SB Nation - Dino Gregory

One Game In: Jordan Williams or Dino Gregory?

Ben Broman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:34:52 -0000

Maryland's Dino Gregory shoots over Eastern Kentucky's Josh Taylor during the second half.

You've seen both, granted, Dino Gregory for much longer than Jordan Williams.

Dino played 33 minutes and scored 8 points, but had just 3 rebounds. He showcased a nice midrange game, but his offense other than that wasn't much better than last year. Defensively he was very quiet as EKU dominated for stretches at a time.

Jordan was average offensively at best, and showed nervousness and excitement when he missed hard on some layups. Then again, in just 9 minutes of play, he put up 5 boards, a ratio that Maryland should've been killing for as Dino had one rebound every eleven minutes. The killer for Williams was the time he fouled a 3 point shooter blatantly.

After seeing one game of Dino and 9 of Jordan, who wins out for your starting spot?

Poll

With both available, who do you want as your starter as a center?

James Padgett's Strange Disappearance: Cliff Tucker Part Deux In the Making?

Ben Broman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:30:10 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

18 days ago: Indiana forward Derek Elston, right, is fouled by Maryland forward James Padgett as he goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Bloomington, Ind., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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Enter Dino Gregory. Exit James Padgett.

In Gregory's first game back after the eight game suspension, he ate up a rather outrageous 33 minutes. Jordan Williams saw his playing time shrink to just nine minutes as a result, but the real curiosity came in James Padgett's playing time; which is to say, the fact that he got none.

Yes, Padgett played a grand total of 0 minutes despite Gregory looking average at best and rather rusty. Gary likely wanted him out there because he's shorter and quicker, allowing him to better guard the players on the perimeter. But offensively he was average and he was a liablility on the boards - in 33 minutes, he had just 3 rebounds. Jordan had 5 in 9. Also, when Padgett was in, EKU switched up the offense and started attacking the middle, which was empty when Dino was present.

On the other side of that coin, when Williams was in they'd start attacking from outside, and he'd be a liability then.

So, the question is, why not use James Padgett? He's a good middle man between the size and strength of Williams and the speed of Gregory. He'd be able to stay with people on the perimeter and still provide a defensive presence on the inside if he needed to. He's a better rebounder than Gregory, and he hasn't looked lost at all.

Oh, and even Jin Soo Choi saw playing time. Yes, Choi was on the floor more than Padgett. I'll let that sink in.

Is Padgett slowly turning into Cliff Tucker? That's a snap judgement definitely - it was just one game. But it's something to keep track of as the season goes on. Maryland should use him and utilize their depth, not keep him on the bench.

Any thoughts on Padgett's lack of run yesterday?

Maryland Rides Vasquez and Milbourne to 83-72 Win Over Eastern Kentucky

Ben Broman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:36:49 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

7 days ago: Marylan's Greivis Vasquez reacts after scoring and getting fouled during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Eastern Kentucky, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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When Maryland needed him, Greivis Vasquez delivered.

He didn't start the game after showing up late to a shootaround and had some rough times, as he had all this year, but as the Eastern Kentucky Colonels sat down two, on a run, with Maryland unable to make a shot, Vasquez did what he had to do: make big shots. He ended up with two threes in as many possessions, and sparked Maryland's offense that, at the time, was completely out of sync.

Maryland rode the momentum and ended up with an 83-72 win over EKU, putting them at 6-3 on the year.

Despite a fast start for Maryland with Vasquez on the bench (13-5 when he entered the game, up 17 shortly after), Eastern Kentucky steadily fought back and eventually tied the game in the second half on the strength of ridiculously good three point shooting and solid defense. Shortly after, Maryland's offense caught fire, spurred on by two big threes by Vasquez, who had struggled somewhat up to that point.

Sean Mosley was quiet after a breakout week that included solid games against Villanova and Indiana. Part of that might have been due to Vasquez's offensive reemergence; he led all scorers with 20 and paired that with 5 assists.

Props go out to Eric Hayes for a great performance today; he's been extremely consistent all year and had an important 14 points with 4 made threes. Landon Milbourne also quietly went about his business, returning to form with 19 points and 9 rebounds. He made big plays and didn't have too many lapses. This is the Milbourne you remember from last year.

