Decided some Friday fun was in order. A spoof article on KSR (Ky Sports Radio) discussed Cal desiring a basketball "experience" at UK games, rather than simply a UK game being played.

After talking about playing Baylor in Dallas Cowboys Stadium (actually truly being discussed) in 2014 to prepare the Wildcats for the 2014 Final Four being held in Dallas Stadium, I decided to have some fun and do a bit of Friday tweaking of the hypersensitive fan base....enjoy - get ready for some chaff on here too - ha ha ha

My Post:

"pragmatic bball follower Says:

May 25th, 2012 at 3:05 pm

15. Pragmatic bball follower

Actually, the 2016 NBA venue game will be played in the NBA arena Cal will be coaching at … and the 2014 Final Four game in Dallas Stadium will be versus the Harrison twins and the Terps, thereby continuing the Bazz, Anthony Bennett and Tony Parker vibe

only took 12 minutes....

16. minton Says:

May 25th, 2012 at 3:17 pm

#15……Suck it. Am i not turtley enough for the turtle club? Turtle turdle turdle……turtle.

ha ha ha

The Harrisons are off and running, I mean flying, to the USA Elite team's beginning play in Tourcoing, France on April 7th. Tourcoing is close to the Belgian border - I would enjoy this tourney if able to swing by some Belgian breweries for some serious ales to go with some Belgian mussels :)

From 1995-2004, NYC's famed Gauchos squad has won the tourney. In more recent years, a combo of US AAU players have made the trek to bring home the title. Team America won in 2007, but Team Belgrade (Serbia) took the crown in 2008 and 2009. It appears the tourney wasn't held in 2010 or 2011 (not sure why).

This squad is a combo of HS Srs. and Jrs., so Nerlens Noel and DaJaun Coleman are on the squad. The Harrisons should be feeding the post quite a bit. Jermaine Lawrence (Forward) is another Jr. whose play I like.

http://tournoibasket-tourcoing.com/uk/equipes.htm

In past posts, some of us, including myself, have commented on the recommended approach by some experienced HS coaches such as Bob Hurley Sr., (AP may have heard it when he was signing) who tells most of his players to only sign for an aid package instead of the NLI until the spring signing period of their Sr. year. In this fashion, they're covered in case of a coaching change like Frank Martin's sudden switch.

we haven't seen any current Terps do this as far as I can remember. It would be wise for players to evaluate their personal circumstances.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/26/why-robert-upshaw-who-is-smarter-than-the-average-recruit/

Here's a passage from the article:

"Which is why what Upshaw did is so smart.

A financial aid agreement legally guarantees that you will be getting a scholarship, but it doesn’t bind you to the school. In other words, you are free to go anywhere else if you choose, but if you do decide to go to the school that you signed with, they will be paying for your scholarship. And with Martin potentially leaving Kansas State, Upshaw is free to re-open his recruitment. His list was narrowed down to Louisville, Georgetown, Fresno State and Kansas State when he committed, for what it’s worth.

So be smart, recruits. Don’t sign an NLI. Don’t be Joseph Young or Walter Pitchford. Control your own future and sign an aid agreement."

[ADDITIONAL VIDEO - Also worth viewing - he is as big as advertised - look at his size compared to some other guards:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru05BpWRSuI&feature=player_embedded#! ]

Just want to add this story about Thaddeus Hall's situation. It's another reason why one's story isn't always clear cut. Thaddeus, especially if he goes away to school, may thrive in a different environment.

I hope T Hall's college career works out for him. I'm pulling hard for him to succeed. I think he could be a real oncoming 2012 gem for any squad if he qualifies. Check out this quote (in addition to the quote I posted the other day about his playing D): "He’s put in stalwart defensive efforts, shutting down stars such as Boys & Girls’ Leroy (Truck) Fludd and Lincoln’s Isaiah Whitehead, and averaged 10 rebounds per game this postseason."

Known to NYC Met Talent evaluator Tom Konchalski said he’s the “most explosive scorer” in the PSAL with “an incredible motor, he never stops coming at you. He’s hardwood blessing in disguise.”

