The Milbourne Supremacy

Steve: "Bob, is there any difference between Landon Milbourne and James Gist?"
Me: "Uhh 2 inches, cornrows, and some arc on the jumpshot."

I was expecting somewhat minimal progress out of Landon this past offseason after seeing little change between his first two seasons. I thought the success of the Terps' 2008-09 season would rely on Gary's ability to adapt to a 4-guard offense and the inability of opponents to take advantage of our lack of depth inside.

That's why I'm not a real analyst. I thought wrong. Simply put, Landon has become a beast. He is the solid second scoring option we have been waiting for. He has developed a killer mid-range jumper which has become an automatic 2 points on the scoreboard. He hustles after every rebound and always fights for position on both sides of the floor. The most encouraging part about his recent performance has been his consistent production in conference play, against some of the best big men in the ACC:

vs GT: 6PTS on 6FGA 9REB (4OREB) 2STL 1BLK
at Miami: 8PTS on 8FGA 7REB (3OREB) 4BLK 1STL
at FSU: 17PTS on 13FGA 9REB (6OREB) 2BLK 1AST 1 STL
vs UVA: 17PTS on 9FGA 5REB (1OREB) 1STL
at Duke: 19PTS on 16FGA 5REB (2OREB) 2AST 2STL 1BLK
vs BC: 14PTS on 13FGA 7REB (6OREB) 1STL
vs Miami: 17PTS on 13FGA 6REB (3OREB) 2AST

Other than the active string of 5 consecutive double-digit scoring games, take note of Landon's efficient shot selection (averaging at least 1PT per FGA in every game), defensive hustle stats (blocks and steals), and attacking the offensive glass (averaging 3.57 OREB per game).

Lately Terps basketball has been very inconsistent to say the least. 41 point losses, disappearing double-digit second half leads, and squabbles between our head coach and the AD make me wonder what I'm going to be treated to everytime I go to Comcast or turn on the TV for a road game. I DO know, however, that everytime out, I'll be treated to Bowie and his sick finishes at the basket, Mosely out-rebounding forwards, Dino swatting balls into the fifth row, Greivis trying for a triple-double. and Landon putting on for his city. #1 has arrived.