MLB Pre-Season Thoughts: AL East

Who doesn't love pre-season predictions? Let's take a look at each division and see what teams are expected to be contenders and what teams are going to trade away all their players at the trading deadline.

AL East (Yanks, Sawks, Rays, Jays and O's)

Without a doubt, any route to the World Series must once again go through the Bronx. You must always give respect to the World Series Champions, especially when they can add an all-star center fielder, Curtis Granderson, to the top of their lineup.

In addition, both CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett will start their second years in the new stadium, likely being more accustomed to the dimensions and propensity for home runs in right field.

My main doubts come from replacing Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera with Nick Johnson and the decision to start Brett Gardener. Damon and Matsui are sure veterans and you know what to expect from them every season. Cabrera is a chemistry-building player who is great in the clubhouse and brought a spark to the team when they needed it the most.

Nick Johnson, who puts up stellar numbers while healthy, is a huge question because he hasn't been able to stay healthy wherever he goes. Brett Gardner is a great weapon on any team because of his quickness and speed, but his hitting is a serious downgrade compared to Melky or Damon. The Yanks are going to look like a National League team with Gardner at the bottom of the lineup bunting -- in no way will they be able to produce offensively like they did last season.

The final question mark is the back end of the rotation. Despite an impressive season last year, Andy Pettitte is another year older, and there's no way to expect him to be as consistent as he was last year. Javier Vazquez, in his second stint with the Bombers, excelled in the National League, but has a tendency to get lit up when in the American League for both the Yanks and the White Sox. And Phil Hughes, who was such a key role player in the eighth inning during the second half of the season in 2009, is moving back to a starting role, where he has been pretty much so-so.

On the opposite side of the empire sits the Bah-stan Red Sawks who have transformed their team from a power-hitting club into one that preaches pitching and defense -- a strategy they saw work for their arch nemesis last season all the way to a championship. It started with their signings of John Lackey, Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro, and the departure of Jason Bay.

The Sox are depending on the old, wily veteran Mike Cameron to replace Bay's offense. Yeah, that is not going to happen. Bay has been one of the top RBI producers in the league over the past few years, and Cameron is clearly on the decline.

The strength of the Sox is their ridiculously deep pitching staff, most notably their starting rotation given that they all stay healthy. Having potentially three aces in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Lackey is such a tremendously intimidating match up for any opposing club who faces them in a three-game series. They will also have Dice-K, who is coming off an injury, Clay Buchholz, a pitcher desired all throughout the league for his mile-high potential and Tim Wakefield, the old knuckleballer who put together a terrific season in 2009 to fill out the rest of the rotation.

ESPN has recently cited the Tampa Bay Rays as the sleeper teams to win the division this year. Sleeper? They made it to the World Series two years ago. Please Aaron Boone.

What Tampa does have is an immense collection of talent up and down their lineup: Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria.

But they also have question marks: What happened to B.J. Upton and Dionner Navarro? What can they expect from Rafael Soriano? How will Jeff Niemann do in his second season? What can young David Price and Wade Davis contribute? Not to mention, the year they went to the Series they had an all-but-perfect bullpen, but not so much last year.

Maybe because I always have a collection of Orioles on my fantasy team each year, but I always find myself fearing the O's as a team on the rise. With youthful insurgents like Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters, along with savvy vets like Brian Roberts and Luke Scott -- it's hard to consider the O's a threat.

But what to consider with O's, as well as the Rays, is their pitching staff. Both the Sawks and Yanks have veteran pitchers throughout their staff who have already proven they are dynamic in the major league level -- the O's are depending on a lot of youth to lead them. Listen, if you have offense, great -- but so does most of the AL East -- for every Nick Markakis, there is a Carl Crawford or a Kevin Youkilis or an Alex Rodriguez.

This brings us to my sure pick for the sure bottom-feeders of the divisions: your Toronto Blue Jays.

The Jays fell out of contention as soon as they sent Roy Halladay packing for a package of prospects that no one knows how will they pan out. What we do know, is that we can eliminate 20 or so wins from their season total leaving them . . . yeah.

There are always bring spots: Adam Lind and Aaron Hill -- both put up monstrous numbers last year on a dreadful club. But they lost Marco Scutaro, who fled for Sawks. They are expected to start a bunch of kids in their starting staff, including Shaun Marcum who is coming off a season-long injury; Brandon Morrow who is already on the DL.