One cannot each the inner drive of a player. It will serve Thaddeus well the rest of his playing career. I just hope he can clear academically. At least then he'll get his shot to get it done in school and on the court.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/from_homeless_right_full_track_hope_JJ46FZdkCpKZt5TaQRZiAM

And he got his Jefferson squad to the Garden for the Finals:

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/batman_garden_robin_send_jefferson_l0LweCfBxfyE41YNaShKdM#ixzz1op6soOQK

N.B. - newbie posters/TT surfers - I did a search of posts and comments to see if Thaddeus Hall was mentioned - end of my TTPSA (TT public service announcement - lol).

As some of you know, I follow the SJ's boards as well. On leap year day, the boards starting talking about Thaddeus Hall ('12), a 6'5", 195 lb. combo guard from Thomas Jefferson HS in Brooklyn.

He's worked through some academic issues, prolly realized he had to get it done better in the classroom, but from what I've read on the SJ's boards, they're saying he's a good kid with strong work ethic. However, it appears to me Hall needs to channel that into lifting his SAT score to (what I infer) qualify.

Now that he's been playing regularly, Thaddeus lit it up at the end of his senior season. In the 2nd round of the public school 2A playoffs, he poured in 34 points in the 1st half! It was not unusual for Thaddeus to have 4-6 treys in a game.

Somehow, it slipped by the board that the staff has offered Hall. Hall has offers from St. John’s, Texas Tech, Maryland, Virginia Tech and South Carolina. SJ's is in tight on Hall as they need outside shooting help as much, if not more, than the Terps.

Hall has Nick's size coming out of HS - a solid advantage to be able to shoot over perimeter defense.

39 point 2nd round vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31lgJnEBEg

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/high_school/basketball/inside_point_boys_hoops_psal_class_fZt7kCPi1M0oPRte6QXkZO#ixzz1oYcd5urS

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0306/thaddeus-hall-adds-offer-from-st-johns-more-schools-on-12-scoring-machine/

I haven't spotted any videos that include Hall's Defense, but....

Money Quote: “Most important part of making my decision is if I’m comfortable with the coaching staff and the school,” said Hall. “I’m never worrying about playing time because every coach is gonna play a kid who loves to play defense and make plays, so that’s what I’m gonna do.” Give that man some PT!!!

http://scores.newsday.com/sports/highschool/team.php?id=10630-1

We need to keep a tab on T Hall and see "What's Shaken?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdt-l2FVyNM

Finally, being a fellow lefty - he's a lefty - Terps' fans and our staff love lefties!

Let it Rain - 3 Pt Practice - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFzCZNn3aP4

The Baltimore Sun did a Where Are They Now? Terps 10th Anniversary piece, interviewing various players with updates.

Yesterday, they did a piece on Tahj Holden. Tahj is currently coaching 10 year olds after work. Major props to him - coaching 10 year olds is not easy!

I look forward to reading some extra nuggets about the guys, even though I keep up on that Terp BBall Alumni blog.

Time goes by quick - any current students - enjoy your time at MD, and be sure to get to games to enjoy our up and coming team!

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/tracking-the-terps/bal-where-are-they-now-former-maryland-forward-tahj-holden-20120306,0,4706135.story

With Turge and Pitino among others in attendance, Paul VI defeated DeMatha 58-55 on a Stan Robinson tip-in off his own missed lay-up yesterday.

Stan's been going through a rough shooting patch lately (1st time with consecutive games under 10 points), but as we've thrown around on the board, Stan contributes in many ways. This says a lot about his mental make up as a team player and competitor: “I don’t really know what it is, but I can’t hit anything,” said Robinson, who finished with nine points, the first time all season he has been held under 10 points in consecutive games. “But I’m showing I can impact the game without scoring. I can help my team in other ways.”

Paul VI pulled off what a non-DeMatha team had only done what is believed to be 50 years ago: complete an undefeated 18-0 WCAC regular season record.

