Lettere d'Italia: Days 11, 12 and Beyond
9/1/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Sept. 1, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After experiencing 12 action-packed days overseas, it's back to business for the 2004-05 Maryland Terrapin basketball team. The Terps returned to College Park on Saturday after an enriching and entertaining Italian Tour, and were back on campus Monday with the start of fall semester classes. The Terps joined new teammates, freshman James Gist and junior transfer Sterling Ledbetter, for a team meeting on Monday and will take this week to settle their new class schedules before beginning their preseason individual workouts. The Terrapins enjoyed their final day in Italy on Friday with some relaxing free time on the shores of Lake Como. Some enjoyed a scenic boat trip to the picturesque village of Bellagio to do some shopping, while others went for a swim in the lake or lounged by the pool. In the evening, the Terps and their travel party of 110 friends, family members and fans enjoyed a farewell dinner. Several impromptu "awards" were presented to the team members at the conclusion of the evening. The "Leaning Tower" awards were presented to the two Terps that took the best advantage of European basketball's physical style - sophomore Ekene Ibekwe and junior Chris McCray. Ibekwe averaged 10.6 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks during the Terps' Italian Tour, including a 15-point, 13-board double-double effort against Biella. If you recall, that was the game where he chased down a loose ball by diving out of the arena's side doors. McCray, meanwhile, netted 13.0 ppg to go along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 steals per contest. He scored at an 80 percent clip from the free throw line, and put in a tour-best effort against Varese with 24 points, six rebounds four steals and a 9-of-10 mark from the charity stripe. The "Viaggiare" award was jokingly given to junior Nik Caner-Medley, whose ball fakes and jab steps sometimes drew of ire of Italian referees. Caner-Medley was incredibly solid during the Terps' tour, going a perfect 5-for-5 in double-figure scoring contests and averaging 16.4 ppg and 5.8 rebounds. He led the Terps in scoring in three games, including a 25-point effort in the win over Pistoia. With four double-doubles in five games, junior Travis Garrison was presented with the "David" award, named after Michelangelo's famous sculpture, as the team's Italian Tour Most Valuable Player. Garrison showed no signs of letdown from the 2004 postseason, averaging 16.4 points and 11.0 rebounds across the Terps' five games in Italy. His top performances included an 18-point, 18-rebound effort against Pistoia, and a 27-point, 12-rebound performance during the Terps' comeback against Varese. The Terps posted a 3-2 record overseas against some of the top teams in all of Europe, averaging 98.6 points per outing. Maryland's average margin of victory was +13.0 ppg, and the Terps' two losses came by only two points each. It is true that Maryland basketball's Tour of Italy was an excellent tune-up for the upcoming 2004-05 season, and the Terps have a few games under their belts already where the team's true grit and indelible spirit shined through. Ultimately, however, the Terps' trip was not about wins or losses, stats or personal accolades. The Terrapins had the tremendous offseason opportunity to bond as a team, all while exploring some of Europe's most ancient cities and most influential cultural centers. It was an experience - for the team, the staff, and the fans - that will not be soon forgotten. To all of our fans - thanks for following the Terps during their 2004 Tour of Italy, and for all of your support each season. We'll see you on Oct. 15, when our 2004-05 campaign officially begins at the annual Midnight Madness celebration.