There's just no way that the Jay's contend this year or the next, but their young pool of talent, including Ricky Romero, Lind and Hill, as well as the youth they've recently acquired for their farm system, maybe...

Starbury Shines in the CBA

As I turned on SportsCenter last night, to my surprise, I found Stephon Marbury heading the Top 10 Plays. However, this time he wasn't playing for the Knicks, Nets, Suns or Timberwolves -- he was winning MVP of the CBA All-Star Game.

Stephon has been overseas playing in China all year and most of us have failed to even recognize it. The former all-star's last NBA experience came last season when the Knicks (who used to believe Starbury would be their ultimate path to a championship, thank you Isiah Thomas) bought out his enormous contract and he signed with the Celtics to come off the bench.

Starbury has likely seen the last of his days in the NBA, but apparently this has motivated him to be an all-star elsewhere?

False.

In researching Starbury's single game in the all-star game, it turns out he prides himself on taking 3-pointers from half court and continuing his reputation as a selfish player.

Oh, how great things never fail to change.

My next question would be: Who's next?

If I had one guess, I believe Allen Iverson will be the next CBA all-star. Iverson, like Starbury, has failed to acknowledge he is no longer capable of playing at an NBA level, and there is a lack of interest around the league regarding adding him unless he willing to come off the bench.

AI disagrees.

AI believes he is still fully able to start for an NBA, where his statistics over the past few seasons clearly beg to differ. If AI would be sensible for a second (practice? no, just kidding), he would realize that if he were to come off the bench for a championship-caliber team, team's would surely be calling him.

What we can really take away from this whole scenario is that the CBA is the ultimate winner. Starbury may be getting his minutes and stats, but the CBA is getting "superstars" (being that they are past their prime, and then some). The league is thriving off the attention they receive with these players.

And for the NBA, it has become what Florida is to senior citizens -- a place to grow old.

Joe Mauer's Impact on LeBron

Once unthinkable, the Twins may now be in the position to have to trade Joe Mauer. A deal between the All-Star catcher and the Twins is still more likely than not, and at any moment Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, could call the team and make it happen, prompting a combination press conference/Minnesota Mardi Gras. But a combination of modern baseball logic and Twins history suggests that if theTwins' decision-makers can't sign Mauer, they will be obligated to trade him.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Say what?

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, last week the Twins were contemplating trading their all-star catcher Joe Mauer. Mauer, the same player who won an AL batting championship a few years ago and is the reigning AL MVP, is a hometown boy who bats right in the smack of the lineup for the Twins and is the face of their franchise.

So, of course trade him, right?

Yesterday, Mauer scored a record deal for eight years and $184 M, ending the hopes of fans in New York and Boston, who planned to empty their wallets in a bidding war for the prized catcher.

What this deal signifies is the "good guys" in sports -- the Mauers, the Tim Duncans, the Derek Jeters, the Cal Ripkens, the Peyton Mannings -- the players who absolutely get paid out of their minds, but value their franchises, their legacy and trying to win games over signing the larger deal.

This summer, the same decision must be made on the part of Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar LeBron James. James will have to decide whether he will want to remain with his hometown team -- the same team he lifted from the franchise holding the number one lottery pick in the 2003 NBA lottery to multiple post-season appearances, an NBA finals match-up vs. the San Antonio Spurs, and currently the best record in the league.

What's at stake for LeBron?

By staying in Cleveland, LeBron is maintaining his loyalty to his hometown team (he grew up about 40 minutes outside of Cleveland in Akron). Is LeBron being "disloyal" by changing teams? To his fans, perhaps. But hasn't he done all that he can for his team in his time there? As mentioned before, he's brought them out of the dumps to a top seed in the Eastern Conference on a yearly basis. If he can't win the championship this year with the talent surrounding him, maybe it's time for a change of scenery.

And if LeBron goes, the question is where? New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles? In New York, LeBron can thrive in a up-tempo offense. He also has the ability to sign a huge contract and bring along with another top free agent (e.g. Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire). He can play in the mecca of basketball -- Madison Square Garden -- where he can have an even greater spotlight upon him, and not to mention be the next star of a Spike Lee movie (LeBron Doin' Work).

In Chi-town, LeBron can continue in his task to emulate his idol Michael Jordan by playing for the same franchise. Da Bulls have another budding star in Derrick Rose at the point, and with the players on hand, have pushed the Boston Celtics to a stunning eight-game series. LeBron can be the go-to player for the team and thrive off Rose's play.

If LeBron was to end up in Miami, it would be only be if his good friend Wade already chose to remain there and was able to lure him to follow. The Heat have a great front office headed by Pat Riley, and have many young players who have great potential (Mario Chalmers, Michael Beasley). The question becomes, will Wade's ego be able to handle the hit of not being the go-to guy anymore with LeBron in town?

The last rumor connected to the 2010 free agent war for LeBron was LA -- both the Lakers and Clippers. Let's be realistic, scratch the Lakers. As for the Clippers, the talent is there -- Eric Gordon, Baron Davis and Blake Griffin (if he ever gets onto the court). The poor history of losing is something LeBron has already tackled in the past, and with the Staples Center as their home court, he can force the fan base to make a decision between him and Kobe.

No matter what LeBron does do, it will be interesting to compare it to that of Mauer's decision. Mauer, the quiet superstar, chose the big money (maybe not as much as NY or Boston) for the home team. He wanted to be remembered for his great play on the field, and for his contributions to Minnesota. LeBron has lifted the morale of Cleveland already, and whether he can deliver a championship this season may be the final clue to his next destination.

SportsNation

A blue sweater-wearing pug on a snowboard. Life-sized mascots huddled throughout the stage. Comparing Tiger's demise with that of Jay Leno's?

Welcome to SportsNation?

About a year ago, SportsNation appeared on ESPN2 as a new program in one of many ESPN stunts to somehow recreate the same top stories but in a different format. We already knew about First and Take, where Skip Bayless argues the most illogical arguments versus a host of guest stars to rally up the fans against him. Then there's Around the Horn, which panelists battle among each other, and Woody Paige of the Denver Post spends most of his time finding witty quotes for his chalkboard. And there's PTI, which is probably the most respected of the daytime shows, where noted columnists Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon discuss the daily sports news.

Until there was SportsNation.

Colin Cowherd is a well-informed sports radio host, but somehow he is stuck on this television program which gets dumber by the day.

I flipped it on the other day to find that the biggest joy of the show is showing "Weird Web Stories" and debating whether "The Akron Hammer" is the best nickname of all-time.

And unlike its predecessors, this show is an hour long -- with limited commercial breaks. Oh, it's aired twice daily.

I do have to hand it to ESPN though -- they know what they're doing. Making Michelle Beadle the co-host with Cowherd is genius. She knows all current events in Hollywood, she has a good grasp of sports and she has a terrific sense of a humor.

Oh, and she's hot.

Sometimes I feel as if I'm watching Beadle more than the actual show. I mean, I know that I've heard / will be hearing the same stories through the 6 o'clock SportsCenter, so what does it mean if I take the time to watch Beadle for an hour?

I mean, this isn't the most brilliant show on the air (see Mascots dancing around, showing a pug snowboard after each segment), so why else would Cowherd risk his rep to do such a show? Yeah, Beadle time.

So while I think the show is stupid, and definitely wasting a time slot where they might want to show more Mike & Mike in the Morning clips or the second hour of the Scott Van Pelt Show (shows where they talk sports and actually make sense of them), SportsNation does have it's one plus.

Thanks Beadle.

Freeman's Diabetes Journey

Twenty-four points in a blowout victory over Cincinnati and leading the Georgetown Hoyas to a first-round bye in the Big East tournament. Indeed, Austin Freeman made a statement on the court for both his team and the fight against diabetes.

Six days earlier, Freeman, 20, was told by his physician he developed diabetes.


"It's life, it happens," Freeman wrote on his Twitter account. "It just shows you that things can change in a heartbeat."

Freeman is the Hoyas leading scorer at about 17 points per game. And according to Liz Clarke of theWashington Post, his role on the team is vital to the team's NCAA tournament run.

"Georgetown isn't a deep team; they rely heavily on their five starters," Clarke said. "[Freeman] is not outspoken on court; he is not a vocal leader. But his solid, quiet, reliable presence gives his teammates great confidence."

Freeman's diagnosis puts him in the same company as Arthur Ashe, Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb and Walt Frazier, as well as current athletes like Jay Cutler, Adam Morrison, Brandon Morrow and Scott Verplank.