If anyone can get to the WCAC playoff games, please do - you will not be disappointed at the high level of play and excitement. I would love to see the "underdog" Panthers take out Zaga and/or DeMatha yet again. Their team play is something to enjoy. I'm sure Turge enjoyed watching it too.

Since a lot of us really want a top notch PF coming in these next 3 years:

Future Terps 2015 PF (SF Grant) Recruits (I hope):

Markus Derrickson (6'7") ('15) had 6 points yesterday;

Isiah Buck-Lowman (6'6") ('15, DC Assault) had 2 pts.

Next year we'll see Jaylen Grant (6'6") ('15) getting some solid time for DeMatha;

Leroy Butts (6'7") (O'Connell/Clinton, MD) (another lefty! - lol) has some serious upside, top 25 prospect upside - I like his game a lot (can hit the 15 footer already, good foot work) - Joe Wootten will mold him as he's got a lot to work with - Butts should be top local PF target for 2015 along with Derrickson - all PGC guys, while Buck-Lowman is a Springfield, Va guy.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/paul-vi-vs-dematha-stanford-robinson-helps-panthers-edge-stags-58-55/2012/02/19/gIQA9zzJOR_story.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/no-1-paul-vi-defeats-no-2-dematha-58-55/2012/02/19/gIQAybAQOR_video.html

Well Chick let it out - I bet he's plugged in for sure this time to not screw it up. With CJB at the helm, how will our offense look next year operating in a Pro-set morph that Lox wants to run? I think we'll be fine with the talent at RB/WR/TE - we've got a solid core. Hopefully, the OL will finally stay healhty for an entire season. We can only hope for health - that and extra conditioning/good luck.

https://twitter.com/CHICKatCSN/status/169099914180182017

I feel great about the Terps' hard fought victory at Clemson tonight. So I decided to look around and check in on Seth's schedule, since I intend to stop in on his team's game at Seton on Friday night.

And lo and behold, I have the pleasure of reading Seth's sweet box score from tonight's game:

31 pts, 12/21 fg, 5/11 3PT, 2/3 FT, 5 Assists, 2 Rebs, 4 steals

I think we have one more shooter to pencil in for next season!

I forgot to mention one player I highly recommend that I hope the staff is beginning to follow, or will soon start the relationship with - Marcus Derrickson '15 of Paul VI. Yeah its early, but I want to get his name out for us to follow - and he'll be part of the local recruiting batlle by next year latest.

It slipped my mind because Marcus didn't do a whole bunch in Tuesday night's game, but Derrickson is one to watch - now. He had 11 and 8 vs. DeMatha (I'm sure coach noticed :), and already 235 lbs and a legit 6'7", I think he will be a bigger version of Kris Jenkins because even as a frosh, he has a sweet 3 Pt. stroke.

Another side note - for those who don't know, Paul VI HC is Glenn Farello, long time (9 HC, 5 Asst HC) coach for 14 years at Eleanor Roosevelt HS.

Extra Note: Marcus played in a "Super 16" National Freshman game this past October. It included players from St. Benedict's, St. Patrick's, Bishop Gorman, and other perennial powers.

And, oh yeah, like Stan Robinson, he's from PGC - Bowie.

http://www.bouncemag.com/tag/marcus-derrickson/

http://highschoolhoop.com/tournaments/2011/10/the-super-16-national-freshman-game/#more-4690

Ben mentioned Romelo Trimble over the summer as a 6'3", combo guard 2014 target. Somehow, I think this Alex Kline piece from a few weeks ago slipped past us - well, at least me. Will Ferguson, a quick 2013 PG (5'11", from O'Connell) who generated some interest a while ago from the Terps, left and transferred to Herndon HS 3 weeks ago (N.B. - he may even switch to 2nd choice Episcopal yet again - Episcopal's known to be a good one for snagging other team's players). NBE quote of Will: “[Offers are from] VCU, Miami, Virginia Tech, Xavier, Virginia, Maryland, UMASS and Seton Hall,” said Ferguson. Ferguson also mentioned he has already taken unofficial visits to Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. For now though Ferguson just wants to work on a few things as he has two years before he’ll likely be playing for a high major team."

