owned the court.  When National Championships were always a possibility. 

From what we've seen so far this season, it looks as if Gary Williams may be bringing his team back into the spotlight.

After defeating Charleston Southern by 38; Maryland is 1-0 and ranked within the top 25 for the first time since the 2006-2007 season.

Maryland looks sharp.

Last year it was all about Greivis Vasquez.  He lead the team in pretty much every statistical category.  This year, however, the offense looks much more balanced.  Against Charleston Southern, Vasquez ended the night with 13 assists and Landon Milborne scored 16; but there were a total of five Terps in double figures.

"We can't count on Greivis every night getting 25 points a game," Eric Hayes said. "We have a lot of guys on the team who are capable of getting double figures. I think a balanced offense is a good thing for us."  Hayes added 10 points to the opening night score.

Maryland plays Fairfield tonight (Nov. 17, '09) at 8 PM ET and New Hampshire on Friday; But the true test for Maryland won't come until they play Indiana on Dec. 1, 2009.  It is at that point that the Terrapins will have the opportunity to show what they are made of.

As for now, I agree with Greivis Vazquez when he says...

"I'm happy, I'm excited, and I'm looking forward to the whole season because we have some Maryland basketball going on here."