It has yet to be confirmed if Freeman has developed Type 1 or 2 diabetes, but both present equally difficult challenges.

According to Clarke, the diagnosis will be known probably within a month.

"Austin fits the classic profile of a Type I diabetic," she sad. "But his doctor has declined to classify his diabetes publicly, saying it will take about a month to see how he responds to treatment (insulin) to know for sure."


Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is a disease in which the body's insulin-producing organ, the pancreas, is no longer able to function properly. Juvenile diabetics must inject insulin into their body to control their blood sugar. It is common for this case to be hereditary.

Type 2 diabetes, or on-set diabetes, is a condition often found in older, heavyset adults. This type of diabetes is a condition associated with heart disease and includes a drastic change in diet and exercise habits for those affected.

Fortunately, Freeman is surrounded by an extraordinary medical staff who will help him cope with and learn about the disease. It's a crucial step he will need to make in order to move forward successfully.

"From the moment he was diagnosed, Austin was surrounded with incredibly supportive coaches, teammates, family and medical expertise," Clarke said. "He is getting the best possible medical care at the moment."

As a juvenile diabetic for about a decade, I took a special interest in this story. Diabetes runs in my family, and I have seen firsthand what it can do to athletes and non-athletes alike.

I played football, baseball, track and lacrosse from middle school to high school. All of these activities included learning how to manage your blood sugar before, after and during athletic events, as well as proper nutrition and maintaining the rest of the body.

If a diabetic's blood sugar falls too low, they experience hypoglycemia. Allowing your blood sugar to drop below what the body needs in order to function causes athletes to feel weak, tired or shaky. If it continues to plummet, the diabetic could lose consciousness.

Imagine being on the basketball court and having a low blood sugar. As a guard, Freeman would likely to be unable to put up a shot, pass the ball or even run the length of the court.

What's more, a high blood sugar can have a negative effect as well. People can become dehydrated and suffer from dry mouth, increased thirst and warm, dry skin. As blood sugar rises, a person may become lightheaded, dizzy or weak.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, 23.6 million people, or 7.8 percent of the population, have diabetes. Freeman, who now faces these obstacles, must make a commitment to learn all about the disease, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Every athlete I have covered over the last 20 years, whether pro or college is uncommonly disciplined," Clarke said. "These athletes have excelled not simply because of talent but because they work harder than their peers.
"Those qualities that make them deserving of a college scholarship or job in the pros--hard work, discipline, ability to follow coaching instructions, refusal to quit--are the very qualities that help a diabetic stick to the rigorous schedule of diet and monitoring required to manage the disease well."

Morrison, a college basketball star from Gonzaga and current Los Angeles Lakers forward, has been living with juvenile diabetes since age 14. He is dedicated to taking care of himself.

"I try to eat the same meals and make sure I know what's going in to my body," Morrison said to Diabetes Health. "And having diabetes helps me to make sure I get my rest, because if I don't, it's going to affect my game plan and how I perform on the court."

In the report, Morrison described a routine he likes to follow on game-day. It includes waking up and testing his blood sugar, then taking the proper amount of insulin. He follows that up with a healthy breakfast.

Soon after, he begins basketball preparation with a shoot around with his teammates. He then tests and injects insulin accordingly before his lunch. He follows lunch up with a pre-game meal of streak and a baked potato, which the team prepares for him ahead of time.


Clarke believes Freeman will have to make similar adjustments.

"I'm sure Austin will be more careful about what he eats and, in turn, make sure he accounts for it with the appropriate amount of insulin," she said. "He is checking his blood sugars during time outs, but that takes no more than 45 seconds and is easily done."

At the start of the game, Morrison checks his blood sugar again. Throughout the course of the game, the trainers keep fruit juices, glucose, a blood sugar meter and insulin available.

Morrison tries to test his blood sugar and take insulin if necessary during timeouts and at halftime. He said he could test up to seven times during a game.

Like Morrison, Freeman will face similar challenges as a basketball player. He must not only learn to cope with the disease on the court, but it is also important for Freeman to embrace his role as a prominent figure with diabetes. Morrison and Cutler have both started foundations for diabetes and serve as role models.

Cutler has formed Touchdowns for Diabetes, an education Web site that offers information about how he deals with the disease on the field, summer camps for young diabetics and how to manage the disease.