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2012-0129/wil-ferguson-updates-recruitment-during-season-of-change/#more-12141

Of Note - Since Will butted heads with Joe Wootten and the O'Connell staff - are there potential problems with him down the line? Will/Has MD cool/cooled off on him (unless there's a good reason for his conflict - I do not know the skinny - a lil' help out there)?

What that means is Romelo Trimble has been thrown into full time PG duties. He's w/ DC Assault too - in the end, it will probably wind up being a battle between Dalonte and David Cox.

Ben's report from : "Hill was also present for at least one D.C. Assault U-16 team, which is a pretty talented bunch. Assault's star at that level, Romelo Trimble, is claiming Maryland interest to go along with Miami and UMass offers. Trimble is a 2014 player, meaning he's playing up a level against players a year older than him. He'll likely be one of Maryland's bigger targets for that year."

Trimble is now garnering serious PT with both O'Connell and in springtime with DC Assault. His experience level will be heightened even more in preparation for his junior year next season.

Alex Kline's write-up on Trimble:

http://www.therecruitscoop.com/romelo-trimble-hearing-from-schools

I know at least Charlotte and RQ are waiting on my game summary +, so I'll get down to it for a hump day lunch time break treat.

Got there 1/2 hour b4 game time, all tix pre-sold for Gonzaga/Paul VI tilt. Fortunately, I found a Gonzaga student w/ an extra ticket. Paid double face ($10 - lol) and got in about 5 minutes before tip-off. Good thing I didn't give up (I almost left and went home b4 guessing that HSers might bail on games a bit more than Terps students, right?)

Right from the start, the game was intense. The D was tight, defenders bodying-up and hand-checking (refs let them play, much to Gonzaga HC's dismay) and Paul VI students and fans had the temperature approaching Cole Field House levels. After picking up an early foul, Stan Robinson got off a couple of good passes that led to baskets, one to the "other" Robinson, Jamall, that was the player of the game (avgs 6 per game, stepped up for 17 points and one near breathtaking dunk - leapt about 6 ft from basket, caught Stan's beautifully timed lob from across the court, and just missed slamming it home as he was fouled).

But I digress. Stan made 4 FGs in the game, and with my analyst hat on, I can tell you his jump shot form is excellent. Creates good spacing w/ driving threat to the hole, elevates well, shoots at apex of jump shot, elbow squared, good rotation on ball, and follow through - all there. He doesn't appear to a be a big 3 point shooter (didn't have any last night anyway), so shots were 13-16 footers. When Stan got his 2nd foul w/ a minute and a half in the 1st Qtr, I knew I might not see as much of him as I hoped for. But he played most of the 2nd Qtr until he dove for a loose ball and banged his head w/ a Gonzaga player. They both did not get back up right away - Stan had to go to the locker room (and I heard get some stitches), get bandaged up, and came out for the 2nd half looking like the fife player in our Revolutionary Army, and now was wearing #23 due to his #13 getting bloodied up.

I was most impressed with Stan's court vision, especially in the 2nd half. The way Paul VI was sharing the ball was fun to watch. Stan and his teammates, facing a Gonzaga comeback after whittled the lead down to 5, did not panic and try to do too much. Rather, they patiently kept working the ball down to Jamall Robinson or worked it around the perimeter until Patrick Holloway could find a seam to dribble into for a series of smooth jumpers (he's another player w/ solid fundamentals, especially on D - and he's calm all the time. He's a bit undersized SG @ 6'1", but I think Paul Hewitt might use him at PG some - just my guess). And Stan's handle? I think it's above average, but I could see some room for a bit of improvement for major D1 ball. He was stifled a couple of times on breaks when Gonzaga players jumped into his dribbling path, and almost lost the ball a few times (recovered on all but one).

Getting back to Stan, the timing and placement of his passes was real good. It's that kind of thing I was looking for - can Stan play in the flow of his team's offense and make everyone around him better? My view from last night is definitely so. Stan and Holloway's D impressed me most. The way they get down into the athletic position, feet slightly open (good technique), lateral movements that are quick responses to opponent moves, hard pursuit, it's all there. (btw - Forwards J. Robinson and Coleman Johnson (Fairfield - MAAC) of Paul VI have serious verticals - they blocked and contested a lot of shots w/o fouling much). And even though he had a big T-shirt under his uni, it looks like his frame can support more upper body size.

