Scouting Report For The Maryland Terps Backcourt

The Maryland Terps Backcourt

Anthony Cowan and Melo Trimble

Click on the word document below for the Anthony Cowan scouting report.

Click on the word document below for the Melo Trimble scouting report.

UMBC Opens Conference Play In Impressive Fashion

Baltimore, Md – First year coach Ryan Odom has UMBC off to a great start this season. They won their conference home opener 85-71, against a solid Binghamton squad that will be a tough competitor in the America East. Coach Odom came to UMBC after one successful season at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne. Odom has a long history as an assistant coach at the Division I level, as well as being the interim head coach at Charlotte in 2015. UMBC’s offense and overall team cohesion is miles better than it was last season. UMBC should contend for one of the top spots in the America East this season.

After hearing that they would be missing starting guard J.C. Show for the rest of the season the Bearcats knew someone would have to step up. The Bearcats had a couple of decent contributors, and even first team all conference pick junior forward Willie Rodriguez (6’6 220), who is still working his way back into game shape after missing time with an injury. Binghamton just didn’t have enough fire power and lacked the ability to run with the home Retrievers. Rodriguez labored down the court at times, but provided solid veteran leadership and a post presence. His crafty low post game was on display as he finished with ten points and six rebounds.

Two other solid contributors for Binghamton were guards Fard Muhammad (6’0 180) and Timmy Rose (6’1 175). Muhammad was not shy and looked to pick up the much needed scoring presence Show left behind. Muhammad finished with 16 points, four three pointers, three rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes. Rose, who stepped into the starting point guard role, set the offense well and made sure his team was going through their sets, even if they weren’t executing. He did a solid job providing leadership that a point guard should. Rose finished with 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and only one turnover in 36 minutes.

For UMBC pace was key. They are a run a gun type team when they have the advantage in the open court. They only finished with eight fast break points but that was not indicative of their frenetic pace. Led by junior shooting guard Jairus Lyles (6’2 175), who leads the team with an average of 22ppg., the Retrievers used a balanced inside out attack to keep Binghamton off balance. Lyles would help spread the floor and open up lanes for him to use his solid one on one scoring ability. He has a quick crossover that frees him from his defender and allows him to get to the rim, where he is a good below the rim finisher. Lyles is also electric in the open floor finishing breakaways by blowing past defenders and finishing layups at the rim. Lyles finished with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.

The other big contributor on the night was senior stretch four man Will Darley (6’8 210). Darley is a prototypical stretch four player. He also has an ability to score close to the basket, but prefers to face up in post situations. Darley proved to be a mismatch all night for the Bearcats. He pulled the big guys away from the paint and really opened up the lane for his teammates. Since the defense was concerned with protecting Darley against the three, it allowed him to pump fake and go by defenders on several occasions. Darley made two three’s on the night but had chance to shoot more of them if he wanted too. Darley finished with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Two other solid scoring options on the night for the Retrievers were sophomore wing Joe Sherburne (6’6 215) and sophomore forward Nolan Gerrity (6’10 235). Sherburne finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists. Gerrity finished with 13 points and four rebounds.

UMBC is continuing to prove why they will be a force to be reckoned with in the America East. Once Rodney Elliott is full strength, he will add another dimension for them on offense.

Binghamton will really be hurt by the loss of J.C. Show. Once Rodriguez is at full strength it will help with the scoring load, but they will need some of their young guards to continue to produce to make up for it.

Up next for Binghamton is a home game vs UMass Lowell on Sunday

Up next for UMBC is a home game vs Maine on Sunday

UNCW Handles Towson On The Road

Towson, MD – In a battle of preseason conference pick #1 UNCW and #2 Towson, the visiting Seahawks prevailed 76-67. UNCW used a big second half to pull away from Towson by scoring 44 points and going 7 of 15 from three. The Seahawks fast paced style of play and pressure defense forced 19 Towson turnovers, including 13 in the first half. UNCW is a guard heavy team that relies heavily on the three point shot and it really spread the Towson defense out. Towson, which is normally a solid defensive minded team, struggled to get stops late in the second half and it led to their demise.

