College Basketball: Morgan State Beats Maryland and More

Eric Prisbell
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 8, 2009 12:00 PM

Post college basketball reporter and Press Break blogger Eric Prisbell discussed Maryland's loss to Morgan State and other local and national hoops news.

The transcript follows.

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Eric Prisbell: Hello, everyone. Fire away with all college basketball-related questions today. I'm sure a good number of people will want to talk about last night's stunning loss to Morgan State.

For more coverage of the game, check out Terrapins Insider,Press Break (our new college hoops blog) and today's newspaper. I will also appear on Washington Post Live at 5 p.m. today and tomorrow to talk about a variety of college sports issues.

This is the new normal for Maryland. Over the past few years, the Terps have shown the ability to beat a great team and lose to a mid-major or low-major program. If the Terps don't win nine or 10 ACC games (improbable), they are headed to the NIT again. And then important people have to look at the state of the program and decide if they should be doing better. No national champ in the past 18 years has fallen as quickly as Maryland has.

I asked beat writer Steve Yanda about the chances of Maryland winning nine ACC games. Here is what he said: "Right now, I would say the chances aren't good. As I wrote in today's gamer, every team (especially now that ACC play is under way) will know exactly what they're getting when they play the Terps -- pressing D, transition-oriented

attack, ineffective half-court O. If Morgan State figured out a way to adjust and discombobulate Maryland's plans, I would have to imagine ACC foes are just as capable of doing so. The team's lack of low post scoring will not be its

undoing. Rather, the team's inability to effectively involve the post players in some productive manner into its offensive operations will be what hurts them the most. Being able to rebound, being able to pass into and out of the post, being patient enough to wait for screens -- these are things the team should expect from and be doing with its big men. As of now, that's not happening. And on defense, as was shown last night, when Maryland's guards have to sag down to help the post players guard opposing big men, it will leave more open looks for the opposing team's perimeter shooters."

Fire away, everyone!

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Bethesda, Md.: How devastating is this loss for the Terps?

Eric Prisbell: The bottom line is that Maryland had a slim margin for error even before this loss. Now the Terps have virtually no margin for error. They need to win nine or 10 ACC games to have a decent chance of earning an at-large bid.

Look at Maryland's profile. 2-2 against the top 50, that's good. Five of the wins have come against teams 200 or worse, that's not that good. And losing to the MEAC favorite at home will be a loss that will cast a shadow on the season. The RPI is 75 (not good enough) and the strength of schedule is 139.

Plus, Maryland is the only team in the top 100 of the RPI that has yet to play a true road game.

Maryland needs a few road wins in the ACC and to knock off an ACC contender. Again, the more likely scenario now is Maryland plays in the NIT again.

Should Gary Williams receive a lifetime pass at Maryland? Or should he be in trouble is this team misses the NCAAs again? I have an opinion, what's yours?

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Tampa, Fla.: Why can't Maryland get better ball players, especially from the mid-Atlantic? Big East seems to have the edge.

Eric Prisbell: Terrelle Woody chiming in from the Tampa area?? Greetings.

This has been the biggest problem for Maryland. I will still contend that Gary Williams is one of the best coaches around. Heck, he has a team with no front court at 11-3 with a win over Michigan State.

But has struggled mightily in recruiting since the national title. Even the McDonald's All-Americans that wound up at Maryland -- Travis Garrison, Mike Jones -- did not shine, although Jones looked good as a senior.

This area is loaded with talent. And I'm not going to sit here and ask why didn't Kevin Durant, Lawson, Beasley wind up at Maryland. Those are national recruitments, for the most part. And in the case of Beasley, it helps to shell out a few hundred thousand dollars to hire his AAU coach, Hill. Gary not only won't cheat, but he don't operate in the so-called gray areas of the recruiting world either. This hurts him.

But that's only one reason for the recruiting struggles. Why didn't guys like Scottie Reynolds, Delonte West find their way to College Park? The loss of Rudy Gay hurt as well. Just too many talented guys slipped through the cracks.

Until last night, this team had done well with the talent that it has. But it is just not a lot of talent, and no front court talent.

And now, with Huggins-Hahn at W.Va., recruiting may be even tougher.

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DC: Watching Maryland play, I feel like I'm watching a group of JV kids. I'm sure there are all good student athletes, but the lack of recruiting is exactly why Maryland lost to Morgan State. Any good D-1 team would have probably won the game by at least 15 points. Why? Superior talent. What's so different from Maryland and Morgan State? Last night, you couldn't tell, even though Maryland won a national title 7 years ago.

Eric Prisbell: Unless you have a team with some future pros, the line between many high majors and mid-majors has blurred over the past 10 years. And, yes, upsets have occurred all over the country this season. Western Kentucky over Louisville. Portland State over Gonzaga. Harvard over Boston College.

