Gary Williams Has Terps Believing, "Yes We Can!"

Gary Williams has the Maryland Terps believing in themselves again and the players are starting to play as a team.

Who would have thought that the Terps would be 8-2 at this stage of the game, after losing James Gist and Bambale Osby?  The Terps lost two highly recruited prospects who would have possibly replaced the two dominate inside players.  What would the Terps do?

The Terps replaced those two players with Dave Neal and Landon Milbourne.  Senior Neal has played very little throughout his career at Maryland, and Milbourne is being asked to play out of his position and take on the power forward responsibilities.

2008 has been somewhat of a surprise.  By the time the Terps played American University last year their record was 6-6.  After their 67-51 victory over American on Monday night, Maryland is 8-2.

The Terps did have those two back-to-back losses to Gonzaga and Georgetown earlier in the season.  However, this time last year they had lost to UCLA, Missouri, Virginia Commonwealth, Boston College, Ohio University, and American.  At the 10-game mark last season, they were 6-4.

I think the difference is the fact that this year's team is more complete.  They play harder on defense, hustle back, and dive for loose balls. Maryland seems to be playing team defense.  The captains of the team—Grevis Vasquez, Neal, and Milbourne—are showing great leadership.

On offense four players are averaging double figures.  Vasquez 17.1, Milbourne 12.1, Eric Hayes 10.2, and Adrian Bowie 10.1 have the top averages.  Chipping in with an average of 7.2 is Dave Neal and Cliff Tucker at 5.3.  Maryland is averaging 14 assists per game, shooting 80 percent from the free throw line, and holding their opponents to 62.5 point per game, all while scoring 73.4. 

There are a few reasons I think the Terps are playing well. 

Coach Williams has moved Hayes to the point, Neal has shown his ability to step out and hit the three, Milbourne is out hustling his opponent down floor for easy baskets, and the bench is playing well.  Milbourne, who many say was the most improved player in the ACC last year, has adjusted well to his new position at power forward.

Maryland also has four consecutive non-conference games at home, before they start ACC play.  Who knows what's going to happen, but the Terps could be 12-2 before they play their first ACC game.