Dusty May describes Maryland’s ‘potent offensive players’

No. 17 Michigan men’s basketball is preparing for its final home game of the season on Wednesday. The Wolverines will host No. 13 Maryland at 6:30 p.m., and the matchup has plenty of Big Ten title implications. Michigan only has a chance at the regular season conference title if it wins its final two games.

Dusty May previews matchup against Maryland

The Terrapins have won eight of their last ten games, including wins over then-No. 17 Illinois and then-No. 17 Wisconsin, respectively. Michigan head coach Dusty May said Maryland is an “extremely talented, well coached, fun team to watch”, and it will be the first time the teams have faced this season.

New: Olivia Olson named Big Ten co-freshman of the year, more Wolverines honored

Freshman Maryland center Derik Queen has put himself on the map this season and leads his team with 15.9 points per game. He also puts up 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. Queen doesn’t have a typical low-post game, and it tends to give opposing defenses issues.

May said he holds Queen in high regard.

“He’s extremely talented with the ball in his hands, as a passer, (and with) his ability to play out of double teams,” May said of Queen Monday. “He’s a really good driver (and) finisher. He’s got an odd game – he can finish with either hand off either foot. He plays at his own pace. He’s one of the best offensive players in America.

“He’s going to present a lot of challenges. He’s got a similar game as Danny (Wolf) though, where they’re unique, so that’s going to be an interesting matchup.”

While Wolf might be occupied with Queen, Maryland has another big-man Michigan could have trouble with: Julian (JuJu) Reese. Reese is first on his team in rebounds (9.4) and blocks (1.6) per game.

The Wolverines have a unique center of their own in Vladislav Goldin. The seven-footer is a top-ten scorer in the Big Ten (16.1 ppg), and is top-five in blocks per game (1.4). 

More: Michigan hockey set to host Penn State in Big Ten tournament quarterfinal

May said his team will have to be wary of everyone when they’re on defense.

“JuJu and Vlad will be a couple rams battling down on the block,” May said. “We need to do a nice job on (Ja’Kobi) Gillespie and (Selton) Miguel and (Rodney) Rice – those guys are potent offensive players.”

After the Wolverines take on Maryland, they will end the regular season at Michigan State Sunday (March 9) with the conference title potentially on the line.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms