Washington Post article on Maryland

[MilfordHusky]

The Terps are trying to get back to the Final Four. Yes they won it all in 2006, but I think that was their only Final Four appearance in nearly 20 years. They were tantalizingly close last year, as Notre Dame edged them by 31 in the regional final.

Not surprisingly, Lauren Mincy has been playing PG in the absence of Brene Moseley. They will also try Chloe Pavlech, a frosh. Interestingly, Alyssa Thomas is playing some PG. When she does, they have a lineup of 6' 0 to 6'4". The Terps strength is rebounding--they were second in the nation in rebounding margin last year and add Malina Howard.

Katie Rutan, a transfer from Xavier who twice hit 7 treys in a game, is eligible this season.

They have some nice pieces. DeVaughn, Hawkins, and Thomas are a physical front court. Thomas reminds me of Maya in terms of build and skills, and she's taller. They will need good guard play and contributions from the newbies. Do they play defense? Probably not much. They will need to beat someone good to get to the Final Four. Can they win it all? 1:1,000.

 

[EricLA]

IMHO locks for the final 4 are UCONN, Baylor and Duke. the fight for the 4th spot should be interesting - Kentucky, Maryland, Stanford, possibly ND, aTm, and maybe a few others have a shot...

Did I mention I am really looking forward to playing the top teams this year? UCONN has like 6 of the top 10 on their schedule (or some other crazy number like that). Baylor, Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, aTm, and who am I missing? We really play just about everyone this year...

 

[MilfordHusky]

I agree on two. Duke may be a near-lock. They are very talented, for sure.

 

[wire chief]

IMHO locks for the final 4 are UCONN, Baylor and Duke. the fight for the 4th spot should be interesting - Kentucky, Maryland, Stanford, possibly ND, aTm, and maybe a few others have a shot...

Not Florida Gulf Coast?

 

[sarals24]

I don't know that Duke is a lock. Especially if Williams is hurt all year. I'm sure we'll get a clearer picture of what the rest of the teams look like in December and January, when conference play starts. Stanford could be up there too, as could ND and Kentucky.

 

[John Glass]

Maryland has made one final four in ten years with Frese, and Walz was responsible for the national championship. Walz is gone, so are Marylands chances of making a final four again. Frese's teams are terrible ball handlers, and never play defense.

 

[John Glass]

MD just lost another to an ACL injury, backup center Essence Townsend gone for the year. They now have 8 scholarship student athletes