Unlike Maryland, North Carolina and Dean Smith didn't leave their brains and 
hustle behind when they came out to play North Carolina State.  The Heels are 
scrapping, playing defense, and penetrating on offense.  State may still win 
this game (I'm rooting for them), but at least they'll have to beat a team 
that showed up for the game, unlike yesterday when Maryland beat themselves 
mentally and physically.
All season long, Gary Williams has said that the Terps' problem was lack of 
depth (which is his fault - he's the guy who recruited non-ACC capable 
players such as Kelly Hite, and accepted transfer Brian Watkins, who couldn't 
even play at Notre Dame and has shown why since the start of the season, and 
has four walk-ons who never play), but State has played three straight games 
with the same five players playing almost every minute of each (the same is 
happening today.)  Yet, despite a dearth of talent, the Wolfpack has never 
failed to show up for a game ready to play.  Maryland, on the other hand, has 
sleep-walked through entire games (UMass, yesterday vs. State, etc.), or 
beginnings of games or second halves (Clemson Friday, Wake twice, etc.)  It's 
up to a coach to have his team ready to play every game, and after every 
halftime, and Williams doesn't do that on a consistent basis.
There's a rumor (which I don't believe) that has Gary Williams going to coach 
Rutgers next season.  Being that such a move would be a step down, I can't 
see it happening, but, if it did, it would be nice if Maryland hired a coach 
who can recruit and isn't satisfied with just .500 conference records and 
Sweet 16 appearances.  We deserve somebody who considers not winning the 
conference or reaching the Final Four a bad season.  Maryland should be the 
most attractive school in the ACC - good academics, close to two big cities 
and their educational and cultural resources, and the largest media market in 
the conference.  There's no excuse for Maryland not being a perennial ACC and 
national power.  The Terps' new football coach is intent on winning the 
conference and making the big bowls, and will do the recruiting necessary to 
get the players to make that happen.  Our basketball coach should do 
likewise.  *adh*
--- Msged/2 4.10
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