As for Dino Gregory in his first game: he was okay, but definitely rusty. Some of his passes were iffy and his defense was inconsistent, but his jumper was absolutely money and he showed some very encouraging flashes. He probably got the start thanks to the need for perimeter defense.

EKU's shooting ability and lack of size meant that Jordan Williams wasn't very well fitted for this game: he isn't great guarding 6-6 people on the perimeter. Still, in limited time, he had 4 points and 5 rebounds, which was pretty good. He had some problems and looked very much like a freshman, but I'm still encouraged.

The strange thing was James Padgett's lack of playing time. He didn't see the floor, despite Jin Soo Choi inexplicably getting PT in a close game. I'm sure the lack of size for EKU and their perimeter shooting had plenty to do with it, but I've never been all that impressed with Choi's defense at any level. Puzzling indeed.

I'll try to go for some more analysis tomorrow, but for now, I'm okay with this result. It was closer than it should've been, that's for sure, but Vasquez looked like he was getting out of his funk and EKU is a tough team to beat when they're hot, as they were. Maryland has plenty to work on - defense especially among them - but it could've been worse.

Maryland Minute 12.11.09 - On the Eve of Dino Gregory's Return

Ben Broman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:12:58 -0000

Hot topic: Gregory, of course - Terps Insider

Gary says that he's bigger than his stats.

"He fits a lot of those categories that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet, and to belittle Dino's accomplishments last year is wrong. I think most basketball people with knowledge of basketball would say the same thing."

I agree, but at what point do the stats - that is, JWill's double-double - become bigger than the intangibles?

Gary, Players Excited for Dino's Return

Lots of complimentary quotes for the junior forward. I hope NuDino is half as good as he's being advertised. - Ben G.

Greivis Vasquez Quote Sheet: Disappointed and Angry
Time to pull it together, GV.

"I'm disappointed," Vasquez said. "It's horrible. I'm really angry at myself. I've worked too hard. I let so many things bother me, and I wasn't myself. And then we lost three games that we should have won. And it was all because supposedly the best player and the leader of the team didn't do what he needs to be doing, and I take responsibility. But the season's too early. I remember games like Georgetown and Duke last year, Georgetown beat us by 40 and Duke beat us by 40, and then I came on strong. So I'm not going to give up. That's the last thing I'm going to do. I'm a fighter. I've put the numbers up already, so I need just to go out there and have fun and play basketball."

Dude talks a lot.

C.J. Leslie Diary
Prepare for plenty of updates from CJL if he keeps this up. The ridiculous outside possibility be damned, he's just too exciting. Good news (nothing big or indicative of anything, but I'm saying it anyway):

For those that don’t know, I’m waiting until the spring to get everything decided with my recruitment. I’m just not sure about anything at this point, and it’s important for me to be sure. I don’t have any favorites and I’m just taking my time with the whole thing. (Editor’s note: C.J.’s most recent list included N.C. State, Kentucky, Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut, Georgetown and Florida)

Decisions loom for top ACC juniors - Dinich
Among them?

OL Bruce Campbell – His career has been marred by injuries, and he could use another year to get more experience, not to mention a better contract. Scouts Inc. has him at No. 4 in his position and No. 27 overall.

Oi, that would be bad. Very bad.

Turner ready to turn the page - WT
Really good read on CT. I'll miss him.

Early Season All-ACC Team - Blogger So Dear
Blogger So Dear takes a stab at his All-ACC picks thus far. I think they're pretty good except for the ROY part. How do you leave out Jordan Williams from that group and why is Dawkins ahead of him? ~Dave

Recruiting Report: Weekly recruiting roundup
Quiet week.

Mid-Majors on Maryland's Horizon Gives Time to Work Out Lineup, Kinks

Ben Broman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:36:16 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Maryland's Dino Gregory (33) poses for a photographer during the team's media day.

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With all the hubbub surrounding the Dino or Jordan debate currently raging (well, maybe steaming?), it's important to note one thing that most people have realized but some surely haven't: that Maryland has almost a month before their next game against major competition.

Between now and January 10, Maryland plays Eastern Kentucky, Winston-Salem State, Florida Atlantic, William & Mary, and UNC-Greensboro. While W&M could present a challenge, it's pretty safe to safe to say that those are five games Maryland should handily win - the talent level difference will be pretty sizable.

