Notes from Puerto Rico: Maryland's draw, Faust's new mohawk

Musings ("reflexiones") from the Puerto Rico Tip-Off

*Was Nick Faust really sporting a modified mohawk cut during a workout yesterday  at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico? He sure was.

"He says it’s lucky for him," coach Mark Turgeon said.

Faust may be a freshman, but he's sure got his hands full.

"Poor kid. he's got to play point guard. He's got to guard the best player on the other team. He's got a lot on his plate," Turgeon said.

If you follow me on Twitter, you can see a photo I posted last night of a limping Pe'Shon Howard with Faust and his haircut in the background. Aren't you giddy with anticipation?

*Turgeon didn't like the draw that has Maryland playing Alabama today and then going against either Colorado -- which is coached by Tad Boyle, Turgeon’s close friend and former Kansas teammate – or Wichita State. Turgeon is the former Wichita State coach.

“Neither one would be any fun. I was disappointed the bracket came out that way,” Turgeon said. "They couldn't put us with Temple because we play Temple later in the year. A lot of things they do are made for TV or made for stories."

*The modern, sleek Coliseo de Puerto Rico normally seats about 14,000 but it wasn't necessary to use the upper deck for this eight-team tournament. So they closed the upper seats and  spectators will be confined to the lower bowl, which seats about 7,000 to 8,000.

*What does Maryland need to work on? Don't say "everything." Turgeon says it's transition defense and rebounding.

"Guys are supposed to get to certain spots every time a shot goes up. We’re not getting to those spots," Turgeon said.