ACC report | NCAA Tournament Report

SportsLine.com Report
March 18, 2000

A glance at 2001

With Terence Morris' announcement that he will return next season, the Terrapins will return every scholarship player. Translation: The Terps won't be able to easily exceed expectations, as they did this season.

Maryland will likely enter the season ranked in the Top 10 nationally and as the ACC co-favorite with Duke. With it will come more pressure. Even with the Terps early exit from this season's NCAA Tournament, anything short of an Elite Eight appearance wouldn't be enough.

The coach

In 11 seasons at his alma mater, Gary Williams has won 21 or more games five times, all over the last six seasons. Maryland is making its seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, which is the longest streak in school history.

After bouncing around three programs over the first 11 seasons of his career, Williams has found a home that fits him. Sure, Terp fans would finally like to celebrate a Final Four appearance for the first time, but they should be reminded that even the great Lefty Driesell managed to only twice win two games in the same tournament in eight trips. Williams has already been to the Sweet 16 four times.

Having restored the program's image, Williams is fast closing on the most successful run in Maryland history. It's fair to say that his contract is as good for as long as he'd like.

Who'll be back

All five starters -- Morris, Lonny Baxter, Juan Dixon, Danny Miller and Steven Blake -- return next season, as well as the top three reserves off the bench. That bench will be much deeper with the contributions of 6-foot-6 junior transfer Byron Mouton, who sat out this past season after coming over from Tulane.

Mouton could even challenge for Miller's small forward starting position, though it seems unlikely Williams will mess with the team's splendid chemistry.

Who's gone

While a valuable practice player and fan favorite, senior walk-on guard Matt Hahn should not be difficult to replace.

Key newcomers

• G/F Byron Mouton (6-6, 215, Jr.-TR): A redshirt after transferring from Tulane, where he was the Green Wave's top player, Mouton will provide plenty of punch to the Terps attack next season.
• C/F Chris Wilcox (6-10, 225, Fr.): Plucking the top post player from North Carolina is no small coup for the Terps. Wilcox, who starred at Raleigh Enloe, will have the luxury of learning behind a veteran frontcourt.
• C Matt Slaninka (7-4, 230, Fr.): An early signee from nearby powerhouse Hyattsvile (Md.) DeMatha, Slaninka is a sure-fire candidate for a redshirt season. Still, his size alone was too enticing to pass up.

The Terps also have one more scholarship to offer, which will likely go to a backup point guard. Diminutive Andre Collins (Crisfield, Md.), a high-scoring dynamo, looks to be the guy.