It appears that after months of waiting for a decision from shooting guard sensation Lance Stephenson, Maryland Terrapin fans may only have to wait a little longer. Gary Williams and Maryland have now spent the most time with Lance out of all the schools he's still considering for college.
According to ESPN's list of top recruits for 2009, Lance Stephenson is the only top 25 uncommitted high school player.
Stephenson's sexual assault hearing is scheduled for June 29th. Last season's turbulent roller coaster ride led to an explosive eruption between Maryland's Head Coach Gary Williams and Athletic Director Debbie Yow, who eventually issued a statement of support for her head coach. Gary's ability to take the high road in recruiting was well documented in a series of articles by the Washington Post.
Many questions exist that won't be answered until the hearing concludes, so it's too early to ask whether Maryland should offer a scholarship to Stephenson or not and that assumes that Maryland is where he wants to play basketball. It could be another rocky season for the Terps, but the front court addition of James Padgett should help considerably.
ESPN already has Maryland receiving commitments for the 25th ranked HS player in SF Terrence Ross and 74th ranked PG Terrell Stoglin. The 2009 season may have more growing pains, but the 2010 season looks much brighter. The thought of adding a true shooting guard should help stretch the opposing defense.
Terps fans may only have weeks to wait before a court's ruling and a decision by Stephenson forcing Maryland to decide if character enters into the equation for a scholarship besides shear talent alone. Gary's made good judgment calls in the past regarding players troubled history and bringing along a player that will require more supervision from Gary on a more personal level may be a new challenge for Williams and take time away from what Gary Williams does best - coach.
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