Maryland Fans Are Worse Than The Team
The Maryland men's basketball program is at a crossroads. They just aren't very good. For whatever reason--recruiting, lack of administrative support, parity in college basketball, coaching, bad luck or anything else--the team is not performing at a standard Gary Williams has set. Missing the NCAA tournament recently and losing to schools like Morgan State and American University the last few years clearly demonstrates something is wrong. Even a Gary apologist like me has to admit there is a problem and that something has to change. I have no clue how to solve all the problems. But I know where to start - the fans.
Maryland fans are every bit as fair weather and spoiled as the most rotten fans in sports. Redskins fans come to mind actually. Unfortunately I'm a fan of both, so I'm keenly aware of how stupid my fellow fans can be. But I have to say as a former student with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Maryland, the consistent ignorance, shortsightedness and outright stupidity of our fans often times makes me embarrassed to be a Terp.
Where do I start? How about the fact that Maryland fans have this obsession with Duke. I don't like Duke either. They're obnoxious, annoying, good and everything else. I can't stand seeing Coach K, Chris Collins and Wojo on the bench. They make me want to puke. But I wouldn't throw bottles at a player's family. Some Terp fans didn't have a problem with that a few years ago. I get the rivalry that we have with them (even if Duke doesn't really consider it a rivalry themselves). But I also understand that a win over Florida State means the absolute same as a win over Duke. Beating Wake Forest or Georgia Tech or any other team in the ACC is just as critical. Each conference game counts the same. I'm starting to believe Terp fans can't count. They act like beating Duke or North Carolina is worth double.
As a result of Terp fans' inability to understand the importance of EVERY conference game, we often find situations where there are empty seats for ACC games. You think Cameron Indoor has empty seats for home games? Any home game? What about the Tar Heels? Do you think when Virginia Tech or Georgia Tech comes to the Dean Dome there are empty seats? No chance. Terp fans want a world class team but they don't give world class support.
What do Terp fans do? They punt. Maryland fans stop going to games or start leaving early. When Maryland fell apart Tuesday night in the 2nd half against Boston College, Terp fans showed their true colors once again. They started booing and fleeing for the parking lot.
Sure, they blew an 11-point halftime lead. But the game was within 2 points with 3 minutes left. It's not like the game was a blowout. Remember, these players are college students too. They aren't professionals. They're KIDS! Some of these guys are a year or two removed from high school. Have some class.
By the way, do people realize how moronic it is when they boo? Booing serves virtually no purpose other than showing your ignorance. Are they surprised a team made a run in the 2nd half? Is anybody shocked that a player might take a bad shot? God forbid a 19-year-old kid makes a turnover. What's going on in a boo bird's mind? "I better boo and let them know how bad they are playing?" That will motivate them to play better? Nothing like some good old negative reinforcement I guess.
Maryland fans are just big babies. We have an inferiority complex that is shameful. We are desperate to be thought of as one of the best basketball programs in the country. I don't know if we are or aren't. But I do know we have the greatest coach in the history of Maryland Basketball still in charge. He's probably the most important coach in the history of the school. It doesn't matter how many soccer or field hockey titles we win. Those are amazing accomplishments. But when Gary Williams took to this team to 11 straight NCAA tournaments, back-to-back final fours and a national title in 2002, he put Maryland in a new stratosphere.
There is no question that Maryland has fallen off that pace the last few years. But let's be a little realistic though. It's not like it's been a catastrophic fall. They've basically been a bubble team, averaging something like 19 wins even in the years they've missed the big dance. It reminds me of what happened to Penn State football a few years ago. People had been calling for Joe Paterno's resignation for years. He was too old and couldn't recruit anymore. The program had slipped. Sound familiar? Now look at them. Back in the national championship picture again and Joe Pa keeps getting his contract extended.
Maryland fans have to grow up. Life isn't perfect. We have ups and downs. Programs don't just go in one direction. Even Duke has a down year once in a while (albeit not recently!). How quickly we all forget. Am I the only one that remembers what was left of this program after Len Bias died? The program was also dead. Sanctions...Bob Wade...Loss of scholarships...Recruiting football players to round out the roster. It wasn't that long ago folks. The team needs to improve. Nobody is arguing that point. But the fans need to be realistic and improve their behavior and support. Otherwise the program will never reach that hallowed ground that everybody associated with Maryland so desperately desires.
 |
Categories (click for archive)Eric Bickel | Junkies |
Bickel, stop preaching like a holier-than-thou curmudgeon. What are fans supposed to do when the team blows ANOTHER double-digit lead (happened against Miami too)? Sit there and say, "Oh, they're young. I shouldn't show I'm angry at them. They might not be able to take it." Screw that. They stink right now, and deserve to be booed right now. When they play better, the booing will stop. And saying beating FSU or G Tech is the same as beating Carolina or Duke is plain stupid. You don't really believe that. I get the logic, but college basketball is a game of emotion. A win against Duke or Carolina can give a team a boost they can carry with them the rest of the reason. Beating FSU or G Tech can't. Basically, stop being a ******* and thinking you're somehow better than other fans because you wouldn't boo. I boo this blog entry Mr. Red Nickel.
