March 27, 2002

By JAIME HERNANDEZ
Associated Press Writer

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A second straight trip to the Final Four and a showdown against the top team in the nation isn't enough to faze Byron Mouton.

Maryland's senior forward nearly didn't make it this far.

Mouton considered quitting the team in December after his brother, Kevin, was shot to death in Houston. Mouton learned of his brother's death during a game against Connecticut.

"I wanted to be with my mom and stop whatever I was doing," Mouton said Tuesday. "But she made me realize that the most important thing is to keep doing what I've been doing. She said one thing my brother always wanted me to do was to keep playing ball and get an education."

Mouton's physical play and defense have been key components in Maryland's success this season. He hopes to play a pivotal part Saturday when the Terps attempt to slow a speedy Kansas team in a national semifinal in Atlanta.

Mouton has used December's tragedy as motivation late in the season and in the NCAA tournament.

"Ever since that day, I don't want to take anything for granted," he said. "Every time I step on that court, I want to give it my best effort."

While the death of his brother has been the biggest challenge Mouton has faced in his two seasons at Maryland, it hasn't been the only one.

Mouton transferred from Tulane without knowing much about the success of Maryland's program.

"Coming in my first year, I wanted to be in a different environment," he said. "I just wanted to help the team and win the national championship."

Mouton averaged 9.6 points in his first season with the Terps and 11.3 points this year. The senior's biggest contribution has been on defense and his presence in the locker room.

"I preached to my team this year that it would be a big disappointment if we didn't make the Final Four," he said. "It would be great if we get to the national championship because of all I went through."

Steve Blake said Mouton can set the mood for the team with his antics in the locker room.

"He's a character - he's a guy that brings a lot of energy to us," Blake said. "He'll come in and do a flip or start barking like a dog."

Antics aside, Blake said, Mouton has stepped up his game since December.

"He's definitely played well since that happened," Blake said. "Maybe he's refocused."

For now, Mouton said he's focused on beating Kansas and advancing to the championship game.

Is there anything special Mouton is working on for Kansas?

"Transition," he said. "We have to slow them down. Transition is the key."

Not a surprise coming from someone who knows about change.