When people can relate to a role model's hardships, it is inspiring. It makes one feel like, "If he can do it, I can do it." In turn, these people often inspire their role model to continue fighting.

In Freeman's case, however, it is important to remember he is still a college student and was recently diagnosed. It may be too premature to expect him to become a role model just yet.

"I don't think it's fair to expect him to have any sort of public role--whether as a educator, role model or advocate--for diabetes. It is a life-changing diagnosis," Clarke said. "If he's like most young adults diagnosed suddenly, out of the blue, Austin will go through several stages in his life with the disease.

"At the moment, he is just trying to get through his class work, compete in the Big East tournament and NCAA tournament beyond. That in and of itself is the equivalent of two full-time jobs and enormous pressure--pressure most college students and people his age can't understand or handle."

Based on his tweets, Freeman seems to be doing well. Soon after he was diagnosed, Freeman tweeted, "I appreciate the LOVE!!!"

Hoyas' fans have already displayed plenty of love for their star. In the first game Freeman played after he was diagnosed spectators held signs with encouraging, inspirational words.

Georgetown Head Coach John Thompson III called the week "emotional," according to the report. Freeman's teammates were proud of him for playing after such a life-changing moment.

When asked about how important the role of the Hoyas' fans, coaches and teammates has been to Freeman, Clarke responded "tremendously."

"Austin said his cell phone rang constantly the day his diagnosis was made public, and he got countless text messages, emails and notes from friends, supporters and people he has never met. He has referred several times to how much it has meant to know he is in others' prayers," Clarke said.

Freeman is about to embark on a life-changing journey. He is going to undergo experiences unlike any other in his lifetime. I can attest to this as a former diabetic myself.

But as long as his attitude and ambition are as intense as his love and passion for the game of basketball, Freeman seems poised to rebound quickly. And that should give us all hope.

http://mdhigh.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1064343

Gary, Greivis Take ACC Coach, Player Awards

Fifth in the ACC, I think not.

The preseason AP Top 25 ranked North Carolina (6), Duke (9), Georgia Tech (22) and Clemson (24), leaving Maryland on the outside looking in.

Today, the Terps have tied to Duke Blue Devils for a share of the ACC Regular Season Title, and their head coach and on-court leader earned top rewards for the conference.

Coach Gary Williams, in his twenty-first year as Maryland head coach, once again shows he knows how to do more with less than any other coach in the country.

Greivis Vasquez, the senior leading scorer who always found himself on an NBA roster last summer, has raced past Duke's Jon Scheyer and Virginia Tech's Macolm Delaney.

Gary has received much criticism over the past years for failing to reach the big dance three times since winning the National Championship in 2002. This year, however, he used the leadership of his big three, Vasquez, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne, to prove all the doubters wrong, and show them that heart is just as, or more important than skill.

Vasquez is exactly a Gary-type player, in that his heart and devotion to the game in evident all the time. Many NBA scouts doubt Vasquez as a professional talent, but there's no question that his passion makes him an excellent college basketball player.

Other notes:

• Kobe Bryant - wow - seven game-winners in a season is outstanding. As much as I root for Kobe, I don't see them winning the NBA Championship this year. I don't see the hunger or heart (see Greivis Vasquez) like they had last season following a finals loss to the Celtics. To me, I see Denver (if all healthy + George Karl) winnings. Sorry LeBron, see you in the blue and orange next year, oh and bring Bosh if he plays like last night too.
• Thomas Jones to the Chiefs. Is it just me or do the Chiefs sweep up every veteran. Chris Chambers and Jones, along with the likes of underrated Jamaal Charles and a hopefully less-disappointing Matt Cassel - well, at least it's a hope for KC fans.
• Every single player being rumorer to go to the Seattle Seahawks. This includes/included Julius Peppers - Tim Tebow - Brandon Marshall - Donovan McNabb - Kevin Kolb - Aaron Kampman - etc. Last time I checked, Pete Carroll has not been a successful NFL head coach. Granted, he had a powerhouse at USC, but we've seen in many occasions that does not always translate to the professional ranks. I'm intrigued by the rumors that all these players are linked to the Seahawks, and anxious to see who actually decides to go.
• Finally, personal promotion. Follow me on twitter @samspiegs.