But, I agree, Maryland should have enough talent to beat the MEAC favorite on its home court. No national title team since UNLV's implosion post-Tark has fallen as fast as Maryland has. Syracuse took a dip after the 2003 title, but the Orange is again challenging for the Big East title.

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Baltimore: I don't understand all of the hand wringing over the loss. When you look at the rosters of Maryland and Morgan St., they are very evenly matched.

It is no surprise that Morgan St. dominated on the inside. Same thing happened against Gonzaga and Georgetown.

Expect 18 wins and another NIT bid this year. Finally getting some decent size next year.

Gary needs to play more players off of the bench.

Eric Prisbell: I had the Morgan State game circled before the season as one Maryland could lose. I think I had Maryland for 17 wins, and a 6-10 ACC record before the season.

But then the Terps did better than I expected in that Orlando tournament.

Honestly, I'm surprised more people aren't upset over the loss. Yes, it's not a total shock considering the talent level on this Maryland team. But it is an indication that these type of losses have become more commonplace the past few years. And it puts an NCAA tourney berth in serious jeopardy. I understand not over-reacting to one game. But this makes the road ahead a lot more difficult.

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Arlington, Va.: I heard that there were some Montrose Christian 2010 and 2011 recruits at the game last night. How does them attending a loss to a MEAC team on Maryland's home court, in an arena that was not that full or loud affect their thoughts of our program? How does Gary patch this loss up to reassure those kids that we have a high-caliber program?

Eric Prisbell: They could look at it one of two ways:

Hey, I don't want to come to that school. They are NIT-bound again. Fans don't support the team. Gary could retire in a couple years.

OR

There is a chance to play immediately at Maryland. There is a chance to have a significant role earlier in my career and compete in one of the best conferences in the country.

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Bethesda, Md.: As much as I hate to say it, I think if this team misses the NCAAs again this year, Gary's job is in serious jeopardy.

There's no acceptable reason why the team has fallen off after 2002. Brand new arena, great facilities, history of winning, playing in the ACC, etc. All of those things combined should have led to continued success, NOT remarkable failure.

There are young talented coaches out there, and I have to believe College Park is a desirable place to be for a lot of people out there.

Gary has done great for this program but the bottom line is if he doesn't turn it around quick, he's go to go.

Eric Prisbell: Those are fair points, and it's an interesting question that will be raised more and more if this season unravels: How much of a pass should you get for winning the national title and building the program up after the Bob Wade era?

I'm not surprised at anything in college sports anymore. Tommy Tuberville out at Auburn. Jags out at Boston College. Fulmer won a national title and is out. Tubby Smith left Kentucky, etc.

The question I always ask myself about Maryland is: Is there a coach Maryland would have a reasonable decent chance to get who could do a better job?

I'd like people to take stabs at that one.

Sean Miller? Everyone will want him again after this season.

Anthony Grant? Doesn't thrill me.

Jay Wright? Great recruiter, smoother public image than Gary, but I'd take Gary's coaching. And i don't think Wright would like.

Can you get someone in College Park to coach and recruit well? Or should Gary have a chance to leave on his own terms considering what he has done at his alma mater?

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Maryland: "There is a chance to play immediately at Maryland. There is a chance to have a significant role earlier in my career and compete in one of the best conferences in the country."

As far as what a recruit would think, not only does that apply, but they also get to play with some quality, experienced guards. If you were a hard-working big-man, wouldn't you be excited to play with Vazquez, Hayes and Bowie?

Eric Prisbell: That's true. But other schools have talented guards as well. And there are a lot of factors that go into it. Plus, I think it's harder to find really talented interior players these days, outside the top high school players we all know about each year.

Renardo Sidney is not coming to College Park.

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Bethesda, Md.: Lifetime pass for Gary, period! Ralph needs to pick it up but you cannot question what Gary has done for Maryland basketball

Eric Prisbell: That's a fair point.

It's really an interesting situation.

On one hand, Ralph has been mediocre since the hot three-year start. He doesn't have a national title.

Gary has a national title and there has not been a scent of an NCAA violation. Say what you want about the man, but he doesn't bend or break the rules.

All that said, I still think there is a better chance Gary walks away on his own, retires on his own, the next few years rather than seeing a scenario in which he is forced out. But in modern day college sports, I never say never.

I don't think there is another BCS school with a hoops and football coach both older than 60. So this is an interesting situation for a number of reasons.

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Great Falls, Va.: A non-Maryland question: Is Greg Monroe one-and-done at Georgetown? I hadn't even thought about it until the UConn game, but do we need to worry?

Eric Prisbell: Any freshman who is among the top freshman in the country has a chance to be selected high in the draft. When that freshman is a big man, that means an even great chance to be picked high. It's all about potential these days, DeAndre Jordan can tell everyone that.

