Coach: Gary Williams, 10th season at Maryland (164-112), 21st overall (371-240).
Affiliation: Atlantic Coast Conference.
1997-98 record: 21-11 overall, 10-6 in ACC.
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), WMAL (630 AM), WMUC (650 AM).
Arena: Cole Field House (14,500).
Starters lost: Two.
Tickets: Season tickets sold out. Call 800-462-8377 for single-game availability.
Best home game: Duke, Jan. 3. The Terps will look to exorcise some demons when they meet the Blue Devils, the preseason No. 1. Duke whipped Maryland by 32 and 27 points last season.
Best visiting player: Elton Brand, Duke, Jan. 3. The Blue Devils sophomore center was en route to ACC Rookie of the Year honors last season before he suffered a broken foot in practice and missed 15 games. This season, he just might be the best player in the nation.
Outlook: Is it too much for a program that hasn't even been to a regional final since 1975 to talk about the Final Four? Perimeter shooting could be a problem, but Williams has few other concerns on the deepest team he has ever had at Maryland. Laron Profit is one of the top returning players in the ACC. Even though junior-college All-American Steve Francis can play on the wing, he and two-year starter Terrell Stokes must coexist at the point.
Returning players
Name -- LaRon Cephas
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 223
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Recovering from off-season knee surgery.
Name -- Obinna Ekezie
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-10
Wt. -- 262
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Student from Nigeria must ace boards.
Name -- Norman Fields
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Former walk-on can play in pinch.
Name -- Matt Hahn
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Wt. -- 162
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Atholton High; dad is assistant Billy.
Name -- Mike Mardesich
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 7-0
Wt. -- 255
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Biggest option off the bench.
Name -- Terence Morris
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-9
Wt. -- 205
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Doesn't need to star yet.
Name -- Laron Profit
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-5
Wt. -- 202
Pos. -- F/G
Fast breaks -- Has subtleties down pat; needs to lead.
Name -- Terrell Stokes
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Wt. -- 187
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Could climb to No. 2 in career assists.
Name -- Brian Watkins
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-9
Wt. -- 229
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- 48 minutes last season; wants more.
Newcomers
Name -- Lonny Baxter
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 250
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Wide body can get out and run.
Name -- Juan Dixon
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 152
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- The kid from Calvert Hall can score.
Name -- Steve Francis
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 194
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Ready to show what fuss is about.
@Name -- Danny Miller
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 205
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Parade All-American works the wings.
Pub Date: 11/13/98