![Sophomore Mason Lee encompasses the persona of his character, Enjolras, during a rehearsal of Act One. I think [rehearsals are] going well and were very on track [with the squedule]... which is good, Student Assistant Director senior Neena Tavik, who is also playing Eponine, said. (Courtesy Sasha Rotton)](https://www.wjpitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/24466917-801C-45FE-A882-D818DABBDCB8-600x451.jpg)
For the past three years, the University of Maryland men’s basketball program has not failed to disappoint students and fans. When longtime successful hall-of-fame coach Gary Williams retired from the head coaching position in 2010, the Terrapins immediately hit a decline under new coach Mark Turgeon, failing to earn an NCAA tournament berth for three consecutive years.
This trend seemed that it would continue for the Terps when three key contributors, Seth Allen, Nick Faust and Charles Mitchell transferred to different schools prior to the start of this season. What was sure to be an NCAA tournament season quickly transformed into a potentially depressing trip to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). However, to the surprise of many, the Terps have opened up the 2014-15 season on a roll, winning seven of their first eightmatch-ups, including a win against the Iowa State Cyclones, ranked 13th in the nation.
The Terps’ continued success is mainly a result of a resounding freshman class. Point guard Romelo ‘Melo’ Trimble came to the Terps squad as a McDonald’s All-American, and has more than exceeded expectations so far. The freshman sensation set the bar high, scoring 31 points in a win against Arizona State, and continues to amaze Terp fans with his skill–set. Trimble is joined by shooting guards Dion Wiley and Jared Nickens, both of whom have exhibited superior skill in shooting beyond the three point line thus far this season.
As a result of their 7-0 start, the Terps received national attention on Dec. 1, ranked 21st in the nation by the AP college basketball poll. However, the young squad also lost its veteran senior leader, Dez Wells, to a fractured wrist for the remainder of December. His absence is clearly a vital loss, as the Terps lost a key match-up at home to the number seven UVA Cavaliers, 76-65, on Dec. 3. If Wells returns fully healthy and their talented freshman squad maintains excellent play, the Maryland Terps are bound to return to the successful program that Gary Williams built.
