Jan. 12, 2012

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Note: this feature appeared in the December edition of the Maryland Gameday program.

By Keith Sneddon, Maryland Athletics Media Relations

The chance to play Division I basketball is an opportunity not many athletes have, and making the transition to the college game is one few players are ready for. With only nine recruited scholarship players on board this season for Maryland, freshman Nick Faust has stepped up to take on that challenge.

"It's been tough so far," said Faust. "I haven't really played to the level that I want to yet. But our team is winning and improving every game so I just want to continue to get better."

It's been a tough draw so far for the Terps this season, but some hard-fought and encouraging wins have brought hope for Faust and a young team. The highly touted recruit out of Baltimore is the only player other than senior Sean Mosley to start every game this season, and he was averaging 6.9 points per contest, in addition to 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists through eight games.

While his play is still developing, Faust's unselfish and gritty approach to the game has helped him mature as a player.

"I just want to do whatever I can to help the team, whether that's playing point guard, setting up my teammates, or scoring," said Faust. "I just want to get better and help us win."

In addition to the normal challenges a freshman starter would encounter, Faust has been relied upon to log time at point guard. After sophomore guard Pe'Shon Howard went down with a broken foot during the preseason, the team's thin backcourt was in desperate need for another ball-handler.

Even though Faust was not originally recruited to play the position, he maintains it's a responsibility he is growing into.

"I think I've responded pretty well. I've just been trying to run the plays and get Terrell [Stoglin] and Sean [Mosley] involved in the offense. It hasn't been easy but it's starting to come along."

The journey that led Faust to College Park was not necessarily a conventional one. After originally committing to play for Gary Williams last year, Faust was granted a release in the spring after the legendary coach announced his retirement.

Ultimately, after weighing his options, Faust determined Maryland was still the best place for him.

"After I met Coach Turgeon I knew he was a great coach and someone I wanted to play for. I talked to my parents about it and I felt like Maryland was the best place for me."

Landing Faust was key for Turgeon, and his excitement with the freshman's potential is evident.

"Nick represents the kind of student-athlete we want to recruit," said Turgeon. "He is a high-character kid, has tremendous God-given talent and he has worked hard to achieve success in his basketball career. We look forward to helping Nick achieve his dreams on the court and in the classroom as he progresses toward his degree from the University of Maryland."

Faust's energetic and exciting style of play as a Terrapin has begun to turn heads in College Park. In an exhibition against Northwood, Faust threw up a 75-foot buzzer-beater in the final seconds of the first half and buried it.

"I've never made one like that before," said Faust. "After practice I'll try to make a half-court shot before I leave, but I've never made one like that in a game."

The shot produced an instant reaction from the crowd, and was featured as the number one play on SportsCenter's top 10 that evening.

"I didn't even see the play on TV, I had to go watch it on the computer, but it felt good to get recognized after my first game."

Faust's big-play potential is not only limited to the offensive side of the floor. Against Mount Saint Mary's on December 7, Faust made a key block in the closing seconds of the game to help Maryland seal the victory.

"You don't win games without playing defense," said Faust. "There's always room for improvement, and we're still trying to get it together, but it's definitely a big thing for me and the team."

Faust's potential was established well before his college career, as he rose the ranks and became one of the nation's top-ranked shooting guards during his high school days.

As a junior and senior, Faust helped lead Baltimore City College HS to two straight Maryland Class 2A state titles. He was named All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun in 2011, while averaging 22 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.

Now placed on a much grander stage with bigger obstacles, the challenge ahead this season for Faust and the rest of Turgeon's squad looms large. While only a freshman, Faust recognizes the importance of every game, not only for himself, but also for his teammates.

"One of our goals is to just go out and get as many wins as we can and make the [NCAA] Tournament," said Faust. "For guys like Berend [Weijs] and Sean [Mosley] this is their last go-around, so we're doing everything we can to make that happen."

Faust's enthusiasm for the game is apparent, and his determination and work ethic have helped propel him forward to achieve a high level of success.

"I've been playing basketball since I was six-years-old and it's always been a passion of mine. When I'm on the court I can just block everything else out and play."