Lost in the Moment: Jerome Burney's Semi-Return

There was a lot of hype leading up to a game that was ultimately disappointing in basically every aspect, but there was one extremely late development you might've missed: Jerome Burney was in uniform and warming up for Maryland.

Burney, of course, was ruled out for the season and likely the rest of his career in October due to chronic foot and leg injuries. He remained on the team as a strength and conditioning consultant or something along those lines, but he didn't occupy a scholarship and was presumed to be finished for the rest of his career.

So it was more than a little surprising when he laced it up and showed up in Maryland's lay-up lines. A team spokesperson apparently said he's eligible, dressed, and ready to play if needed.

Now, he didn't play, and was actually basically invisible. He was sitting at the very end of the bench, it probably never even crossed Gary Williams' mind to put him in the game.

At the very least, though, this means that Jerome is healthy (or getting healthy), and that's a good thing. He's a likable person and it's good to see him doing well. And maybe, just maybe, he'll knock off enough rust to steal a few of Dino Gregory's minutes per game late in the season. After that showing, I don't think anyone would complain. (For the record, I still like Dino. No one looked good, so no point in singling him out. That said, adding athleticism and height is a good thing.)

Wouldn't count on it, but I'll keep an eye on it. And who knows, maybe he comes back next year and adds even more depth. Poor James Padgett. He'll never see the floor.