Career news:
I’m joining .
@theScore
as a sports betting writer focusing on coverage of the NBA and college basketball.
Incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity. Can’t wait to get started this month and create entertaining and informative content! Let’s get to work!
Update from Maryland basketball’s “secret” scrimmage at Villanova:
Maryland won the first half by double digits and lost the second half by 4. An overall win against the preseason No. 16 team in the country, albeit without a couple key guys.
Donta Scott stood out for the Terps.
Four-star class of 2023 shooting guard Jahnathan Lamothe committed to Maryland men’s basketball, he announced.
The Team Durant guard attends St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where Julian Reese also played.
This is Kevin Willard’s first commit for the class of 2023.
Maryland men’s basketball is ranked for the first time in the Kevin Willard era.
Terps come in at No. 23 in the latest AP poll after dominant wins over Saint Louis and Miami.
Few expected this Maryland team to be ranked at any point this season.
"This is a total failure by me," Kevin Willard said after Maryland's 35-point loss to Michigan. "There's nothing I can say besides I totally let down this program and these kids, so this is on me. A total, total failure."
Mike Locksley said he was told to always call the winner of the bowl game the year before. That didn't happen this season.
"Obviously, I guess South Carolina and Maryland got some issues I heard about."
"Line it up, buddy. Line it up," he said.
Update from Maryland men's basketball's "secret" scrimmage at Virginia today:
Virginia won the first 20 minute half by 4 and the second 20 minute half by 2. Julian Reese played well for the Terps and Ian Martinez played significant minutes.
This is by far Maryland's most complete game of the season from an offense, defense and special teams standpoint.
Coach Locksley has been saying this game is the start of the 2022 season. If that's the case, special things are ahead for this program.
Tennis star and College Park legend Frances Tiafoe got a huge applause as he was shown on the video board. He just finished up an historic U.S. Open run where he lost in the semifinals.
“I told Kevin before the game ‘it’s nice to see some fans here.’ What the hell more do Maryland fans want? That was electric.”
- Brad Underwood, who has yet to win a game at the XFINITY Center in his career.
Donta Scott is returning to Maryland men’s basketball for a fifth year.
@Jeff_Ermann
first.
Huge news for Maryland. They now have zero open scholarships for now, but still expect a couple more bench players to transfer — likely Pavlo Dziuba and/or Arnaud Revaz.
Maryland’s student body deserves this. They have been phenomenal supporting Kevin Willard and this program in his first year. Yes, they’ve had more to root for this season than in year’s past. But for a fan base that can be ruthless and was vilified last year, this is cool to see
Four-star class of 2023 guard DeShawn Harris-Smith announced his commitment to Maryland men’s basketball.
He’s now the third four-star player from the DMV in the 2023 class to commit to Maryland.
Kevin Willard is keeping local talent home with his first recruiting class.
Maryland men’s basketball officially comes in at No. 13 in the AP Poll.
Terps climb nine spots from last week after dominating Louisville and beating then-No. 16 Illinois.
Huge stretch coming up: at Wisconsin, Tennessee at the Barclays Center and UCLA at home.
Big time matchup for Maryland this season. Kevin Willard is not shying away from tough non conference opponents.
UCLA will come to College Park three days after Maryland plays Tennessee at the Barclays Center.
NEWS: UCLA and Maryland are finalizing a home-and-home series that will begin on 12/14 in College Park, according to multiple sources.
Return game in Westwood in 23-24.
Maryland football, in partnership with Team IMPACT, signed nine-year-old Callaghan (Cal) Taylor today in a joyous and inspirational signing day celebration. Cal got a tour of the Jones-Hill House facility from his friend, and Maryland wide receiver, Brian Cobbs.
Today is my last day at Testudo Times. Can’t express how much this place has meant to me the last four years, but I try here.
It’s been a hell of a ride covering Maryland. Thank you to anyone who’s had a role in this journey. Till next time, Terp fans.
Incredible hire by Willard to replace Tony Skinn.
Mike Jones was the head coach at DeMatha for almost 20 seasons where he coached… Hunter Dickinson.
Jones also has done work with USA basketball. He was most recently an assistant at Virginia Tech.
