Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each team’s overall offense for 2020-21 season

By Trevor Sinodhinos

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines in action in the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Isaiah Livers #2 of the Michigan Wolverines in action in the first half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – MARCH 08: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – MARCH 08: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Maryland Terrapins

2019-20: 68.9 ppg in Big Ten play

It is easy to fall into the trap of saying “Maryland Basketball is going to have trouble scoring because they lost their two top scorers in Anthony Cowan (16.3 ppg) and Jalen Smith (15.5 ppg).” It is also easy to realize that, despite the talent returning, it is going to be difficult for Coach Mark Turgeon to come up with an offensive system that will allow the Terrapins to score with any consistency.

Aaron Wiggins could very well become the focal point of the offense, at 6’6 the starting small forward will see his role increase, but only if his shooting percentage improves. The Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year racked up the fifth-most three-point attempts in the conference while connecting on the twelfth most. When Wiggins was not beating the rotating defense off the dribble, he was spotting up in the corner for an open three. In both instances, it was facilitated by his man stopping penetration by Cowans or doubling down on Smith.

Darryl Morsell (8.5 ppg) is another player who will need to elevate from role player to contributor. At 6’6 and 200 pounds, a lot of Morsell’s third most field goal attempts for Maryland did not come off set plays. It was more of Morsell being able to use his ball-handling skills at shooting guard to overpower his defender to the basket or by finishing fast breaks.

The return of Donta Scott (5.9 ppg) as starting power forward is an important addition as well. Scott is a workhorse and even though he is 6’7 he uses his 225-pound frame to create space in the post. With no other apparent scoring threat down low, look for Scott to use every second he is allowed to park in the key in order to get the ball. A lot of Maryland’s possessions consisted of handoff dribbles or ball screens while waiting for somebody to be able to take their defender to the basket. This becomes more difficult as Eric Ayala( 8.5 ppg) replaces Cowan as starting point guard.

The late in the shot clock strategy that the Terrapins implemented of getting the ball to Cowan or Smith and clear out, is going to have to be executed by Ayala at point and either 7’2 Chol Marial or Alabama transfer Galen Smith at center. The Terrapins had a lot of difficulties last season when Jalen Smith was not on the floor. For a glimpse of what is in store, watch their game versus Minnesota on Feb. 26, Smith had early foul trouble that game, and the Terrapins did not look good even with  Cowan on the court.

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