Early schedule may help Terps mature

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Maryland will have a favorable men's basketball schedule for the 2003-04 season with only one two-game ACC trip, 18 home games and 14 nationally televised events.

Maryland opens against American on Nov.22 and George Mason on Nov.25 at Comcast Center. Except for a Dec.10 date at Florida, the Terrapins don't leave the area until their ACC opener at Florida State on Dec.28.

"I think we play a competitive schedule, and our early schedule will help us prepare for the ACC regular season," coach Gary Williams said. "It will be interesting to see how our younger players accept the challenge of playing this level of competition."

Sophomore forward Nik Caner-Medley and guard John Gilchrist should pace Maryland, but freshman guard Mike Jones' 3-pointers could be an offensive staple. Senior center Jamar Smith is the only prominent upperclassman.

"This is our youngest team in probably four or five years, but that doesn't mean it can't be a good team," Williams said. "We have talented people who are ready to play. I think a lot will depend on how hard we are willing to work from the first day of practice right through until the end of the season."

Maryland follows Midnight Madness on Oct.17 with home exhibitions against the EA Sports All-Stars on Nov.12 and an NBA Development League team on Nov.18.

Visiting teams for the BB&T Classic at MCI Center on Dec.6-7 include Gonzaga, West Virginia and George Washington.