All in all, it was a fun game to watch, even though it wasn't close at the end, winding up 66-53. On the Gonzaga side, not having Nate Britt yet again hurt the Eagles. Their guards could not handle really quick PG Tilman Dunbar (Navy commit) (check out his kicks on the video!). And the best athletes on the floor? Stan and Abdur-Ra'oof (he's athletic as any - some room to build up his frame (he's a soph) - he's the guy I'd also hope the staff can get). BTW, Kris Jenkins has a beautiful stroke with that desired high/low game - & he's a tough competitor. I hope Coach L gets him rather than our beloved whiny SG. Jimmy Patsos snagged Gonzaga's C Will Rassman. He played really well & knows how to get good position down low. @ 6'8" and 220 (looks less), Rassman's a bit thin, but uses his body effectively, & has sound skills - will be a good MAAC player at Loyola).

And the last nugget: They chased all the people behind the scorer's table out to the hallway so players could leave the floor. I snuck under one of the bleachers sections, and waited for Stan, who was last off the floor. I said hello, shook hands, congratulated Stan on the victory and also.......congrats on his scholly offer with the Terps. He lit up with a big smile and I told him him a lot of Terps fans (i.e., Charlotte - ha ha ha) were happy he received an offer. All bandaged up around his head, but a smile that says it all. He must like the Turge and the staff a lot. Whenever I get to a HS game, it reminds me of what makes sports special for me (when I coached my son was a major highlight).

So Charlotte, I'm now a big believer in Stan. Oh, and as a bonus (since they are free), Stan is shooting 81% from the charity stripe.

Lastly, just look at the video and check out Tilman Dunbar's fluorescent shoes! And at 2:12 - the pep crew busts out the plywood "bus", and gets everyone yelling the HS classic, "Start the bus!" HS memories came pouring in for me - lots of fun (got me thinking of my Sr year squad had a 6'9' C that was 3rd team all-state - went to Pukon).

video from the game @ Posts' All Met Sports:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/no-1-paul-vi-catholic-beats-no-2-gonzaga-66-53/2012/02/01/gIQAubTkgQ_video.html

Yeah, it's not Rivals, not ESPN, but Evan Daniels has his updates for the 2012 class.

Of note:

McGary drops to 20, mimicking the others;

Shaq at 39;

Layman 58;

JaKarr Sampson at 37...

I don't put much credence in these "updates" as we're still on Torian Graham and Savon Goodman's list. Those ships sailed a while ago. I think Daniels needs some help on his staff to stay on top of current lists.

http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/1154012.html

As most of you know, I've rode along the fence of wait and see concerning the football squad moving forward. I was among the first posters to say Coach shot himself in the foot PR-wise all season long at a time when many were beating the "fire RE" drums.

Well, one point we all agreed upon was that recruiting had to pick up. We knew, and read, reports of coach actively going out to many different games/HS showcases in the area. Well, I have to admit, even though I'm a midliner, I underestimated the recruiting power of Coach Edsall.

This Bleacher Report article interviews Caleb Rowe, who said he LOVES coach Edsall. I'm happy Coach's message is sinking in with recruits after all. Frankly, the strong words from Caleb surprised me a bit. I'm very pleased to read the glowing words. I just want to give credit where it's due. Many of us moved on a while ago to begin looking forward to next season. That being said, I gotta go - there's a bball game to be won in a few minutes!

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bdbqD

Wow - well, we have a recruit who wants to play for us, in Shaq's words about wanting to beat Duke, "real baaaaaad." I wonder what slot the staff has Peters placed in - in other words, who he's behind, cuz he sure wants an offer. I wonder exactly where PGs for 2013 stand behind the twins. I know some will differ about this, but I've seen it bandied about that offers can be pending other higher placed recruits saying yes or no at a later date (if the backups want to wait it out).