Maryland Recruiting

The players made every basket count. The fans kept the intensity high. The College Park faithful rioted in the streets, and Maryland basketball made a statement to the college basketball world.

In what could be considered the most important game at the Comcast Center, the Maryland Terrapins prevailed over the fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils 79-72.

However, the success of the Terrapins basketball program and contentment with Head Coach Gary Williams has not been as glaring over the last few years.

After bringing his alma mater a national championship in 2002, the Terps regressed faster than any other champion in the past 18 seasons, according to the Washington Post.

With that in mind, many of Williams’ recruiting tactics, or lack thereof, came into questions. The Maryland faithful had higher expectations and great demands.

The Washington Post offered an array of reasons for Williams’ failure to recruit high-profile Maryland-area players.

“His disdain for under-the-table recruiting tactics has left him out of touch with the influential summer league circuit,” the report said. “He has grown complacent, delegating most recruiting duties to an ever-changing group of assistants.”

In other words, the Maryland fans grew upset with Williams choosing to avoid the “one-and-done” players that often take a program from good to great. On the other hand, those players usually carry a team deep into the NCAA Tournament, but choose to bolt for the NBA after their mandatory time in college is over.

The report also explains that Williams’ decision to allocate power to newly hired assistant coaches has taken its toll on the kind of players entering the program.

Maryland has missed out on many big-time local players since 2002. The list includes Deron Williams, Scottie Reynolds, Joe Alexander, Malcolm Delaney and Austin Freeman, according the report.

Rivals.com reported the failure of Maryland to recruit current NBA phenoms Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley, both of which made their homes in Prince George’s County.

“There’s so much talent around here that you could build a Top 25 or a top 15 team using nothing but kids from this area,” Curtis Malone said in the report, “But [Williams] lets them get away.” Malone runs one of the area’s AAU programs.

But after failing to reach the big tournament in the 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2007-2008 seasons, Williams may have put himself on the hot seat.

Missing out on recruits is one thing, but failing to put forth effort to get them is another issue. But was this really the case? Perhaps some coaching staff changes may have impacted a lot of these moves.

“The biggest thing that caught up with Maryland is the fact that they had so much staff turnover. They all took other college jobs, and that’s a lot of turnover for any program,” according to Matt Bracken of the Baltimore Sun.

Bracken also said that now that the new assistants have had time to gel, the program is seeing better results. He said they are identifying prospects earlier, finding more highly touted players and being more consistent.

In response to local recruits spurning the Terps to go elsewhere, Bracken believes it is part of a larger mission. Maryland is trying to find better fits for their system, and trying to expand their recruiting base.

“Some [recruits] wouldn’t be the best fit for Maryland and vice versa. I think Maryland has done a good job at expanding their reach besides the DC/Baltimore area,” Bracken said. “There certainly have been players from this area that have gone on to do great things at other college programs, but it’s not like Maryland is swinging and missing all the time.”

“They’re finding other guys on the east coast that are good. You see them going into other places in the northeast. They’ve had success in New York and in New Jersey as well.”

Bracken referred to the addition of Jordan Williams, the Terps freshman forward who has averaged over nine points and eight bounds this season.

So is it a failure on Williams’ part in recruiting, or is he just trying to find the right type of players? Bracken believes it’s simply a matter of getting “Gary-type players.”

“He’s definitely got an old-school approach. He’s a no nonsense kind of guy.”

Bracken said Williams look for players to fit his type of system, and to reflect his type of personality. This includes players that play defense, are unselfish and buy into the team concept.

“Sometimes they have a chip on their shoulder, which I think Gary certainly does as well.”

Williams was under much scrutiny last season, and rumors were being spread about the university possibly firing him.

"Anybody can say anything they want," Gary Williams said to the Washington Post. "I shouldn't be fired based on my record. I am not here to recruit. I am here to win basketball games. Recruiting is part of my job. But you can't say I should be fired when you look at my record."

Williams is 164-92 since winning the national championship. The past two seasons have quieted doubters tremendously as the Terps have pulled off some signature victories.

Last year, Maryland posted a 21-14 record. They played just under .500 in conference play, and finished second in the ACC Tournament to Duke. The Terps won their first game in the big dance after falling short to a Memphis team that went to the Sweet 16.

