Moving back to natural position has made freshman Faust more comfortable
Who has benefited the most from the return of Maryland point guard Pe’Shon Howard? Freshman Nick Faust, who struggled through the first nine games of his college career playing out of position at the point, has looked much more comfortable on the wing.
In his first nine games, Faust had more turnovers (25) than assists (22). But over his last three games, the 6-foot-6 Faust has had 10 assists and one turnover.
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“Not having the ball as much has really helped build up his game with the turnovers,” Howard said. “It also allows him to rebound because our point guards have to get back [on defense]. There’s a lot of things he can do [now} that weren’t in his game.”
Faust’s shooting also has improved vastly. In his first nine games, Faust hit 19 of 66 shots (28.8 percent) from the floor and five of 27 (18.5 percent) from the arc. Since Howard’s return, Faust has made 12 of 26 shots (46.1 percent), including three of seven from the arc.
“Things like crashing into the boards to help me get my flow, going to the basket, have helped me a lot,” Faust said of his newfound freedom on the wing.
Faust had his best game as a Terp in Saturday’s 75-63 win over Samford, scoring 13 points and dishing four assists in 26 efficient minutes. Faust hit five of eight shots and three of four from the arc.
“To be honest I didn’t like any of his 3-pointers except for the last one he made right in front of the bench. The other ones off the dribble, I didn’t love,” coach Mark Turgeon said. “I am happy for Nick. He needed that. He has been coming in early and staying late to shoot. He continues to guard. My whole thing is, if guys guard, rebound, and do what they’re supposed to, then I will let them shoot one that they aren’t supposed to.”
Faust has lost his starting job and is averaging 25 minutes per game as opposed to 31 when Howard was out. But Faust will take the reduced minutes as long as they come with a boost in confidence.
“Going back to the two and three have definitely helped me a lot,” Faust said.