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bcZjy

KP just signed on DeAndre Jordan. He just received what some think is an overpaid contract @ 4 yrs, 43 Mil. I think he's going to keep improving and isn't near his ceiling yet. Jordan was a BG recruit at A&M, but played for Turge his Frosh season before moving on. Like JWill, he could have used another year, but left to get drafted by the Clips in the 2nd round - 35th pick overall.

http://www.slamonline.com/online/kicks/2011/12/kicks-deandre-jordan-signs-with-under-armour/

Tyler Ennis, '13 PG from St. Benedict's Prep in NJ, just listed us in his huuuuge school rundown - Zagsblog reports on the Hoop Group Tip Off...We weren't listed before, so one staff member must have been doing some work up in NJ...a search of the TT dB shows nada mention of Ennis:

http://www.zagsblog.com/2011/12/19/hoop-group-tip-off-recruiting-rundown/

Ennis is #56 in ESPN's Super 60, and originally hails from Canada. Here's his ESPN breakdown:

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/evaluation?id=126967&_slug_=tyler-ennis&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fcollege-sports%2fbasketball%2frecruiting%2fplayer%2fevaluation%3fid%3d126967%26_slug_%3dtyler-ennis

Since I'm not enthralled w/ highlight clips at times (then again, I despise the supposed "D" sometimes at AAU games - lots of matador action), here's a straight up clip of a recent IS8 Nike Fall Tip-Off game (Ennis in Blue shorts, #5). also of note - Kyle Anderson's sweet cross over dribbles at 6'8":

We had a discussion recently about the Comcast Inside Maryland Basketball all-Access show. I watch it weekly (even with my Verizon plan it carries the Comcast show). Yesterday's show provided a glimpse of the outreach to (I'm sure big) supporters of the Terps program. They have access to sit in on the daily basketball operations, meet with the players at special event meals, listen in to the assistants as they explain their recruiting schedules, official visits, etc. It was great getting even a few seconds of watching Alex in practice with the guys - got me pumped to see him soon.

In a brief glimpse, it offers those of us on the boards some good nuggets on the staff's connecting with supporters of the program. I hope someone that was there could give further feedback on what it is like going to these events. I equate it to the "kid in the candy store" - we could never have enough!

I was just reading an update on Ricardo Gathers to see if anything changed concerning his main pursuers, but nothing different was there. But reading further in the Rivals article, I was surprised to see that the staff offered Shabazz Muhammad's brother Rashad '13.

Of course the usual highlight reel is of interest, but not entirely revealing. Rashad's mechanics on his jumper look solid, and he appears to enjoy whipping passes hard to teammates down low.

Well, he's another player from 2013 to add to our list. The staff continues to cast a nationwide net.

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1307995

I heard Dave Razzano on the Junkies show this morning, and of course every question (rightfully so, but not for our purposes) to Razzano involved the Redskins/the 2012 NFL draft/Aaron Rodgers, etc. It was interesting, but I followed up the interview with a tweet to Dave to see if he had any extra info to share about the Jags rumor.

I asked him if there was still any legs to the rumor, and he responded: "Going on the premise Edsall is a favorite of Jags GM Gene Smith. The question is how much say the new owner has??"

So my take is that if new ownership retains Gene Smith, and looks to Smith and his opinion as a solid one, the unthinkable may yet still happen. It seems unbelievable to me, but this rumor still does have legs.

https://twitter.com/DaveRazzano/status/144085156628664320

BShock, I usually enjoy reading your feedback, and also being a little more left brained, get where you're coming from. However, I offer a slightly different viewpoint for many of you to digest after ingesting oodles and oodles of back and forth arguments as to the merits and value of attending a Terps game as if it's merely a black and white, clear cut exercise in logic.

BShock's quote provoked some deeper thoughts and memories in me.

"True fans won’t root for any other team. But rational fans won’t toss good money after bad."

Not many "true supporters" have harped on it bshock, but I have my two cents convincing "rational fans" on still going to at a minimum "some games (number can be tailored to each rational fan's circumstance)."

