Maryland men's basketball is starting to find its groove. After a rocky 1-10 start in conference play, the Terps have turned the tide, winning three of their last five games. Their latest triumph, a 64-60 victory over Washington, showcased a few standout performances and some strategic adjustments by coach Buzz Williams.
Andre Mills was on fire, putting up 21 points and dishing out five assists, while Solomon Washington dominated the boards with an 11-point, 14-rebound double-double. But the real story was the fresh rotation shake-up.
Darius Adams and Diggy Coit saw limited action, logging just nine and six minutes, respectively. Instead, Guillermo Del Pino, who had barely seen the court since New Year’s, stepped up in a big way, doubling his total minutes for the season in this game alone.
Coach Williams didn’t hold back his praise for Del Pino, calling him the MVP of the match. "For him to step in and play 27 minutes, I thought was monumental," Williams noted, highlighting Del Pino's impact despite limited experience in the Big Ten.
The game had its tense moments, especially when Del Pino made a risky play by throwing a lob to Mills with just seconds left on the clock. Maryland was up by two, and instead of playing it safe, Del Pino's decision led to a game-sealing bucket. Williams initially questioned the move, but in hindsight, it turned out to be a pivotal play.
Mills, who was on the receiving end of that lob, expected nothing less. "Honestly, when I threw it, I was like, you better throw the lob back," he said, reflecting the trust and chemistry developing between teammates.
Williams opened up about the decision to play Del Pino over more seasoned players like Adams and Coit. He emphasized the importance of execution over reputation, especially when every possession counts. The return of George, who contributed solid minutes and rebounds, also added much-needed depth, especially with Washington in foul trouble.
Del Pino’s understanding of the game, despite language barriers, has made him a beloved figure in the locker room. His ability to create opportunities and his positive demeanor have endeared him to both coaches and teammates.
Williams also discussed his relationship with Mills, noting the unique coaching approach he takes with him. Mills’ performance has been a rollercoaster, typical for a freshman, but his ability to adapt and contribute significantly, particularly with assists, shows promise.
Defensively, Maryland held Washington to just three field goals in the last crucial minutes of the game. Williams credited strategic defensive adjustments and improved rim protection for this success, highlighting a significant leap in their defensive metrics.
On the boards, the Terps out-rebounded Washington 36-23, a testament to their emphasis on rebounding effort. Williams described their approach to the game as a balance between offense, defense, and rebounding, each given equal importance.
Finally, with Alumni Day in full swing, Williams expressed excitement about connecting with former Terps, acknowledging the legacy and sustainability they’ve built for the program.
Maryland is finding its stride, and if these recent performances are any indication, the Terps are poised to make some noise as the season progresses.