When I went down to Louisiana last year to talk with Monroe for a story, it was clear he has a very good head on his shoulders and can see the bigger picture. I still expect him to stay, I really do.

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West Falls Church: Let's face it. Gary's program has gone down hill since the glory days of hitting the lottery with getting unknowns on the team like Juan Dixon.

Gary can't get top recruits and the teams will continue to tread water in the ACC. The current players are maxed out in their ability.

Gary should consider retiring and passing on the reins to someone else who can get local and national recruits like JT3.

Eric Prisbell: I used to think Gary had one more strong run in him, meaning getting a team to a Sweet 16 or better. I'm not sure anymore. I said before this season, if this team, with this talent, got in the bubble conversation it would be an impressive accomplishment for Gary.

There are some promising guards, and I like Vasquez more than most. but I just don't see the talent compared with the top tier teams in the ACC. Very hard for Maryland to crack the top 4 in the ACC now. other programs have improved.

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Baltimore: I remember when a home loss to Florida State was devastating.. now this program is losing to Morgan State and American at home and it's not really a surprise.

What can Gary do to get the program back to that level or has he lost it all together?

Eric Prisbell: Depends what your expectations are each season. I think Maryland can make the NCAA tournament on occasion the way they are going. But a deep run is not in the cards. Neither is cruising to victory over talented mid- or low-major teams. Every game is now a fight.

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Queen Anne's County: Isn't the reason that Maryland has a hard time recruiting top players because College Park is one of the ugliest college towns in America? I know. I grew up ten minutes away.

Eric Prisbell: It's not my finest college town.

Off the top of my head, i really like:

Austin

Eugene

Boulder

Madison

Oxford

Tempe

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Detroit: Let's shift to the Big Ten. After losing to Maryland and getting creamed by UNC, MSU has won 8 in a row, including beating Texas in Houston, and wins against Minn and OSU. Its amazing how much of a difference Suton has made.

Eric Prisbell: It is a big difference. The Big Ten has been impressive, no question. Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, even Penn State, they have all been a little better than expected. I thought Purdue would be doing a little better, but I am not off that bandwagon. And I thought Mullens would have a larger impact at ohio State so far.

I would still put the ACC second because I think UNC, Duke and Wake are really strong. FSU has been better than expected.

I never get on Clemson's bandwagon anymore after that collapse a few years ago.

Boston College is great as long as the Eagles don't stage some type of Ivy League tournament.

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Rockville, Md: Hey Eric you posted this question earlier: The question I always ask myself about Maryland is: Is there a coach Maryland would have a reasonable decent chance to get who could do a better job?

What about Mike Brey? Former DeMatha assistant, local ties, all that good stuff.

Eric Prisbell: No question. He would have to be on the list. I do question whether he would leave, but I think he would have to be pursued.

Notre Dame should have been in the BB&T to make that thing better this season.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm a casual follower when it comes to recruiting, but from the sounds of the way things have gone down lately, can't some of the "blame" be placed on Yow? Much of the chatter out there in message board land amongst those that know and/or claim to know, is that she's not what you'd call the most supportive AD in the land of her men's basketball coach, to put it lightly. Thoughts?

Eric Prisbell: Communication between the men's basketball coach and AD is extremely strained, and that's an understatement. It has been that way for years.

It is a complicated relationship that would take a thesis and several hundred pages for me to describe.

The relationship is also a factor in all this, which makes it even more interesting.

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Rockville: Does Gary see what's really happening to his program? Is it that he doesn't care or just blind to the crumbing and falling rock everywhere?

Eric Prisbell: Great question.

He knows the recruiting landscape has changed, for the worst. He knows mid-majors have improved. He knows he can still coach.

But he will not admit that his program has fallen as much as it has. He just has not done it.

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Montgomery Village, Md.: Oh wise and sagacious one, please answer this mystery. Even though the polls mean little at this point in the year, how does Georgetown drop in the rankings after beating the No. 2 team at THEIR court? Admittedly losing badly at home the next game is not good, but it was to the Number 3 team that then became Number 1.

Eric Prisbell: The polls are a joke.

Maybe that's too harsh, but I have had enough of them. I don't even look at them.

I wrote a blog entry ripping them Monday and will do it in Press Break every Monday.

Two voters gave UNC first-place votes even though the Tar Heels lost at home to BC.

Someone left Clemson off the ballot.

Someone put Maryland 10th.

Several people did not vote Butler in.

I'm amused by the polls. But I have quit taking them seriously, and so should you.

I look at Jerry Palm's RPI. Palm is King.

