The Unspoken Truth About Maryland’s Basketball Schedule
When it comes to college basketball, coaches often find themselves at odds with analytics experts. One particular coach, Kevin Willard, has taken a peculiar approach to defending his team’s schedule. He proudly cites Manhattan’s victory over Fordham, conveniently omitting the fact that Manhattan also lost to Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The Pressure to Perform
This season is crucial for Willard, with high expectations surrounding his team’s chances in the NCAA Tournament. Derik Queen’s presence has generated significant buzz, and fans are eager to see Maryland secure a win. However, a closer examination of Willard’s record raises questions about these lofty expectations.
A Closer Look at the Schedule
Maryland’s nonconference schedule features a string of unimpressive opponents, including Mount St. Mary’s, Marquette, Canisius, and Florida A&M. The only notable team they’ve faced so far is Marquette, and they suffered a loss. The rest of their nonconference schedule includes matchups against Bucknell, Alcorn State, Saint Francis, and Maryland Eastern Shore – hardly powerhouses in the college basketball world.
The Facts Speak for Themselves
According to KenPom, Maryland’s schedule ranks a dismal 344th in the country. While it’s understandable to seek easy wins and pad the team’s NET score, it’s impossible to deny that Maryland is facing a lackluster lineup of opponents. This isn’t a case of a coach like Archie Miller disputing bracketology; these are simply the facts.
Science vs. Spin
Coaches can’t dismiss cold, hard data like Mac from It’s Always Sunny dismissing science. The truth is, Maryland’s schedule is underwhelming, and no amount of spin can change that. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Willard’s team performs against stiffer competition.
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