Sources: Maryland is hiring Virginia Tech assistant Mike Jones. He’s the longtime DeMatha High School coach and USA Basketball staff linchpin who brings deep ties to the DMV area.
Honored to receive the John McNamara Sports Writing Award at yesterday’s
@merrillcollege
commencement ceremony.
Can’t thank this place and the people enough for everything I’ve learned the last four years. Excited for what’s next!
Capital One field at Maryland Stadium is no longer. Effective Oct. 1, Maryland’s football stadium will be called SECU Stadium, as part of a new 10-year partnership with SECU that will pay Maryland a guaranteed $11 million, including $2.5 million for the new basketball facility.
“That was probably the worst loss I’ve had as a head coach,” Kevin Willard said when reflecting on the Penn State loss.
He said guys were yelling at each other and yelling at him in the locker room after the game.
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had an MRI and "re-aggravated a previous injury," according to Mike Locksley. He had been wearing a knee brace because of that injury.
He is a "gametime decision" for this Saturday. Sounds like he avoided a serious injury.
Willard has repeated this philosophy a bunch this season:
If his guys play hard, especially defensively, he'll give them a ton of freedom to "do what they want" offensively.
No. 20 Maryland vs. No. 16 UCLA. Another top 20 matchup for Maryland, who is trying to avoid a third straight loss. 9 p.m. tip.
19 NBA teams have scouts in the building tonight.
Former Charlotte guard Jahmir Young has committed to Maryland, according to multiple reports.
Young averaged 19.6 points per game on 46.8% shooting last season. The Dematha High School product was a highly regarded transfer and will step into a huge scoring role for Maryland.
Hard to believe it’s been 3 years since Kobe’s tragic passing. This is my favorite clip with him because he gave a classic Kobe answer.
“You have something you want to accomplish, go for it. So what if people think it’s silly. That’s fine. Do the work.”
Miss you forever, Kobe
Maryland football is heading to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, per
@Brett_McMurphy
.
Terps will play NC State in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec. 30.
Maryland finished regular season 7-5 and NC State finished 8-4.
This is really ugly for Maryland.
BUT, this is Maryland's fourth straight game against currently-ranked opponents: No. 18 Illinois, No. 22 Wisco, No. 6 Tenn and No. 16 UCLA.
Not sure any other team has gone through a stretch like that, except maybe Gonzaga. Brutal scheduling.
Officially official. Today is my first day as the managing editor of
@testudotimes
. It’s been incredible to work alongside
@lauren_rosh
and
@DylanSpilko
for the last year. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to continue to provide Maryland coverage to this awesome fan base.
After an incredible year as the managing editor of
@TestudoTimes
, it’s time for me to hand things over to
@soshtry
. Thank you to everyone who followed along with my coverage & supported me along the way.
I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity.
Georgetown transfer guard Donald Carey has committed to Maryland men’s basketball.
He averaged 13.5 points per game on nearly 39% shooting from three last season. He joins Charlotte transfer Jahmir Young in new head coach Kevin Willard’s revamped backcourt.
Four-star class of 2023 wing Jamie Kaiser committed to Maryland men’s basketball, he announced today.
This is Kevin Willard’s second commitment for the class of 2023, joining guard Jahnathan Lamothe.
This may be one of the emptiest stadiums I’ve ever seen for a college basketball game, certainly in the Big Ten. And no, this is not from 2020.
But a game will be played. Iowa at Maryland 7 p.m. tip.
Maryland football star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett just announced he is foregoing the bowl game and entering the NFL Draft.
Jarrett finishes his college career with 119 receptions, 1,552 yards and 10 TDs in 28 games played.
Projections have him anywhere from a 2nd-5th rounder.
When Mike Locksley was asked if there was any doubt as to whether Taulia would play given the injury to his brother, Tua, he said:
"I think the one thing that was able to settle him down was when he was finally able to FT Tua and Tua basically said, 'hey I'm fine. Go play.'"
Incredible win for Kevin Willard and Maryland. Team is 8-0. Knocked off No. 16 Illinois. First Big Ten win of the year. Atmosphere was electric.
Maryland basketball is back.
Been a wild 48 hours for Maryland but there is a game to be played today.