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Cleveland: I'm a childhood Terps fan and alumnus. Since Gary's arrived, he's recruited one blue-chip player (Joe Smith) in the '90s, and one (Steve Francis) this decade. And then some other pro players, Chris Wilcox, Juan Dixon, Steve Blake.

When you compare that to Lefty's players, this seems to be a pretty large gap. When you compare it to Carolina or Duke, it's as big as the national debt.

I saw your answer above, i.e. Williams doesn't go into "gray areas" on recruiting. But come on -- isn't there something else going on that he can't recruit better from a basketball hotbed like DC/Baltimore? If so, any other ideas?

Eric Prisbell: Yes, I said there are several reasons. One is that he won't bend or break the rules. Not that all colleges do.

Another reason you lose players is that you simply get outworked.

I know Gary puts in a lot of time at AAU events. But, I agree with you, it's more than just the no-bending-rules argument. Maryland's recruitment has been very disappointing since the title run.

I was at a camp this summer. Someone mentioned a player and i thought i heard them say he was headed to Maryland. I mentioned it to a recruiting ranking guru and he laughed at me. Times have changed.

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Mason fan: Bring it, Maryland! We can take you. Oh right, I forgot...we're rarely invited to the BB&T. Guess you and Georgetown are afraid we might win!

Eric Prisbell: I feel for Mason. You guys are having a good year, and you get little respect.

Keep your eye on Northeastern and hopefully I can catch a game or two soon. I plan on it.

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Mechanicsville, Va.: Alum '77...I fear that this is just the start of a bad January - February....no height, mediocre talent and lack of focus...these guys play like they are owed something rather than going out and earning it....poor recruiting in the past couple of years is showing its ugly head.

Eric Prisbell: I agree with the recruiting aspect. The latter portion of the schedule is brutal. Last six games very tough.

I have to go quick now because I'm running late on a busy day.

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Washington DC: How do you recruit Mosely and not see Reggie Holmes? Is this a symptom of Maryland's recruiting problems?

Eric Prisbell: Mosely was a high-profile recruit. Not greg monroe high-profile, but was well known throughout the summer circuit.

I had not heard of Holmes when he was in high school and in the summer camps. Maybe others had.

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Arlington, Va.: Maryland loses to Morgan St. at home. Boston College beats North Carolina at home. What do these two games say about the depth of the ACC? The pre-season media poll had Maryland at 7 and BC at 11. Where will they finish?

Eric Prisbell: I still think Maryland will finish around seventh.

I cannot even guess about Boston College. Odd team.

Virginia Tech has not been as good as expected. Florida State has been better than expected.

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It's Mostly Recruiting: Look, most kids coming into major college ball aren't looking to go to med school. Gary has sent some guys to the NBA, and that's what most of these kids' parents and advisors are looking for.

Made me proud, by the way: a sophomore defensive back for my alma mater in the bowl game the other listed his major as "Exploratory." A sophomore!

Eric Prisbell: Thanks for the comment.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: What can Maryland do to improve its post play?

Eric Prisbell: At this point of the season, not sure they can do much.

He has what he has, and it isn't much in terms of front court talent.

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New York: In March, this loss could be the one that ultimately keeps the Terps out of the tournament. When your on the bubble, where it seems the Terps are headed, you can't afford to have HOME losses to teams like Morgan State.

When it's all said and done this loss, and ones like it to AU, etc. are going to be the ones that cost Gary his job.

Eric Prisbell: Fair point.

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Rockville, Md.: Eric,

Please help a sad Terp alum out...how did we end up without a frontcourt? I know the Gilchrist debacle hurt us, but shouldn't we have seen this as a problem before this summer? Burney's injury-prone, Gregory is improving but isn't big enough to go up against a Hansbrough or a Zoubek, and Dave Neal is a nice story but shouldn't be starting in the ACC. Whose job was it to plan for the future?

Eric Prisbell: Well, I think the Gilchrist drama played the largest role.

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Chantilly, Va.: One thing about this game is that the Morgan kids probably have known at least some of the Maryland kids for years. They weren't intimidated like another mid-major or low-major team from out of the area might have been.

Eric Prisbell: To be honest, I don't think good mid- or low-major teams are intimidated of most ACC schools anymore. Times have changed.

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Arlington, Va.: Wow. The Post is pretty unabashed about its bias for UMDCP these days, eh? UMDCP has become an irrelevant area program, but you keep giving them links and teasers off the homepage. There is an actual national powerhouse locally and they get a fraction of the coverage of the couch burners.

Your NCAA hoops coverage, like most of your sports coverage, has become a laughing stock. No more then a UMDCP basketball pamphlet.

Eric Prisbell: You're complaining about the lack of coverage for Mason? I know they went to the final Four a few years ago, but it will be very tough for them to return.

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Eric Prisbell: Thanks a lot everyone. See you soon. Take care.

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