That will afford Maryland and Gary plenty of time to mess with the lineup and figure out the right mix between Jordan and Dino. That's a good thing; it gives Dino time to knock the rust off and time for Gary to get everyone in the right place.

There is, however, a major disadvantage: the natural advantage of Jordan over Dino - size, and thus defense, post offense, and rebounding - is lessened by the competition. When they're playing Florida Atlantic, the size of the defender and the offensive player doesn't much matter when the talent level is vastly different - that is to say, Dino will be able to overcome size deficiencies against lesser opponents more easily.

That talent advantage dissipates in ACC play, and that's when Williams becomes so much more valuable. No matter how cut Dino is, he's still ultimately 6-7, and that will hurt against long teams like Georgia Tech and Florida State. Going up against lesser competition might not entirely prepare the team and the lineup for the long run.

Then again, Dino has supposedly been dominating practices, and the best player should always play. I will harbor doubts until he goes up against a legit center, though, if he starts.

Either way, I expect to see two or three different lineups, if not more, during the mid-major period.

It also provides some time for Greivis Vasquez to get back on his feet after his slow start. Maryland will need him come tourney time.

While we're on the topic of the immediate future, assuming Maryland wins out (as they should, though history tells us that rarely happens), the Terps will be 10-3 in OOC play with no major wins except for an okay Indiana road win. 9-7 and a few ACCT wins will probably be necessary to make the dance. Anything less than a winning record in conference play, and they'll be sweating on Sunday. 10 wins would be preferable.

As I mentioned before, Maryland has a nasty habit of losing games they should win. Last year had Morgan State, the year before had Ohio and American, so on and so far. It's been a standard the past few years. If it happens again, there will be no room for error in conference play whatsoever.

Still too early to predict anything in particular, but saying that a 9 or 10 win conference year would be necessary isn't much of a stretch if they happen to drop one of these.

So sit back, relax, pray to win, and watch Maryland beat up on some mid-majors.

Maryland Minute 12.10.09 - Terps All-Decade Team

Ben Goldstein — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:02:36 -0000

Ah, the good old days...

View full size photo »

Turtle Waxing: Maryland Basketball All Decade Team

I think Blake, Dixon, and Baxter are obvious...don't know how I feel about Mouton and Gist being on there. I'd have Wilcox over Gist too. ~Dave

My Take: I'd keep Gist over Wilcox just based on games played, but I'd put Caner-Medley over Mouton. Anybody else have an opinion on this?

NBA Draft Stock: Landon Rising, Greivis Falling

IIRC, this is the first time Landon has cracked their mock draft. (He's #57, overall.) A lot will depend on how he holds up in ACC play but I could definitely see some NBA team taking a chance on his athleticism and work ethic. Greivis, meanwhile, has slipped down to #59.

3-Pointers: Greivis Vasquez is pressing - Mike DeCourcy - College Basketball - Sporting News

A little insight on Greivis' struggles. I still think he just needs to settle down and be himself. ~Dave

Wisconsin Badgers fall to Green Bay Phoenix - ESPN

Ugh...just when our loss to Wisconsin is starting to look not so bad, this happens. ~Dave

Dino Gregory: More Subbin’ Than Quizno’s

The friends over at Shell Games (always a good daily read, btw) speculate about Dino's role, based on a quote by Gary after the Nova game. Fun read. ~Dave

The Diamondback - Point guard trio making up for the loss of Toliver so far
Good breakdown of how players are stepping up after the loss of Toliver and Coleman to graduation last season. Replacing those two would be the equivalent of having to replace Juan and Bias in the same season, in my opinion...no easy task. ~Dave

Harvard Beats BC...Again
Does that mean Maryland will lose to them...again? - Ben B.

Recruiting Report: Season recap: Sal Conaboy
Sounds like he could be a year or two away from contributing. Still good, though.