Leading the way for UNCW was senior point guard Denzel Ingram (6’0 175). Ingram struggled in the first half going just 1 of 8 from the field with just three points. The second half was a different story. Ingram went 5 of 10, including 4 of 7 from three. Ingram showed an ability to make the three off the catch and shoot or just pulling up. He can get hot in a hurry and score in bunches. Ingram is more of a true point guard than a scoring guard. He runs the offense well, and his vision is in full display when he attacks the lane and kicks it out to open shooters. Ingram finished the game with 22 points, six assists and two steals.

Another big contributor was forward Devontae Cacok (6’7 240). Cacok is a workhorse on both ends. He gives relentless effort in the paint and he is forced to play center due to the Seahawks lack of height. Cacok has a knack for finding soft spots near the basket against the zone. He scored several baskets on wide open layups. Cacok also uses his athleticism and motor to run the floor and beat the opposing team down the court for easy buckets. He also plays solid man to man defense. His versatility allows UNCW to play a full court press using him in the front or the back. Cacok finished the game with 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

Two other solid contributors for UNCW were senior guard Ambrose Mosley (6’2 185) and sophomore guard C.J. Bryce (6’5 185). Mosley scored all 15 of his points in the second half, going 3 of 6 from three. Bryce tallied eleven points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.

To say Towson struggled on offense would be an understatement. The Tigers could not get comfortable on offense and made a lot of simple mistakes, resulting in empty possessions. One player who had a very productive day was senior forward John Davis (6’5 235). Davis used his size and strength to bully smaller players on the block. He really took advantage of UNCW’s lack of height. Without Davis Towson would have been run off the floor. The crafty left finished several and one’s and was a factor on the offensive and defensive glass. Davis finished with 18 points, on 8 of 10 shooting, 14 rebounds and three assists.

Towson did not receive as much production as expected out of both preseason all conference picks senior forward William Adala Moto (6’7 245) and junior shooting guard Mike Morsell (6’5 215). Moto, a preseason first team selection, only scored six points, on 1 of 10 shooting and had five rebounds in 21 minutes. Morsell chipped in 13 points, but had seven costly simple turnovers, including three travels. Towson did not get as much from their stars as expected and Davis could not do enough to pull them through. From here on out things will get tough for Towson, as their next three conference games are on the road. UNCW will try and continue to show why they are the preseason favorite and defending conference champion. If the play their style of ball they will be tough to beat, using their quick guards to their advantage.

Up next for Towson is @ James Madison on Monday

Up next for UNCW is home against Elon on Monday

Maryland Opens BIG 10 Play With Decimation Of Illinois

College Park, MD – Maryland opened Big 10 play at home with a very impressive win over Illinois 84-59. In a game that was supposed to be a lot more competitive especially with Maryland having two of their big men out, Damonte Dodd and Michal Cekovsky, Maryland made easy work of Illinois. Maryland decided to play small ball. Sometimes having L.G. Gill (6’8 230) playing center. This style of play allowed Maryland to spread the floor creating a variety of mismatches on the offensive end. Illinois lacks the team speed and athleticism to be able to recover after the guards of Maryland penetrated the lane.

For Illinois it was much of the same story of the past several seasons. Riding the back of senior shooting guard Malcolm Hill (6’6 225) the Illini tried to stay within respectability, but that in and of itself was very difficult on the night. Illinois was down 39-23 at half and Hill had twelve of those points. Hill lacking true point guard skills, plays mostly off the ball. He Has a solid stroke from deep and has an ability to post up smaller defenders. He is the main source of offense, and his team requires much of him to stay competitive. He just had zero help this game from his teammates. On the night Hill finished with 21 points and seven rebounds.

This may have been Maryland’s best performance of the season thus far. Mark Turgeon’s decision to play small may have opened a new realm of possibility for his team. Maryland’s strength is in its guard play, so we may be seeing a lot more of these smaller lineups in the future. Leading the way for Maryland was star point guard Melo Trimble (6’3 185). Trimble is continuing to show that he has his explosiveness back that was not there a season ago. Trimble got into the lane whenever he wanted and finished at the rim on several occasions over taller defenders. Trimble also showed an ability to pull up from mid range on drives and stay balanced to knock down shots. Trimble is starting to show why he was considered a first round talent after his freshman season. There were several scouts in attendance and his stock has to be on the rise. He did turn the ball over six times, which is a bit uncharacteristic of him, but that could be more of an anomaly. Melo finished with 20 points, 7-10 shooting, three rebounds and two assists.

