A new era has begun in College Park, M.D. as long time basketball coach Gary Williams has handed over the reins of the Maryland basketball team to Mark Turgeon. The former Texas a and M head basketball coach will have some pretty big shoes to fill in replacing Gary Williams after 22 years of walking the sidelines. The new leader of the Terps had his first press conference on Wednesday, and addressed many of the normal preseason issues, while also addressing the New Ukrainian Center Alex Len, who signed with the Maryland program very late in the recruiting process.

The big question in College Park is whether or not Len will be declared eligible to participate in the 2011-2012 season. Turgeon addressed this subject on media day, and said “with everything Alex has been through, it could be no games, it could be four games, it could be a year”.   If Len is declared eligible to participate in the 2012 season, it would be a huge left to a Terrapin squad that lacks a big presence inside. The early departure of Jordan Williams has created a big void underneath the basket. Without Len, it could be a tough first year for Coach Turgeon.

The Maryland terrapins come into the 2012 campaign, with very low expectations from those who follow the ACC. Marilyn is extremely small and the level of talent on the roster is somewhat limited. There are a total of six walk on players expected to contribute this year, along with the eight scholarship athletes. The Terps will often have to use their speed and agility to compete with the big boys in the ACC. The biggest name returning this season is forward Sean Moseley who will occupy the four position on the court. Joining Moseley will likely be Nick Faust, Pe’Shon Howard and Terrel Stoglin, in the backcourt. The big question remains, who is going to occupy the center position?

One of the biggest highlights thus far for the terrapins will likely be “ Maryland Madness” which will occur Friday night. Four of the five starters, from the 2002 national championship team will play in the alumni game to kick off the season. There are rumors that Steve Blake, Brian Mouton, Chris Wilcox, and Steve Francis will help kick off the 2011-2012 season. Joining the four from the championship team will likely be Greivis Vasquez. I guess there are some advantages to not having an NBA season.

The other big news coming out of College Park recently, is that the Comcast court will be named after former coach Gary Williams. Considering how much Gary has done to turn around the Maryland basketball program since the death of Len bias, it is very fitting. The school announced recently that the ceremony will take place on January 25, 2012, as part of the festivities of the Maryland-Duke game at 9 PM. The game is scheduled to be nationally televised on ESPN.