At 6-5, 255 pounds, Conaboy will likely need to add weight and strength before he’s ready to make an impact in college. But depending on what he does between now and his arrival in College Park, Conaboy could be given a chance to work his way into contention for playing time. "They’re looking at him to come in and compete as a freshman, possibly as a guard or center -- the interior part of the line," Repshis said. "It’s too early to tell exactly how he’ll be able to contribute, but they do want him to come in and compete. And that’s all he’s looking for. What happens when he steps on campus that first year is yet to be determined. But he will go into the offseason preparing for the opportunity to play."

- Ben B.

Maryland Rebounds From Maui With a Win Over Indiana

Ben Broman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:40:07 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

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After two tough losses that brought Maryland and their fans back down to earth, the Terps needed a rebound win. They got one over Indiana tonight, 80-68. It's not the most impressive win, as the Hoosiers are looking to be bottom half of the Big Ten, but Assembly Hall is always tough and it's better than a low-level DI opponent. Maryland also got the ACC on the board in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge and reasserted their dominance over Indiana in basketball (2002, anyone?).

Greivis Vasquez is slowly breaking out of his shell (get it?) with occasional moments of brilliance, but he's still not close to last year. The stars of the game were Landon Milbourne, Sean Mosley, and Eric Hayes (as usual). Milbourne was second on the team with 19 points and Mosley looked a consistent layup away from being a star - he definitely has every other aspect of the game down. He was actually just a rebound away from a double-double. Hayes was his usual, consistent, calm self, and that's invaluable for this up-and-down team.

Turnovers were a real problem, especially early on, and Maryland turned it over 19 times. Coupled with average, though better than expected rebounding, it allowed Indiana to stay close for longer than they should've - that is, most of the game.

I think most people expected a slightly easier win (score wise, it got out of hand in the final five minutes or so), but I'm content with it. It's a win and my expectations for this team have dropped compared to pre-Maui. Villanova will be an uphill battle to the fullest.

As for the biweekly freshmen update, Jordan Williams is getting closer. He still has some problems - today, it was with traveling and finishing - but he's becoming more aggressive and is still a pretty good rebounder right now. By ACC play, he'll be pretty good. James Padgett's performance was more forgettable tonight.

A few days of rest before the biggie of the OOC slate - Nova - and then Dino Gregory returns. Let's hope he sparks a fire for the Terps. The question for me is whether or not he takes Jordan Williams' starting spot.

Slowly But Surely, Maryland's Frontcourt Depth Returning

Ben Broman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:30:25 -0000

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It sounds all but official at this point that Dino Gregory will be making his return to the team on December 12, just in time for the big showdown against Eastern Kentucky. Now word also comes out that Jin Soo Choi could be back against New Hampshire tomorrow, and, if not then, he's likely a go for Maui.

While Choi's presence isn't entirely important, it does provide a solid five to eight minutes a game that Jordan Williams, who has looked a little rough at the end of contests, doesn't have to be on the floor. He's also a safety net if any of Maryland's three current big men get injured.

From that same link, it also sounds like Steve Goins is progressing along nicely with his chronic knee injury - that doesn't really indicate when he'll back, but it does give hope that he'll make a return sometime soon. Having Goins to provide five to ten minutes a night would be huge - the dude's a big body who can, at the very least, provide a physical presence matched on the team only by Jordan Williams.

As for Dino, he will miss the all-important Villanova game and the Maui Invitational, which could prove especially problematic should Maryland face Vanderbilt. The good news is that he'll have a few warm-up games to shake off the rust - Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, UNC-G, etc. - before ACC play, when his services will really be required.

The silver lining to it is that when it comes time for James Padgett and Jordan Williams to play against some of the ACC-level bigs, they'll have experience. They'll be better for having gone up against Villanova and Cincy/Vandy/Gonzaga/Arizona/whoever, and they'll be a lot more use when it comes time to play in the ACC, which is what really matters comes Selection Sunday. Obviously, having a nice OOC win to point to can do wonders (MSU and Michigan last year) but it's trumped by finishing third in the ACC.

The possible disaster is subsiding.

Dino Gregory's Situation, And What It Means for Maryland

Ben Broman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:58:32 -0000

Wondering what's up with Dino Gregory? So are the rest of us.

Here's what we know so far: there was a question on academic dishonesty (read: cheating, in some sense) over the summer, which may or may not be related to this. Gun to my head, I say it is related, but that's just speculation. I simply find it difficult to believe Dino would have two infractions in such a short time period.