The Terps came up with big wins over No. 3-ranked North Carolina and No. 6-ranked Michigan State, the two teams who finished first and second respectively in the national championship game. Other impressive wins: No. 10 Gonzaga (a Sweet-16 team) and No.16 Georgetown.

This season, Williams’ team has clinched a share of the ACC title, and put together a team deserving considering for a top seed in the upcoming tournament. Before the season began, they were picked to finish fifth in the conference.

“He certainly did take scrutiny these past couple of years but, the year he’s had this year has sort of vindicated him. He has proven he knows what he’s doing. He may not always bring in the five star guys that North Carolina and Duke have pulled in, but you can’t really argue with the results that they’ve had this year,” Bracken said.

Going forward, the state of Maryland basketball will remain a topic of debate among the faithful. It is unknown how the Terps will fare next season.

Maryland’s senior leader and leading scorer, Greivis Vasquez, along with other senior starters Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne, will all be graduating this year.

On the other hand, the Terps seem poised to compete in an always-competitive ACC with players like Sean Moseley and Williams.

While Williams’ resume may speak for itself, but there is no way to tell what the future may hold for the Terps.

Reaction: Day 1 of Free Agency

The first day of free agency: where teams are either struck with a jolt of hope, or already start the next season with disappointment.

Chicago Bears:

Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor, Brandon Manumaleuna - Without a doubt, Peppers was the biggest name and talent on the free agency market this year. The Bears, usually notorious for the defense, were coming off a season in which they looked anemic on D without the leadership of the injured Brian Urlacher. In response, they add Peppers, who at times looks indefensible. However, my questions about Peppers revolve around his effort level. I don't know if it's his attitude or discontent with an inconsistent Panthers team, but Peppers does not always go 100% on every play. If you're going to pay him a huge amount of money, you're going to need a devoted player - not someone who played every other down or when he's on a national stage.

The other players signed - Taylor and Manamaleuna - have raised some eyebrows too. Number 1: Jay Cutler. Yeah, the same guy you traded the whole draft for. The same franchise QB your entire offense depends on. Well, if he is not protected, and has no one to throw to, you may not have solved any problems. Taylor is an excellent, underrated back. He will provide a good spell to Matt Forte, who I believe can return to form next season under Mike Martz. However, he will not help the receiver core who is young, inexperienced and unproven. In addition, Manamaleuna is not a good reason to trade Greg Olsen. I understand the TE is not an imminent part of the Martz offensive system, but he is a talented, young receiver, and the position is becoming a new weapon in offenses all over the NFL as they become more athletic. Yes the Bears made a huge splash yesterday, but no I do not think they resolved their crucial issues.

Arizona Cardinals:

Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby and Anquan Boldin - all gone in a day. Congrats Cardinals, you went from the NFC West winner to an average team once again. Or maybe less - you lost some guy named Kurt Warner as well. By losing your defensive leader, a valuable defensive back and a threat at the wide receiver position, the Cardinals have taken numerous steps backwards. I don't understand their thinking behind these moves, and question their intentions. Is Matt Leinart to Steve Breaston the new future? They do not have great depth to just plug in a new guy and expect the same results. I guess complacency hit the dessert after two consecutive playoff runs.

New York Jets:

Getting Antonio Cromartie is a high-risk, high-reward deal. The Jets traded a conditional draft pick, which means right now it is a 2011 third-round pick, but can escalate depending on performance and team success. Putting Cromartie opposite of Darelle Revis Island is what the Jets needed, and thought they had when they did the same move for Lito Sheppard last season. We see the main Jets weakness in the playoffs, when Peyton Missing ripped every other corner on the roster in the second half of the AFC Championship. If, like many analysts have stated, Cromartie can return to form in a man-to-man system under Rex Ryan, pencil my Jets in for another playoff run.

Other less-noted moves:

The Detroit Lions, who at times last season showed signs of being a real NFL team, picked up older, but still productive veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson. Vanden Bosch was a Pro Bowler (although most of the NFL was last year) and Burleson had some impressive games last season, especially on a futile Seattle team. Putting Vanden Bosch back with his old Tennessee defensive coordinator can hopefully provide some leadership to a defensive line which I'm sure will improve in the upcoming seasons, and putting Burleson opposite stud Calvin Johnson should allow an actual threat so teams can stop triple-teaming Johnson.

