New Look, New Faces, New Terrapins!

The Terps' booster club (aka The Rebounders) got our first look at Maryland's new operating system this afternoon when we were invited to watch the team's full (intense!) 3-hour practice. Windows 7 may be replacing Vista this week, but that overhaul is nothin' compared to the challenge facing Coach B and her staff this season. Her team consists of 1 returning starter, a few sophomores who saw modest playing time, 1 senior/grad student transfer, and 4 talented -- but raw -- young freshmen. So this year's team is a totally new look with plenty of new faces. And as much as we still love those stars of yesteryears, the BasketCases have to admit that seeing all these new and young players was very exciting!

The roster wasn't the only thing that got a makeover. Rebounders were treated to a behind-the scenes tour of the newly refurbished Team Room. We definitely approve of the new lighter color scheme and new photos. Looks great!

And a new mantra above the locker room door.

The four completely new additions: (left to right) Freshmen Tianna Hawkins, Essence Townsend (who, btw, makes DeWanna Bonner look buff), Dara Taylor (lightning fast!), and the Terp who traveled the farthest (France to College Park), Diandra Tchatchouang.

New Assistant Coach Dave Adkins putting the team through defensive drills.

A little half-court work against the (also new!) Scout Team.

Coach B huddles with her team and coaches.

Despite an exhausting 3 hours of work, work, work . . . afterwards, the players graciously mingled with the Rebounders. The players (and a couple of the coaches) may be new, but the Terps fans aren't. There's no doubt -- judging from all the cheering coming from the stands during today's practice -- that "the team behind the team" will be there again this season, helping to encourage this young group to achieve great things. Go Terps!

Photo Credit: DC BasketCases