The most impressive player on the floor had to be freshman point guard Anthony Cowan (6’0 170). Cowan continued his stellar play and showed more poise than he has in any other game this season. Cowan blew by defenders on the perimeter opening up the lane for dump off passes to cutters or open big men on several occasions. Cowan has a quick first step and finished extremely well against bigger defenders at the rim during this game. Cowan also hounds opposing ball handlers and uses his quickness to bother players especially on double teams. Cowan had three steals on the night and it could have been more if he was not called on a couple of reaching fouls. Cowan finished with twelve points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and only one turnover in 34 minutes.

Two other players that had huge contributions for the Terps were Justin Jackson (6’7 225) and Jaylen Brantley (5’11 170). Jackson’s versatility was on full display. He showed an ability to hit perimeter jumpers, as well as his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive the lane. Jackson can finish with either hand on the drive, which is impressive at his size. He also provided solid interior defense using his length to get two blocks. Jackson finished with twelve points, four rebounds and two blocks. Brantley continued his stellar play coming of the bench. He provides another solid scoring option, as well as good leadership to keep the team on the right track. Brantley has a high motor when on the court. He is a constant effort player and it rubs off on his teammates. He had several tough rebounds in traffic and even scored on a put back while amongst the trees down low. Brantley has become a luxury for the Terps and it provides immediate impact when he is inserted into the game. Brantley finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.

As BIG 10 play has begin the NBA scouts were in full attendance for this game. For Maryland, Melo Trimble will have to continue to show his improvement and for others like Justin Jackson the chance to make a lasting impression will be plenty. For Illinois, Malcolm Hill will have to show more effort on the defensive end, while also showing more of an ability to create for his teammates.

Up next for Illinois is a home game against Ohio State on Sunday.

Up next for Maryland is a home game against Nebraska on Sunday.

Earl Potts Jr. Scouting Report

Earl Potts Jr.

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Stephan Jiggetts Scouting Report

Stephan Jiggetts

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Towson Dismantles Stony Brook

Towson, Md – Towson (3-2) used a huge 30-0 run to separate themselves from winless Stony Brook (0-4) for a final of 88-63. This game was a part of the Barclays Center Classic but it was played at Towson. Mike Morsell led the way for the Tigers with 21 points, while his teammate Deshaun Morman had 18.

The Seawolves of Stony Brook got off to a good start early in the first half leading 26-18. Towson then turned up the pressure and went on a massive 32-2 run to take a 50-28 lead into half. Early on for Stony Brook junior forward Akwasi Yeboah (6’6 230) showed his versatile skill set helping his squad jump out to an early lead. Akwasi scored ten of Stony Brook’s first 16 points. He made two three’s and drove to the basket with ease early. The unfortunate part about this is that is all the points Akwasi scored in the entire game. Akwasi finished with ten points and one rebound.

Leading scorer Tyrell Sturdivant (6’7 224) struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game on offense. He came into the game averaging 15 ppg. and 9 rpg., but missed several close range hook shots and putbacks. Stony Brook will not be able to afford having Sturdivant struggle on offense if they want to remain competitive throughout the year. He is their only post presence. One that is trying to help fill the void left by current NBA D-Leaguer Jameel Warney, who the team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played.

Also contributing was senior point guard Lucas Woodhouse (6’3 180). Woodhouse finished with nine points, two assists and three steals.

For Towson much like last year balance was the key to getting the win. The Tigers had five players score in double figures. Leading the way was Mike Morsell (6’5 215). Morsell showed the ability to pull up from three with fluidity, while also being able to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Morsell is becoming a better all-around scorer this year and he is now displaying better consistency from deep as well. Morsell finished with 21 points, 9 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from three. He also chipped in three rebounds. Deshaun Morman (6’3 195) had a breakout game in his first home contest of his Towson career. Morman, the Cincinnati transfer, was a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Morman used his defensive prowess very well when Towson started pressing Stony Brook mid-way through the first half. This allowed Morman to create turnovers and get out on the break where he excels in the open floor. Morman scored on several breakaways and was attacking the lane at will. Deshaun was rewarded with ten free throws, converting seven of them. Morman had 18 points, four rebounds and four steals.

