Accepting the Facts

I like to think I will admit when I'm wrong. For example, I will admit that I was wrong for thinking that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter for the Yankees. That's flat out wrong. Between his demeanor, lack of consistency as a starter, and ability to make an above average fastball nearly untouchable once he enters the bullpen, it's safe to say that Joba was born to be a closer.

On the other hand, I do not like to think I am wrong very often. Was I wrong to think that Virginia men's basketball has a team this year that can compete for a NCAA tournament berth? Eight straight losses, including six by double digits, seem to answer that question, though I still believe that with a different rotation the Hoos would be competitive.

The bottom line, though, is that tonight I'll admit I could not have been any more wrong about the Maryland Terps. I was not a believer even as Maryland continued to rise in the ACC standings. But after watching them dismantle Virginia, pull off a tight one at home against Georgia Tech, play two overtimes and come out victorious against Virginia Tech, and take one from the No. 4 team in the country in Duke tonight I have to tip my hat to them.

Throughout it all the Terps, led by Jersey Shore cast member Greivis Vasquez, looked like a team coming to life at the right time. Tonight they proved that even when Vasquez is not having his best game (11 of those points came late in the second half after he sat on the bench for additional rest), the team can still score.

Four players scored in double figures for Maryland. Off the bench Adrian Bowie provided a lift as Vasquez rested and hit a step-back three to give Maryland a five-point lead midway through the second half. That allowed enough time for their leader, who I will admit should be named ACC Player of the Year, to sit and prepare for the stretch run.

After he returned, Vasquez came through for Maryland. With Maryland up two and only a minute remaining, Vasquez secured a rebound, drained the shot clock and pulled off a running one-handed floater, sealing the game for Maryland. The only thing left to give him is that Player of the Year trophy.

Now that is about all of the love I can ever give Maryland. Sure, no one outside of College Park believed that this team could have this kind of season. Once again, Gary Williams showed that he can still coach mediocre recruits and turn the team into a very good one. But lets not get carried away.

Down the stretch, Duke appears to still be the team poised to make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. I think that Maryland is no better than a Sweet 16 team mainly because of the lack of interior offense. Landon Milbourne has scored over 1,000 points in his career, but his 6-7 frame will struggle against big foes. Jordan Williams notched a great game against the Blue Devils with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but what if he gets into foul trouble. Maryland cannot rely on 6-7 Dino Gregory to take up space and pound underneath.

Maryland has one game remaining with hopes of carrying this momentum into an ACC Tournament run. My Wahoos stand in their away and I would love nothing more than slowing down the Terps and seeing those veins of Coach Williams popping out of his forehead.

Other quick thoughts on headlines:

-I'm sad to see Allen Iverson announcing that he is not going to return to the 76ers this season. It is also rumored that he will officially retire after the season concludes. Iverson should be remembered not for his "practice" press conference, his personality that appeared selfish at times, or his hip-hop image that seems to have taken over the NBA. Instead, Iverson should be applauded for giving his fans and teammates 150% every night. His body started to break down in his early 30's after years of punishment. I am sad to see him go and look forward to watching ESPN Classic highlights of his career.

-I am beginning to understand the NFL and these "tender" contracts that restricted free agents receive. That does not mean that I like what this offseason is going to bring, but it does add a new aspect to what should be an exciting summer. At the very least it has taken the spotlight off Brett Favre.

-Finally, I hope a safe and speedy recovery for Peyton Manning. Surgery on the neck is never a good thing. I hope the true nature of the injury is not as serious as it can sound.