Moving on, until Dino tells us, we won't know. Maryland is keeping the entire thing under wraps, as they are legally obligated, and won't reveal any information, whether it be the infraction or the time he's due back.

Right now, the general consensus is that he'll be out one semester, which would mean he'd be back on the team, assuming he's in good standing, Dec. 20. A few people have said this, and it's also the same amount of time Josh Portis was ineligible when he got caught with the same charge.

That means he'd miss Maryland's first nine games, including important matchups with Villanova and Indiana, as well as the Maui Invitational. I'm sure Gary and Dino are doing everything they can to get back earlier, but I'd be surprised if the punishment was less than a semester. That said, I think it being more than a semester would be even more shocking.

This is a really sad thing for both parties, because by all accounts, Dino was the most improved player on the team, and he was already a pretty important part of the team toward the end of last year. Most signs pointed to him being the fifth starter and a major contributor on a team that needed guys who could play inside.

Instead, Maryland's already thin and weak frontcourt gets a man thinner and weaker. Steve Goins, James Padgett, and Jordan Williams should all see increased roles in his absence - yes, that is meant to scare you. Padgett, Williams, and Goins all seem pretty talented and competent, but they've to prove it against big time competition. Going into games with two freshmen big men and one who might as well be a freshman isn't comforting at all.

There is, however, a silver lining. While this will probably contribute to an unexpected loss and make it more difficult to stand up to Nova, those three guys will see plenty of playing time. That playing time equates to increased development, which means they'll be more helpful come ACC games, which is even more important than the OOC games. Hopefully they'll be able to make an impact against some of the more developed ACC bigs, like Trevor Booker and Dwayne Collins.

Right now, though, nothing's in stone with Gregory, nor would I expect it to become that way in the next few days. When we know more, you'll know more.

Terps Win Sole Exhibition, 75-54

Ben Broman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:59:59 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

about 1 month ago: Maryland's Greivis Vasquez (21) goes to the basket against Indiana of Pennsylvania's Darryl Webb (15) and Thomas Young, center, during the first half of an NCAA exhibition college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Ok, it's late, I'm tired, and I'm sure my co-writers who attended the game probably have some more detailed thoughts, but here's what I'm thinking after the first exhibition game:

To sum it up, inconsistent, messy, got outrebounded by a DII school, and still won by 20.

It's definitely early, and the preseason wasn't kind for Maryland, but I think the inconsistentcy was a bit expected. I didn't fully expect the amazing amount of turnovers that the game provided, but other than that, everything looked okay for Maryland. There was the requisite early lack of hustle, which hurt the Terps quite a few times, but I'm sure Gary will get rid of that after just a practice.

No, Dino Gregory wasn't playing, but there's still nothing on his situation. Pure speculation, I'm guessing academics of some sort, as opposed to something behavior related. Nor was Steve Goins on the floor, victim to a knee injury. That left James Padgett and Jordan Williams as the lone big men for the day.

The freshmen looked pretty decent, if inconsistent. I was expecting Padgett to entirely outclass Williams after the early reports, but they were pretty equal. Padgett definitely had the "ooooooohhhhh" play of the game with a nasty putback dunk in the late first half and followed it up with some solid rebounding and a couple of nice left handed finishes. Once Jordan Williams got into the game, you could see his potential: he runs the floor extremely well for someone his size, surprised me with his endurance, and was money from the foul line. Especially early on in the year, he's going to get fouled a lot against smaller opponents, and he'll be able to take advantage of that.

Those weren't the most important developments of the night, though. No, that'd go to Sean Mosley's improved offensive game. He showcased an ability to actually finish to go along with his defense and hustle from last year - he will be very dangerous when given the opportunity.

Other than that, everything was as expected. Greivis was solid. Eric Hayes was the same as last year. Adrian Bowie showcased an improved jumper, but had the same ridiculously quicks and pesky defense. Cliff Tucker was still in the Gary doghouse for most of the game and only got a few minutes. Jin Soo Choi was still really thin and didn't look entirely sure of himself the entire time. Landon Milbourne was tough to handle in the paint and had a nice 13 foot jumper.

You get the point.

All that said, remember, it's an exhibition against DII, so these thoughts aren't worth a ton.