It was just yesterday that my best friend and I were sitting in the MCI Center (now Verizon Center) as the Terrapins took on the George Washington Colonials for the BB&T Classic. Given that she is a Colonial, I only felt compelled to challenge her and a little kid who decided to scream, “Strawberries can’t play basketball!” After struggling with running the point guard position last season, Strawberry has made it clear that he can play, and exceptionally well as he has led the Terps back to a 20 plus win season and a chance to beat their feet in the Big Dance also known as the NCAA Tournament. During the team’s final seven wins, Strawberry averaged 17.1 points, including a career high 27 in the 89-87 win over North Carolina. After the game against NC State, Coach Williams couldn’t refrain from bragging as he explained, he “has become one of the top players in the country. I don't think there is any doubt about that. He is so versatile and explosive at his game. His effort and intensity are contagious.” Thus, I rest my case, Strawberries can too play basketball!

It was the last time the students of College Park would be able to yell “Who?” after a bucket by guard Mike Jones. Jones, the Class of ‘07’s only All-American was often times seen as a three point threat and came into this season ranked ninth in the program’s history for three pointers made with 122. Jones came into his final year as a Terp knowing that he had to step up and help lift the burden from DJ’s shoulders and he did just that as he went from averaging 10.5 points last season to 13.4 closing out this year. Jones also finish fourth in conference with 71 three pointers made. So the next time someone asks, “Mike Jones, who?” you can tell them the three point thriller from Maryland, or the kid whose career high 25 points came in a win over Duke, that should bring forth a few nods of satisfaction.

If ever you want a highlight reel during a Maryland game all you have to do is focus on #25. Ekene Ibekwe has been one of the Terps’ most critical players this season as he has averaged 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. When an opponent needed to be reminded of whose house they were in, Ibekwe would supply the demand and either slam down a SportsCenter worthy dunk or go for a crucial block. He finished atop the ACC in blocks with 81 on the season. Coach Williams said of his defender after Saturday’s game, “He is a great shot blocker; I don't think there are many guys in the country that can block a shot better than he does. Once he starts doing that, the intimidation factor is there. I am really proud of the way Ekene has stepped up his game.” Not only did he step it up, but he was consistent with it, something the team lacked in recent years.

He’s only seen action in 10 games this season and his stat line is as follows: 30 minutes 7 points 6 rebounds one assist and one steal. But it wasn’t his stats that brought for a thunderous cheer of “We Want Gini” throughout the Comcast Center during a timeout with 3:34 remaining in the game.The two-time varsity letter Good Counsel walk-on didn’t make a splash as a Terrapin, Gini Chukura made his presence felt in the heart of fans and his teammates. Coach Williams put Gini in the game with 1:51 seconds remaining and the crowd couldn’t have been any more excited. Though he failed to score in his final home game, with the ACC Tournament around the corner all hope is not lost. I still dream of Gini--scoring a point in last days as a Maryland Terrapin.

Note: "Bama" is a DC Metropolitan based term for one who lacks style or for lack of better words is uncool.

Adina Ferguson can be emailed at