Georgetown’s 75-48 thrashing of Maryland at the Old Spice Classic was a stunner to those who have long viewed the teams as equals. So is there really that much difference between the Washington area’s two premier college basketball programs?
The talent disparity was undeniable Sunday in Orlando, and a reflection of how well the schools have recruited. While Georgetown was led by junior DaJuan Summers, sophomore Austin Freeman and freshman Greg Monroe — all rated in the top 25 of their respective graduating classes — Maryland had no such player.
“Georgetown in the last few years has been more aggressive recruiting top level players,” said Dave Telep, national recruiting director at Scout.com. “In 2006, they had the No. 13 recruiting class. In 2007, they were No. 14. In 2008, No. 8.”
And Maryland hasn’t been in the top 25 in any of those years.
Call it an opportunity lost. When the Terps went to the Final Four in 2001 and won the NCAA championship in 2002 it was a chance for coach Gary Williams to increase his recruiting reach. To his detractors in Turtle Land, however, it appears as if it was a license to cruise.
The 2004 arrival and immediate success of coach John Thompson III at Georgetown hasn’t helped. When Thompson landed Freeman and ended DeMatha’s long embargo with his school, it was significant.
But even in his most successful seasons, Williams has not done it with highly-recruited players. Witness his national championship team.
“I think of Gary Williams as an architect,” said Telep. “The sum of all parts is greater than the individual. I think that’s how he views his program. He’s not a guy who looks for that one individual star.”
The highest-rated player Williams has landed in the last five years is Greivis Vasquez, ranked No. 46 by Rivals in 2006.
But there are indications that Maryland might be ready to pull out of the recruiting doldrums. James Padgett (6-8, 215) of Brooklyn is committed for 2009 and Jordan Williams (6-8, 245) of Conn. has verballed for 2010.
“Padgett is explosive,” said Telep. “Both of them are Gary Williams kind of guys.