I believe the intrinsic value of attending a game should be brought to the forefront a bit more in our rational, logic based discussions about why one would want to go to a Terps game.

The socializing factor of going to a game cannot be emphasized enough, especially for the 15-30 y.o. crowd that is on the board to note (more of you are probably die hards/regulars), but also for the so called casual/fair weather fans, 'fair weather" being an operative phrase (read further down).

Harkening back to the Krivak/Duff/Vandy eras (my friends luckily had the Ross era too), and then the Fridge era, many of my friends/acquaintances were going to the Terps games to mostly socialize at tailgates, enjoy a beautiful fall day of football, and get together for a post game get together afterwards. It was the day long event that many of us still frequently experience today, or depending upon one's current responsibilities/priorities, every once in a while.

I still fondly recollect many of the get togethers, some that were Terps victories, others that were close losses (infrequently big defeats). Upon reflecting on these great times (especially after the passing of one of the group's close friends to a rare disease), I realize that even for the tougher seasons, I will more importantly recall and value the time I spent with my friends than the score that was on the scoreboard those particular days.

Sure, my memories are enhanced by the times in the 2000s when I ran onto the field with my friends and our sons to stand and cheer with our players (Clemson, FSU, Miami, etc., wins), but I wouldn't trade the tailgate for the Wake game in '02 (when it poured in the 3rd Qtr like no tomorrow) for anything in the world. My friends and I still laugh about that game.

I think those of you who only measure our team's record as a sole reason for feeling value and whether or not to attend a game are missing the bigger picture, the one where supporting our team provides a large measure of intrinsic value to our life experience through our experience with fellow fans, friends and family.

I hope when the smoke clears from this season (which by any rational account was a very trying one for anybody involved), you'll take a step back and think about taking advantage of an opportunity next season to reconnect (or invite) with some friends you haven't seen for a few years - maybe to simply tailgate and watch the game in the parking lot if you choose (I've never done that, but some enjoy that as well). You may be surprised that if you look at the social aspect of going to a game more closely, you may wind up changing your mind about attending. If I didn't go to all those games with my deceased friend, we would not have had as many chances to talk as in depth about our lives as we did.

This opportunity can wind up being a part of the fabric of who we are. Even with the added responsibilities in my life, I still found a way to attend many games. My advice: Don't overlook and miss out on it - take advantage of going to games when you can - you may lose that chance later in life - I'm glad I didn't.

I was driving up Campus drive this morning and saw Pe' crossing by the Stamp bus depot.  I said I hoped he was going to play this season, and he told me "I'll be back soon."  So, those of us who speculated Pe' wouldn't play this season are probably incorrect barring any setbacks for Pe' from here on in.  That's good news if I've ever heard any.

Can't wait for Pe' to get out there and stabilize the point!

Gen. Mac Arthur - I Shall Return (via emmthreejonny)

Our Terps will be in Brooklyn soon enough :) , but here's a vid from Nov 9th (that I didn't see here - I may have missed it) with UA's stable of young NBAers putting on a show at Boys and Girls High.  Thx to the Hoops docs!  If you watch closely, Greivis tries to go in with a statue of liberty move, but gets rejected right on back.  It looks as if a fun time was had by all.

http://thehoopdoctors.com/online2/2011/11/under-armour-are-you-from-here-brooklyn-highlights/

I'm attaching NBE's Breakdown of the National Prep Showcase from Sunday's games.  Continuing from Aug's intro on Woodson's entering Vermont Academy, Dominic Woodson was of note as a standout Sunday.  He's big 6'10", not afraid to bang down low, and they report he has the peripheral offensive skills to boot.

And in their updates section: Dominic Woodson (Vermont Academy 2013) – Another kid that remains wide open Woodson’s coaches mentioned he has offers from Oklahoma, Connecticut, Baylor, Miami, NC State, and Maryland, with additional interest coming in from Florida, Illinois, and TCU.

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2011-1121/bosworth-sundays-national-prep-showcase-breakdown/

Here's a vid some of you have already seen, but what the heck....

Woodson's ability to run the floor well for his size is obvious - wow