My own thoughts on the better ball handling this year by the Terps:
- They are playing three guards and Hayes/Bowie have relieved Vasquez of some of his ballhandling duties. While Vasquez is an extraordinary passer, he is more turnover prone than either Hayes or Bowie.
- Last year, the Terps played inside-out and the guards often forced the ball inside sometimes causing a turnover. This year, the inside players often come out to meet the ball away from the basket.
- Milbourne and Neal have better hands than Gist/Osby
The strengths of the Terps so far this year have been the play of the perimeter players, the shooting of the starting inside players and free throw shooting. Their weakness is obvious - the lack of size and strength inside. It will be very difficult for them to compete against ACC teams that have some size. I expect them to win 6-7 conference games (mostly at home) this year.
gw67