Oct. 20, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The University of Maryland basketball team held its first scrimmage in front of several hundred spirited Terp fans on Thursday afternoon at the Comcast Center prior to Maryland's nationally televised football game against No. 3 Virginia Tech. The Terps showed offensive firepower and great unselfishness in the 40-minute game as head coach Gary Williams interchanged players between the red and black squads. Here is a brief overview of the team effort and some of the top individual performances:
The Offense:
As expected, the Terp offense was ahead of the defense and showed the ability to score in bunches. Maryland scored a combined 179 points in the two halves, while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line. Perhaps the most positive offensive sign was the team's willingness to pass the basketball. The Terps combined for 30 assists, including a team-high six from Chris McCray (Capitol Heights, Md.).
The Defense:
True to form, the defense was a bit behind the offense. The Terps were sharp at times and showed no lack of effort, but the first 40-minute scrimmage took its toll after just four practices into the season. Maryland was active in the passing lanes registering 20 steals, while the Terps took advantage of good ball pressure and a long front line to record eight blocks.
Head coach Gary Williams:
"We showed some good things out there today and I thought our conditioning was okay, considering we have only practiced for one week. We passed the ball very well. If we can continue to share the ball like that, this team will score a lot of points. We have players who can finish."
"The defense is always the last thing to develop. If we continue to work hard, we will get better. Defense is a gradual process. You have to work at it everyday. If you do that, you will gradually show improvement."
"The next two weeks are key for us. The first week of practice everyone is excited to start playing and the energy level is high. The next two weeks before we play our first game are the dog days. If we can maintain our focus and work ethic, we will show great improvement.
Individual Highlights:
Senior guard Chris McCray was the Terps' top all-around performer. He finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals in the 40-minute session. McCray hit 12-of-18 shots from the field (2-of-4 3FG) and 10-of-11 from the line.
Senior forward Nik Caner-Medley (Portland, Maine) added 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He was more effective inside the perimeter hitting 10-of-14 two-point field goals, while also converting 5-of-6 from the line.
Junior forward Ekene Ibekwe (Carson, Calif.) was much improved in all facets of the game, scoring 19 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Sophomore forward James Gist (Silver Spring, Md.) was seemingly everywhere, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while also grabbing eight rebounds (6 offensive) and blocking four shots. Gist blistered the offensive boards for several put-back dunks and was on the receiving end of three alley-oop dunks.
Junior center Will Bowers (Hanover, Md.) ran the floor much better and showed some excellent pivot moves in the post. He scored 16 points, including several turnaround jumpers.
Junior guard Mike Jones (Dorchester, Mass.) scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He hit 7-of-7 from the line and recorded three steals on the defensive end of the floor.
Other notables:
Senior forward Travis Garrison (Suitland, Md.) scored 14 points and grabbed eight boards...D.J. Strawberry (Corona, Calif.) was efficient with 14 points and five rebounds...Junior transfer Parrish Brown (Chicago, Ill.) was solid at the point finishing with six points, four rebounds and three assists with just two turnovers in his Terps debut...Senior point guard Sterling Ledbetter (Laurel, Md.) grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists.
The Terps open the 2005-06 campaign with an exhibition game against St. Francis Xavier on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Comcast Center.
