Head Coach: Gary Williams
2008-09 Record (ACC): 21–14 (7–9)
2008-09 Postseason: NCAA: Defeated California 84–71, lost to Memphis 89–70 in the second round
Key Loss: F Dave Neal (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg)

2009-10 ACC Prediction: 4th

The anxiety-ridden Maryland fans who held their breath June 15 eventually got the answer they were hoping for: A certain 22-year-old Venezuelan decided to return to school for his senior year. The decision by guard Greivis Vasquez — which came just hours before the deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft — left Terrapin fans overjoyed and immediately set the stage for what could be the team’s most successful season since its glory days earlier this decade.

For the first time in recent years, Maryland enters a season with realistic hopes of challenging for the ACC title. The Terrapins bring back every significant contributor except one, address a notable weakness with the addition of two frontcourt prospects and once again will feature a premier standout in Vasquez.

“I think he made a good move in coming back,” Maryland coach Gary Williams says. “He can possibly be the best guard in the ACC, and he’ll play on a good team. He could be a top-20 pick next season.”

It took a monumental coaching effort — one of the finest in his two-decade career at his alma mater — for Williams to will last year’s team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. With upgrades in size, depth and experience, things are suddenly looking up in College Park.

Frontcourt

It may be easy to dismiss the loss of Dave Neal, who patrolled the post without an abundance of athleticism, quickness or size. But the 6'7" Neal, who became a dependable cog in Maryland’s attack last season, will be missed.

The arrival of two promising freshmen — James Padgett and Jordan Williams — gives Maryland more size and a more traditional frontcourt look. Expect Padgett to add athleticism and rebounding, while Williams should be ahead offensively. But it remains to be seen whether either youngster can hang with the ACC’s more experienced big men.

One benefit from the recruiting class is that Landon Milbourne — who had to play out of position last season — will have more freedom to move back to the wing on occasion. Milbourne was the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, but his game was clearly stifled by having to carry much of the offensive load in the frontcourt.

Dino Gregory can block shots and rebound but is unlikely to provide a significant scoring punch.

Backcourt

Vasquez can be demonstrative, cocky and even brash, but he shares Williams’ commitment to winning and possesses a competitive spirit that distinguishes him from most players. From the time he stepped foot on campus, Vasquez has talked about cementing his legacy by leading the Terrapins to the Final Four.

Both in demeanor and performance, there is little doubt about what to expect from Vasquez as a senior. He will be an all-around dynamo — the pulse of the team — capable of carrying teammates like he did with a triple-double against North Carolina last season.

That said, Vasquez could benefit from improving his defense and the consistency of his shot, and Maryland would be best served if someone among his supporting cast would emerge as a consistent contributor.

Adrian Bowie is quick and agile and can drive to the basket with abandon. But he needs to improve his outside shooting touch — 22 percent from 3-point range — and assertiveness. Cliff Tucker showed glimpses of his scoring ability after voicing displeasure with his minutes midway through ACC play. But consistency remains an issue.

Then there is Sean Mosley, a hard-nosed defender who needs to refine his jump shot. And another player to watch is veteran Eric Hayes, a capable yet somewhat streaky 3-point shooter who averaged 10.3 points and 29.3 minutes per game.

Final Analysis

Williams endured harsh criticism last season because of recruiting struggles since the 2002 national title. Facing the prospect of another berth in the NIT, some outsiders questioned at midseason whether the coach was in the midst of his final season.

But Williams essentially rendered the recruiting criticism moot. He not only won, but he also won with a roster devoid of high-profile recruits.

This season he has plenty to work with — an experienced backcourt, an all-league caliber guard and more size. The Terps’ ultimate fate likely will hinge on the development of two promising freshman interior players. If they can prove at least adequate, don’t be surprised to see Maryland remain a factor in the ACC race for the duration of the season.