Ranking Maryland's Juniors for the 2011-12 Basketball Season

In the second part of a four-part series, we take a look at the returning sophomores for the 2011-12 season. The Terrapins will return just two sophomores from this year’s squad, forwards Jordan Williams and James Padgett. While Williams has the center spot locked down, Padgett may find himself in a battle for the open power forward spot to begin next season. However, with a scholarship still available, one potential transfer that might join those two in rounding out next year’s juniors.

1) Jordan Williams

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 10: Jordan Williams #20 of the Maryland Terrapins shoots against Tracy Smith #23 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensbor

The unquestioned center of the team, Williams led Maryland in minutes, points, rebounding, and blocks. Aside from Berend Weijs, he had the highest field goal percentage on the team, and he broke Len Elmore’s school record double-double streak. A First Team All-ACC selection this year, Williams could be an All-American next year—if he irons out a few issues.

He needs to work on his foul shooting; 57 percent from the foul line won’t cut it, and although he was better late in the season, going 2-of-10 against Duke in the ACC Tournament was unacceptable. He needs to display better shot selection, especially in games where his shots don’t fall. In the Miami game Williams shot 3-of-17 in the field and has a tendency to try and force shots from under the basket.

Aside from that, Williams is one of the best post players in the ACC. He grinds it out in the post, sometimes against double teams, yet continues to churn out double-doubles. Williams will continue to compile monster stats after a big season this year, but as an experienced, upperclassmen starter next year, Williams can solidify himself as a star.  

2) James Padgett

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 10: James Padgett #35 of the Maryland Terrapins shoots against C.J. Leslie #5 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro C

Padgett is the probable early pick for the vacant power forward spot. As a sophomore, he averaged less minutes per game than as a freshman, but he did play significant minutes in early games. Against Penn State and Temple, both tournament teams, Padgett played 18 and 14 minutes, scoring six and eight points.

He played little in ACC games, aside from large stretches last week against NC State and the home game against Virginia Tech, but his experience in the last two seasons gives him the edge over Martin Breunig or Berend Weijs. The spot is probably his to lose; if he doesn’t play better than Breunig in the early schedule next season, Breunig will be Maryland’s starter by the ACC schedule.

3) Wildcard: Wally Judge

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Wally Judge #33 of the Kansas State Wildcats in action during the CBE Classic game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs on November 22, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Judge, a former five-star recruit for the Kansas State Wildcats, left the team in February and announced his intention to transfer. He still hasn’t made a decision, but its rumored the sophomore power forward’s preferred landing spot is Maryland. It’s unknown whether Maryland will extend their open scholarship to Judge, but adding a player with Judge’s potential would be a boost to Maryland’s front court.

With Desmond Hubert expected to commit to UNC and Greg Whittington committing to Georgetown, Judge might become the primary option for the front court in what’s left of the recruiting scene this year. Maryland might save the scholarship for next year’s recruiting class, considering that Judge will still have to sit out next season anyway before he is eligible to suit up for a team he transfers to.