The other three players for Towson that finished in double figures were William Adala Moto (6’7 225) eleven points, seven rebounds and three assists; Alex Thomas (6’9 250) 12 points and five rebounds; John Davis (6’5 235) 13 points, ten rebounds and two steals.

This game was a part of a campus tournament Towson is hosting as part of the Barclays Center Classic. With Maryland, Boston College, Richmond and Kansas State playing in Brooklyn; Towson is hosting a four team tournament with Hampton, Stony Brook and Robert Morris.

Up next for Stony Brook is Hampton on Saturday at 5:00.

Up next for Towson is Robert Morris on Saturday at 7:30.

Maryland Completes Epic Comeback Against Georgetown

Maryland @ Georgetown

Maryland Completes Epic Comeback Against Georgetown

Washington D.C. – Maryland completed a seven point comeback with a little more than a minute left to play, with an emphatic block by freshman wing Kevin Huerter (6’7 190) at the rim, against Georgetown guard Jagan Mosely. The final was 76-75 in a game littered with fouls and sloppy play. Maryland held an early lead and the game ended up being tied 31 all at the half. The real story of the game was the officiating, which was poor to say the least. At half there was 29 total fouls and at the end of regulation there was 56! There was a lack of flow to the game clearly with all of the fouls, but the game itself was entertaining and competitive throughout.

For Georgetown this loss will be a tough one to swallow. Blowing a lead in the final minute is never easy let alone a seven point lead. Georgetown had several key turnovers at the end, a Rodney Pryor travel and a Tre Campbell stepping out of bounds. These turnovers kept Maryland alive and they capitalized. Rodney Pryor (6’5 205 SG) a graduate transfer from Robert Morris, scored 32 points against SC Upstate last week but struggled to get much going against Maryland. Pryor used his length to get in the lane, but made more of an impact from the perimeter making 3 of 6 from three. Pryor has the ability to score in bunches by using his driving ability and perimeter game to keep defenses honest. Other than scoring he does not provide much ability to get his teammates involved. Pryor finished with 14 points on 4 of 12 shooting and 3 of 6 from three, while getting six rebounds and two steals. Isaac Copeland (6’9 220 SF Jr.) showed an ability to score off the bounce attacking the lane often. Copeland is an intriguing prospect due to his size and versatility. He will need to become more of a consistent shooter to be effective at the next level. Copeland was extremely active on the glass using his length to keep balls alive on the offensive boards corralling six total. Copeland finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and 2 assists.

The player who started to take over for the Hoyas was L.J. Peak (6’5 215 SG Jr.). Peak had a very efficient game. He did not come on until the second half, but attacked the lane at will and drew fouls regularly. Peak’s strong frame allows him to take on contact while maintaining control and finishing scoring plays in the lane. If Peak shows more of an ability to make the three point shot he will have a shot to be a draft pick after his career. Peak finished with 21 points, one three pointer, 5 of 8 from the field, on 10 of 12 free throws with two rebounds in only 20 minutes due to foul trouble.

For a young Maryland team this was a huge confidence booster. Led by Melo Trimble (6’3 185 PG Jr.) the Terps stay composed and pulled out a tough road (albeit 17 miles from campus) win against an old rival. Trimble was quiet much of the first half until the second he looked like the Trimble of old. He has his explosive burst back when going by defenders. He doesn’t rely on his body shielding defenders off as much on drives like he use to. Now he just blows by them or uses his patented crossover dribble to shake them off. Trimble finished with 22 points on 7 of 9 free throws, with two assists. Majority of his points came by blowing by defenders for layups. The most impactful player for Maryland was Justin Jackson (6’7 225 F Fr.). Jackson has a ridiculous 7’3 wingspan and he uses all of it when playing defense and crashing the glass. Jackson was the steady offense during the game when the Terps looked to be struggling or fading from the Hoyas. Jackson showed an ability to stretch the floor hitting 3 of 5 three pointers, while also being able to put the ball on the floor and driving the lane. Jackson’s versatility will be a mismatch against a lot of teams especially if Maryland decides to play small ball. Jackson final stat line was 17 points, on 7 of 12 overall and 3 of 5 from three, as well as seven rebounds.