First time in over 10 years Mark Turgeon won’t be roaming these sidelines but a new era begins in College Park today.
Northwestern vs. Maryland at noon.
Seems like Michigan fans are already on to Ohio State. They must forget they have to enter the most intimidating place in America next Saturday: SECU stadium
Maryland guard Eric Ayala was named to the Jerry West shooting guard of the year award watch list. He was one of 20 guards in the country to be named to the list.
Jaden Ivey from Purdue and Eli Brooks from Michigan are the other Big Ten guards that made the list.
Mark Turgeon said James Graham is back on the team after meeting with him on Monday and will be suited up for George Mason tomorrow.
Said the matter that had him sidelined the last two games was in-house, basketball related.
Both of Maryland’s backcourt transfers Jahmir Young and Donald Carey have officially withdrew from the draft and will suit up for Maryland next season.
Not the ranking Maryland fans were looking for, but Maryland football (4-0) lands at an unofficial No. 27 in the latest AP Poll.
Iowa stays at No. 5. Not a top 25 matchup this week, but will still be an electric matchup and atmosphere in College Park on Friday Night.
Another phenomenal atmosphere at XFINITY Center.
Celebrity row featuring Under Armour founder Kevin Plank, Maryland governor-elect Wes Moore, and, of course, SVP.
Seton Hall transfer guard Jahari Long committed to Maryland men’s basketball, he announced today.
The former three-star prospect averaged 0.8 ppg in 12.4 minutes per game in just five games played.
Kevin Willard now has just two scholarship spots left for the 22-23 team
“I can tell you it gets really crazy and wacky the last 48 hours [before signing day] and I know there’s some schools out there that thinks there’s some conspiracy theories of what goes on. But I can tell you it’s a lot of phone calls, a lot of hard work.”
-Mike Locksley
Maryland has the fourth best odds to win the Big Ten tournament, according to Draftkings.
Purdue +150
Indiana +550
Michigan State +600
Maryland +650
Northwestern +900
Illinois +1200
Maryland lacrosse legend turned football player Jared Bernhardt just made the Falcons 53-man roster as a wide receiver. A remarkable journey.
Here he is at Maryland’s pro day in March catching a pass from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
In 2021, Jared Bernhardt won the Tewaarton Trophy as the nation's best lacrosse player.
He transferred to Ferris State for football, went undefeated at QB, and won the D-II national championship.
He started playing WR in May, and he just made the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster.
Thrilled to announce I'm heading to Israel this July to cover the Maccabiah Games for Maccabi USA in a variety of media roles. Couldn't be more excited for this incredible opportunity!
Huge thanks to .
@marczumoff
and .
@NSlotkin10
for making this happen.
Maryland football freshman running back Roman Hemby has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Hemby carried Maryland's offense in its win over Northwestern with 179 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Maryland men’s basketball is ranked once again. Coming in at No. 21 in the latest AP poll. First time being ranked this season since Dec. 12.
Purdue at 5 and Indiana at 15 are the only other Big Ten teams ranked.
Kevin Willard has said he believes Donta Scott is a First Team All-Big Ten player. Scott is proving him right through five games.
I broke down the film to show how Scott has been great on both ends of the floor this season, and how Willard is helping.
ESPN’s draft coverage is next level horrible. Almost unwatchable. Are there any weaknesses any of these prospects have or are they all guaranteed hall of famers? Mike Schmitz’s absence last couple of years really hurts their coverage.
The only takeaway that matters from tonight:
Tony Romo is the worst professional broadcaster in the history of sports. He ruined a great Super Bowl and an incredible finish. I know how much CBS is paying him but they have to find a way out of that contract
"He's had an unbelievable impact on our league," Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg on Jahmir Young, who deserves serious consideration for All-Big Ten honors this season.
“You saw a group of guys that kind of put their personal things aside to do something for a greater cause and where we were when I took over in 2019 to where we are today, I mean Ray Charles can see it."
-Mike Locksley
A rivalry renewed: The history behind the Maryland-West Virginia matchup
I talked to a ton of former Maryland players on the early 2000s teams to understand the bitterness these two teams felt for each other. Check it out:
There's a lot of excuses to make for Taulia Tagovailoa today -- coming off injury, bad weather, poor offensive line play -- but this is his worst performance of the season and one of the worst of his career.