Chad Pennington re-signed with the Miami Dolphins. As a Jets fan, I was extremely jealous of this move. Chad is going to provide a professional, experienced veteran to the team behind young starter Chad Henne. He can mentor, provide leadership and fill in adequately when needed to. Miami lucked out.

Rex Grossman to the Washington Redskins. Enough said.

Other predictions:

Thomas Jones: Whether the Jets re-sign Jones or not, TJ can provide any teams with a workhorse running back for a few more seasons. The guy has intense work ethic and keeps in shape all season long. I can see him going back to the Jets, although he know it would be a reduced-role with Shonne Greene and Leon Washington. Other fits: San Diego, Houston, Seattle, Detroit, Eagles, Patriots, Browns and Kansas City.

Terrell Owens: Please sign him Cincinnati. To see him opposite Chad Ocho Cinco would be worth the price of admission alone. But in all honesty, T.O. is in excellent shape and put up good-enough numbers with a futile Buffalo offense last year. Ocho can spread the field and Owens can go over the middle. And with the Bengals releasing LaveranuesColes, the have a need.

Aaron Kampman: I think the guy is underrated. As rumored, going to Philly would be a great move for him and the team - putting him opposite Trent Cole in a 4-3 is an excellent fit. A real character guy, too.

Brandon Marshall: Yeah, I'll take his baggage any day of the week. He's a stud, and if he goes to Seattle, him and TJ Housh-Your-Momma would be a great tandem for Matt Hasselbeck (if he can stay healthy ever). I feel like a first and third draft pick plus a contract extension is worth it for a guy who is already proven.

The released: Jake Delhomme, LT and Brian Westbrook

Delhomme: I'm sure Jake has enough to do what I think Pennington could do - veteran leadership and a decent-enough fill-in for a team if the starter goes down. You see how much he cares about the game from that press conference.

LT: I have doubted LT the last few seasons. I have criticized LT for missing out on big games during the playoffs. But when one of the most skilled, prolific backs in NFL history has something to prove, I would take a chance on him for one more season. Look out.

Westbrook: Vikings, go get him. I would love to see Adrian Peterson run the ball up the middle, and on third downs seeing Westbrook coming out of the backfield. Losing Taylor was big for the Vikings, and using Westbrook solely on third downs and if AP gets hurt (his running style makes him prone to injury), Westbrook becomes a great fit. Spare use will keep him healthy, and at 29 years old, he has plenty of gas left in his tires.

First Post

I can't remember where I heard this, but it was a journalism-related event. The journalist said he keeps both a journal and a calendar of events, so after procrastinating weeks, I finally found time to set both items up.

The Duke v. Maryland game Wednesday night was a monumental moment in Maryland basketball history. A lot of people are hesitant to anoint a game "the best ever," but the magnitude and atmosphere of this game makes it deserving.

Maryland was unranked coming into this season, and Duke was supposed to be number 1 in the ACC with the return of Singler and Scheyer. North Carolina was ranked due to reputation, as well as Clemson, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Wake Forest at other points in the season. It wasn't until consecutive victories over GT, Clemson and VT that Maryland got ranked -- at 23.

When Maryland and Duke took the floor Wednesday night, Comcast Center was shaking. Every basket counted. Every fan was screaming. Every eye was glued to the court. And on the Maryland student night, our heralded senior, Greivis Vasquez, was the star.

To me, the game went as follows: The first 10 minutes was dominated by the Terps. Truth be told, it may have been pure intensity and volume of the crowd that led the charge more than the play on the court. However, the second part of the first half was Duke fighting back, and making it too close for Terps' fans at the half.

In the second half, it was a back-and-forth see-saw. Like the past three Terps games, it looked like it was destined for drama. Previously, Maryland beat GT on a buzzer-beater, VT in overtime and a second-half comeback against Clemson. On this night, the tie broke when Duke's shooters, Scheyer, Singler and point guard Nolan Smith, finally went cold. Freshman Jordan Williams started dominating the boards, and Vasquez made shots that put the crowd in awe.

It was as if that night, Maryland's victory was a part of destiny. All the right shots fell, rebounds grabbed and the student-fan body at Comcast was united as one. High fives were shared, hugs, kisses, tackles and an overwhelming crowd storming all occurred. Even a College Park riot hit Route 1. But that night was all about Maryland basketball -- making a statement: we want respect and we want it now.