A couple other key performers for the Terps were Anthony Cowan (6’0 170 PG Fr.) and Kevin Huerter. Cowan had eleven points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals. Huerter finished with six points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.

The Maryland and Georgetown rivalry needs to happen every year. The real question is will it. What do either team have to lose by scheduling each other. It’s one of the best areas in the country for basketball. Hopefully pride doesn’t get in the way of making it a tradition.

Up next for Georgetown is vs Arkansas St. on Thursday

Up next for the Terps is vs Saint Mary’s (MD) on Thursday

American University Scouting Reports

Sa’eed Nelson – PG 6’1 175 Freshman

Scouting Report : saeednelson11-11-16

Leon Tolksdorf – SF 6’8 225 Senior

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Scouting Report : leontolksdorf11-11-16

Delante Jones – G 6’5 195 Sophomore

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Scouting Report : delantejones11-11-16

Maryland vs American

No. 25 Maryland Grinds Out Win Over American

Melo Trimble Living At The Line

College Park, MD – Maryland edged out American 62-56, by pulling away in the last few minutes of the game. In a season after Maryland lost four of its five starters to the pros, the Terps showed what might be their achilles heel. Other than AP All-American Honorable Mention Melo Trimble they lack pure scorers that can create. Maryland struggled to get any continuity and offense going throughout the entire game. They had a few spurts and runs, but nothing consistent. Melo was relied on heavily to bail them out near the end of the shot clock, something that seems to be a reoccurring theme of his career thus far. American showed some real grit and was competitive throughout. They showed that they will be in the race to be one of the top teams in the Patriot League.

The Eagles top returning scorer from last year Delante Jones, a 6’5 195 lbs. sophomore shooting guard, struggled to get it going in the first half. His shots weren’t falling and he seemed to be pressing a bit much. Jones used his length to get to the basket and his solid shooting stroke in the second half to finish with ten points, three assists, two rebounds while hitting two big three’s late in the game. The player that kept the Eagles in touch with the Terps throughout was freshman point guard Sa’eed Nelson (6’1 175). Nelson provided stability and continuity to the Eagles lineup playing a total of 35 minutes. Nelson made an impact on both ends of the floor. On offense he excelled at getting in the lane and drawing contact. While he did not record any assists he kept his teammates involved and made passes that led to other teammates getting assists. On defense Nelson played the passing lanes very well and scored on multiple turnovers on the break. Nelson finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals in 35 minutes.

Other impact players for American were freshman center Mark Gasperini (6’10 250) and senior forward Leon Tolksdorf (6’8 225). Gasperini led the team with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists while making two three’s. Tolksdorf finished with eight points, two assists and two made three’s.

For Maryland the offense seemed to look eerily similar to coach Mark Turgeon’s entire tenure. There was a lot of dribble hand off and screens and then when the Terps realized they were running out of time it turned into high pick and roll ball. Luckily for the Terps they have one of the best options to bail them out in the country in junior point guard Melo Trimble (6’3 185). Trimble excels in running the pick and roll and attacking the lane. That is where he will make his money at the next level. Melo was Maryland’s only consistent offense in the game. It seems that he could have been even more aggressive if he wanted to, almost getting to the rim at will. Melo tried to set things up for his teammates, but it was a very uninspiring offense to say the least. Trimble finished with a game high 22 points, four assists and three rebounds.

Starting next to Trimble was top 100 recruit, point guard Anthony Cowan (6’0 165). Cowan was a pest on defense and pressured ball handlers all night. On offense, Cowan played some point even with Melo on the floor. He showed he will be a great option to run the team if Turgeon wants Melo to play off the ball. Cowan was also the most active rebounder tying for the game lead with nine rebounds, five of which were offensive. Cowan finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Maryland also had a good showing from Duquesne graduate transfer L.G. Gill (6’8 230). Gill, a power forward, scored several times in the post using a right hook. He was very active on the glass, which led him to go 7 of 8 from the free throw line.

Maryland will have to figure things out fast as they prepare for local rival Georgetown. They will have to execute at a much higher level on offense and be ready for Georgetown’s Princeton offense.

Up next for Maryland is @ Georgetown on Tuesday.

Up next for American is @ Texas A&M on Monday.