5-for-16 for 30 yards and an interception.
Maryland up 21-13 at halftime. Offense was clicking early and stalled a bit but Taulia Tagovailoa is 21-for-26 for 216 yards.
Maryland should be up 28-13, though, but aren’t because of this horrendous call by the officials that took away a Maryland pick-six.
Maryland's Dante Trader Jr. gets an interception and returns it for a score, BUT there was a flag on the play.
A personal foul on Corey Coley Jr. nullified the play and Michigan State retains possession. Super questionable call that had Mike Locksley livid on the sideline
Maryland men's basketball officially announces former Rhode Island head coach David Cox will join the program as an assistant.
A big time addition to Kevin Willard's staff.
Huge Big Ten showdown between Maryland (5-5 Big Ten) and Indiana (6-4 Big Ten)
Potentially big postseason implications. Maryland hasn’t lost a conference game at home this season. Terps favored by 3. Students have been here for hours. Should be an electric atmosphere.
Without its star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland outlasted Northwestern, 31-24.
Running back Roman Hemby had a monster day and Maryland becomes bowl eligible at 6-2. My story:
Brenton Petty was a graduate assistant for Maryland men’s basketball from 2018-20. He returned to Maryland in 2021 as video coordinator.
With the chaos of this season, Petty has had an elevated role. Read about his journey and his impact on the team:
Maryland football legend and NFL great Vernon Davis will be inducted into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame in October.
I spoke with
@vernondavis85
last week about his induction, his time at Maryland, the current state of the program and a lot more.
Hard to put into words how special the last three weeks have been in Israel covering the Maccabiah for Maccabi Media. I’m sure they’ll come to me and I’ll have more to say.
But for now, can’t thank
@marczumoff
and
@NSlotkin10
enough for the opportunity of a lifetime.
📍Charlotte, North Carolina
Duke’s Mayo Bowl featuring Maryland and NC State coming up at noon. Maryland can win back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2002-03.
A coach will be mayo’d in a few hours.
Maryland center Qudus Wahab has announced he’s entering the transfer portal.
Still leaves the option open to return to Maryland. With a new coach and Julian Reese likely playing over him, it’s unclear how much of a role he would have had with Maryland moving forward.
I'm young but I feel like I've watched a decent amount of basketball. I've never watched an offensive performance as putrid as what Maryland just showed in the first half against Michigan.
13 points. 4-for-30 from the field. Down 31 points.
Maryland guards' Fatts Russell and Eric Ayala have been playing together, and against each other, for years. So when Russell transferred to UMD last spring, the chemistry was natural.
Read more about Maryland's revamped, and now explosive, backcourt:
One last time at the XFINITY Center.
Senior day and my final game covering Maryland basketball at this place.
Maryland (-6.5) vs. No. 21 Northwestern coming up at noon with a lot on the line. Winner grabs second place in the Big Ten.
An all-around competitive scrimmage against a Virginia team ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll.
Maryland travels to Villanova for its second scrimmage next Saturday.
Maryland men's basketball lands at No. 21 in the first AP poll of the season:
Rest of the Big Ten teams ranked:
No. 6 Michigan
No. 7 Purdue
No. 11 Illinois
No. 17 Ohio State
Mike Locksley opened his press conference today by offering condolences to Mike Leach and his family.
Said Leach impacted the lives of so many, including his, and left an “everlasting” impact on the game.
“He’s the first head coach I saw on the road recruiting in blue jeans.”
Maryland men's basketball will play Lehigh on Tuesday at 8:30 in College Park.
They were originally scheduled to play Loyola (MD) on Tuesday, but that game was canceled due to COVID issues within Loyola's program. Now, it will be Lehigh, who is 1-9 this season.
The mayo dump may have been the most exciting part of the day, but Maryland outlasted NC State to earn Locksley the mayo bath.
Maryland's eighth win of the season is its most wins since 2010. Terps win back-to-back bowl games for first time since 02-03.
Jahmir Young will continue to go through the draft process while maintaining his eligibility. Assuming he returns to college, it will be to play for Maryland.