Maryland men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams has chosen to focus on his team rather than engage in the ongoing criticism surrounding the NCAA’s decision to allow James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, to enroll at Baylor. Following Maryland’s 64-54 loss to Oregon on Friday night at Xfinity Center, Williams emphasized his commitment to building the Terps, who currently sit at 7-7 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten.
In his remarks, Williams avoided joining fellow coaches such as Tom Izzo of Michigan State, Danny Hurley of UConn, and John Calipari of Arkansas in criticizing the NCAA’s decisions. Instead, Williams stated, “I’ve really tried to pour myself into giving my best to our group… the worst reaction is an emotional reaction.” He added that he would refrain from commenting on the situation at this time, as he focuses on preparing his team for their upcoming game against Indiana.
The controversy began when Baylor announced on December 24 that they had signed Nnaji, a 7-foot center from Makurdi, Nigeria, who could potentially play in their next game against TCU. In response to the announcement, Izzo lamented, “[S]hame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too,” while Hurley called for clearer guidelines regarding player eligibility. Calipari expressed frustration over the NCAA granting Nnaji four years of eligibility.
Baylor coach Scott Drew defended his actions, stating he is simply adhering to the current rules. Two days later, NCAA president Charlie Baker clarified that the organization will not grant eligibility to any student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract. Notably, despite being drafted by the Detroit Pistons, Nnaji did not sign a contract with any NBA team and has yet to play in a regular-season game.
Nnaji is not the first player with limited NBA experience to transition back to college basketball. Players like Thierry Darlan, who has spent two years in the G League, and London Johnson, who played three seasons in the G League, are also navigating similar paths.
Williams, while acknowledging the noise surrounding the NCAA’s decision, stated that he does not want his opinions to become “fodder” for social media. “One of the intangibles we’re focusing on is, don’t blame, don’t complain, don’t defend, and figure out how to get better,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
Game Analysis: Maryland vs. Oregon
In the game against Oregon, the Terps struggled defensively, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored 32-12. Maryland faced a tough decision: focus on defending the three-point line or protect the interior. While the Terps successfully limited Oregon’s perimeter shooting to 31.3%, they were unable to contain the Ducks’ powerful frontcourt.
Maryland’s defense was challenged by Oregon’s size advantage, with players like Nate Bittle and Kwame Evans Jr. contributing significantly to the Ducks’ scoring. Williams recognized the need for adjustment, stating, “We don’t want to get bullied in the paint, and we want them to miss every three.”
The Terps also faced difficulties in drawing fouls, with Maryland ranking seventh in the Big Ten in total foul shots. The Ducks, on the other hand, excelled at avoiding fouls, committing only 12 during the game. This disparity limited Maryland’s opportunities at the free-throw line, where they attempted just 14 shots.
Player Performances and Injuries
The absence of senior power forward Pharrel Payne due to a right knee injury has left a gap in Maryland’s lineup. Solomon Washington, a Texas A&M transfer, has stepped up in his place, recording double-doubles in his last two games, including 17 points and 12 rebounds against Oregon.
Williams praised Washington’s defensive skills and his ability to adapt to the team’s needs, noting, “He’s an elite-level defender.” Washington himself acknowledged the importance of winning, stating, “It’s good to score the ball, but it would feel better to win.”
As the Terps prepare for their next challenge against Indiana, the focus remains on improvement and overcoming adversity in a competitive conference.
