On a Friday teleconference from Tallahassee, Gary Williams addressed a few personnel questions on the Terp men’s basketball team.
“Not-yet-Jumpin’” Jerome Burney
Jerome Burney, the long, athletic, defensive-minded center the Terps could definitely use as they enter ACC play, is still injured. He’s had a boot on his foor for months now, and it doesn’t sound like things are improving.
Last season, Burney looked as though he’d be the Terps’ top option at center this year, but he’s been hindered by foot issues “long before it came to that boot situation,” according to Williams.
The 20th-year coach seemed troubled by his bigman’s injury issues, which also caused him to miss his freshmen year.
“It’s a shame really, because the kid really hasn’t had a chance to show that he can play,” Williams said.
Tucker hasn’t earned time
Williams also addressed the lack of playing time for Cliff Tucker lately. The sophomore earned a starting position early in the year but has seemingly been in the doghouse of late.
He’s averaged just 11.4 minutes per game this season but just 6.0 in the last three games. I’ll let the coach explain himself on this one:
“He just hasn’t been consistent,” Williams said. “He hasn’t stepped up to be that player that you can throw in there for 15 or 20 minutes every night. He’s had his moments where he makes great plays, but he’s going to have to play. He’s got to get in there and I have to play him more and whatever happens, happens, It’s very important both Sean Mosley and Cliff Tucker play because that gives us backups for the three guards.”
Tucker may see more action now, with the schedule intensifying, Williams suggested. It seems just as possible that he’d see less, though, as the games mean more and Williams may prefer a lineup he fully trusts.
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