On Dec. 30, Maryland men's basketball head coach Mark Turgeon told reporters he talked to freshman guard Kevin Huerter after Maryland's 84-59 win against Illinois Dec. 27 about being less bashful on the offensive end. After all, Huerter -- one of Turgeon's best shooters -- had totaled 11 shots during his previous three games and four against Illinois.
"We talked about mid-range game, getting to the foul line a little bit more. But people just aren't helping off him," Turgeon said. "There's a reason Anthony [Cowan is] shooting free throws. There's a reason Melo [Trimble is] getting to the rim -- because they're not helping off Kevin Huerter, and they're not helping off certain guys. So it helps open up our offense. But as league play goes on, six or seven shots a game would be a lot better for us."
Two days later, the bright spot in Maryland's 67-65 loss to Nebraska Jan. 1 was Huerter. He was the best player on the floor for either team, shooting 9-of-17 from the floor and 7-of-11 from 3-point range in 35 minutes. The Terps' deft double screens against the Huskers' man-to-man defense got Huerter free for open looks, until Nebraska switched to a 1-3-1 zone late in the game.