When's the last time you were at Comcast supporting your team, Rick?
Don't give me the 430 wake-up call as an excuse either - there are plenty of weekend games, and I'd be willing to bet you are up felting poor donks on PokerStars just as late as the MD games end.
Let me start off by saying I could care less if Maryland finishes 30-0 or 0-30. I'm not from here but I do follow the local sports scene. Bickel, you talk about fans not showing up for games against Fla. St, GT, etc. Let me ask a question to you; over the past 2 years how many times have you entered Comcast Center to watch your beloved Terps? Your response will and has been "I have to get up at 4:30 you *&^%$". I believe that they do play ACC games on Saturdays too. It's okay for you to come up with excuses as to why not to attend games, but when someone else doesn't show up they should be shown the gates of hell? Stop criticizing fans for not showing up when you contribute to the problem.
EB, while I agree Maryland fans have unrealistic expectations, and clearly we the students do, but Maryland has to change something. Look at the talent in this area that Gary has passed over. Austin Freeman (Dematha, Georgetown), Chris Wright (St. Johns, Georgetown), Dante Cunningham (St. John's, Villanova), Dwayne Anderson (St. John's, Villanova), Jason Clark (O'Connell, Georgetown), Chris Braswell (DeMatha/Oak Hill), Kris Joseph (Carroll, Syracuse), Max Kenyi (Gonzaga, Harvard), Vlad Moldevenau (St. John's, George Mason), Donte Green (Towson Cath., Syracuse), Anthony McClain (National Christian, Cincinnati), Malcolm Delaney (Towson Cath., V-Tech), Kevin Durant (Montrose Christian, Texas), DaJuan Summers (McDonough, Georgetown), Nigel Munson (DeMatha, V-Tech), Jeff Allen (DeMatha, V-Tech), Jamal Barney (Southwestern, Providence).
Those are all 4 or 5 star recruits that Gary hasn't gotten that are right in his back yard. Kendall Marshall, a current UNC-signee and Senior at O'Connell, his father came out and said that Gary Williams didn't even know who his son was. He never came to any of his games, and had only sent an assistant once. His father said the assistant expected Marhsall to sign without even meeting Gary. Unbelievable.
It's hilarious that people attack me for the way they probably act. I've been there done that. I used to wait outside in the freezing cold hours before they opened the doors at Cole to get my tickets and sprint down the steps to get my seats in the late 80s and early 90s. I went to all the games not just the "glamour" games. When I was a season ticket holder before I got into radio I went to all the games. But again, it's not about me. It's really about the students today and of the last few years and some cranky season ticket holders. It's your job to carry the torch in my opinion. And yes, booing is for morons.
dude, get over yourself. the univeristy fancies itself a basketball powerhouse, and you say fans can't boo at a poor performance. oh, the kids only 19? give me a break. this is division 1 ball, bickel, not some rec league nonsense. the fact is people pay money for the tickets to their game, and it is their right to cheer or boo at their leisure. i remembered bein at the game as a sophomore when this team was booed off the court after losin to FSU in '01, and then they went on a run to the final four. don't boo? that is a moronic-ass statement. i booed. and i stand by it to this day.
you're also bringing up the worst days as a reminder not to get bummed out about whats goin on now. unfortunately, for you i guess, sports is a what have you done for me lately business. quit fooling yourself that we should be content with mediocrity. why shouldnt we contend year in and year out after winning a title? we have all the talent in the world around here. i love gary, and he's a great coach, but the recruiting needs to pick up a bit. if you can't see that, then stop watching.
and spare me the fact people arent at the games. maybe people dont wanna shell out tons of money to go watch us lose when money is tight for lots of them. sports is business, pro or collegiate. wake up and realize maryland fans are no worse than most. we want to win. im an alum and i dont want gary fired, but its hard to watch these games. you think losin by 40 to duke isnt worse than losin by 40 to others? beatin duke gets this team hyped, ready to go on a run. it means nothing more nothing less than any other ACC game in the standings, but it does in the team's mind. sports is mental as well as physical.
i can't believe you have a sports themed radio show and made this argument. i'm embarrassed you're a terp and are completely cool with all that's happened recently with this program. losing to morgan state.. give me a break pal.
People need to quit crying about the recruiting. Look on rivals.com...in 2003 MD had the #3 ranked class in the COUNTRY. In 2006 MD had the 19th ranked class in the COUNTRY. The kids just haven't panned out. Eric Hayes was overrated along with many other like Ibekwe and Mike Jones, kids have transferred, and they have gotten unlucky on some kids like Shane Clark, Terrance Jennings, Augustus Gilchrist, and Bobby Maze in recent years. EB is right MD fans are fickle, bandwagon babies just like skins fans. I don't completely agree about the booing there are times where I think it's acceptable but for the most part EB is on point.
I am a long time Terps fan (20+ years) and EB is right. The Maryland 'Basketball' fans can be and are often a disaster. From throwing batteries at Duke fans to spitting on North Carolina fans they continue to embarrass 'true' Maryland Basketball fans for a long time now.
However, I am not sure this applies to all Maryland sports. Soccer, Woman's Basketball & Lacrosse continue to be stand out sports in College Park and have reliable avid fans. I am not sure if there is just a completely different crowd for the mens basketball v. the other sports but there definitely seems to be a pattern. I am sure most of this is stemming from the recent angst that is coming out of the basketball office at the Comcast Center or not but one thing is for certain, winning changes everything.
A couple things, I do not believe college athletes should be booed, I have been a Terps fan for almost 40 yrs and have been exasperated,frustrated, suicidal, (blowing 10 point lead to Duke with 1min to go) but these are 18-21 yr old kids and how would u feel if it was your Son or Daugh. Now as far as the current state, Gary Williams has done a tremendous job and had tremendous succcess. Having said that if he is not willing to go out and recruit the kind of talent needed to compete in the ACC then its time to turn the program over to someone who is and look back proudly on a great career. Way to many great players from this area have gone elsewhere and that is just not excuseable.
Don't worry about recruiting? Seriously? Have you seen the talent that has come out of the area that is going down the road to Georgetown or elsewhere? Yeah, we had the #3 ranked class in 2003. Player development is another job of the coaches. Clearly, another aspect Gary is slacking on.
While I don't agree with booing the team, I am all in favor of booing Vasquez. He's a me-first guard with terrible decision making skills and an even worse three point shot. I didn't think it were possible to find a more obnoxious player than John Gilchrist, but we have found it in Vasquez. The kid is arrogant (after all, Cameron is HIS house...) and does not have the talent to match his mouth. He led the nation in turnovers last year and would be doing the same now if he wasn't the third option to bring the ball up (the one decision I fully support Williams on).
The focus of the team shouldn't be Vasquez, it should be Milbourne. Why Milbourne was sitting during key stretches of the 2nd half against BC I have no idea. But the kid didn't take a shot once BC took the lead with 8 minutes to go. Meanwhile, Vasquez went 1-for-7 after BC took the lead. Milbourne had 5 offensive rebounds against BC as a forward, that's damn impressive, but you would never know that he is the best rebounder, or all-around player because most plays are designed for Vasquez or Hayes.
Moving forward the team needs to stop focusing on making Vasquez, Dupree or Hayes stars. They aren't. It's time to focus on Bowie, Mosley, Milbourne, Tucker and Gregory. Those are our 5 best players. Neal is a solid contributor, but until he realizes that he shouldn't be taking contested three's, he needs to stop getting starts.
I know over the spring/summer there were serious rumors about Vasquez going in the draft or Hayes transferring out, I'm not saying the team would be better, but there would be a much better chemistry on the team.
The thing with gary is he is just getting older and he dosent want to deal with the recruiting part, so he dosent recruit that well.
he dosent want to deal with the troubled player with the shaky background that is transfering or the player that is gonna be 1 and out like beasley or 2 in out, so he just wants players that are gonna stay 4 years and are not a big headache where he can coach them up and they fit in his program.
There kinda like notre dame football right now,
They have good players but not enough to compete at the high acc level.
He is trying to coach them up but its not working, is neal as good as tyler hansborough, probably not.
gary might be done, he is getting to old to deal with things.
What is up with that vermont coach, didnt he coach under gary.
He would be good to take over, be a good recruiter,he would recruit his butt off, they need somone to recruit,he is a good coach, and gary can golf and yell at the trees.
gary is just too stubborn these days for some reason, he has a national championship as he says, if he stays he needs somone to help him recruit.
or its gonna be the same as the last couple of years.
EB, this once again proves why you are the most underachieving Junkie and that's saying something considering the company:
1) Is it wrong to have high expectations after 2 Final 4s and a National Championship? I guess can call me spoiled because I expect more.
2) I love Gary too, but it's officially an elephant in the room, he has serious problems recruiting top-notch talent.
3) You may have heard of something called the RPI? Yes dummy, wins against Duke and Carolina (as well as any other ranked opponent) do count more.
4) The fans doing most of the booing are kids as well. What can you expect out of 18-22. Look at you, you're like 54 and still an idiot.
5) Maryland hurt themselves when they stopped playing in historic Cole Fieldhouse and priced out die-hard fans with a beautiful, but very expensive new arena. That move would have worked if the team continued to be successful. But they followed it up with some lean and now downright bad years. Comcast just doesn't have any personality yet. Being an alum think about all of the great Cole memories you have. I was at the final game at Cole and I remember thinking "Why are they closing this place down". Cole was just electric.
I'm sure there are more points I could make but I had to stop reading your terrible blog halfway through. You guys should seriously consider letting Lurch Papa do the MASN blogs. Why don't you blog about stuff you know best like poker (yawn) and Brittney Spears.
i would be OK with my son or daughter being booed as they played for a division 1 basketball team and are getting a free education that others have to scrimp and save and borrow for. it's the price you pay. you can join the military at 18 - why can't you be booed in a sporting event? would i be happy they're for them that they're booed? no, but that's part of sports. i wouldn't boo a high school team, but absolutely think it's fine for college.
18 wins a year, when you play 10 or so games in December against the Bucknells and Elons of the world, ain't all that impressive nowadays either.
terps suck. that is all