Dodd Committment Most Likely Foreshaddows Attrition

There will be attrition, there always is every year and I know people on this board have speculated (and frankly its just that) about Pankey possibly transferring as well. The most likely scenario of more immediate attrition is Stoglin. Despite the numbers he has put up this year and how much those numbers have been needed to a certain extent (its a shame Stogs floor game can’t be more like it was last night—getting others involved more consistently), its no secret that there is tension between Turgeon and Stoglin.

Lately, its becoming more apparent that Stogs will walk after this year, as without getting to far into it, or divulging to much information (I can’t air out sources), I’ve heard that its becoming much more likely at this point and that Turgeon has imitated as much on the recruiting trail. Again, I’m just relaying the info I have been told from people that would know, or at least have been privy to such communication (even if in small doses). Honestly, its not all that surprising based off of some of the more recent (Twitter) incidents and the fact that Turgeon has been so frank in his commentary of Stogs game. Stogs is an amazing talent, but his oft-times unwavering “me first” style of play has grown tiresome to Turge and Turge’s frank dissection to the press of his game and style of play has likewise become tiresome to Stoglin.

Stoglin can score and the pros always want guys who can get buckets, but his game is not suited for the NBA right now (how many volume shooting 6’1 shooting guards do you see who are successful in the NBA?), but I don’t think it really matters at this juncture. I think Stoglin would be more apt to make adjustments at the pro level then he is now (FWIW). Both sides seem to think that the writing is already on the wall and that Stoglin will pursue making the jump at the conclusion of the season and test the waters in regards to his draft standing. I’d love to see some mediation of the minds here in regards to Turge and Stogs trying to find a common ground that allows Stoglin to maximize his skills and at the same time buy more into the “team concept” next year that Turgeon demands, but this is by no means a Jordan Williams scenario where everyone will be floored by Stoglin’s departure.

While it may have come out of left field, Dodd’s commitment does nothing at all to effect anyone’s current and or future standing on the team, they like his potential and its as simple as that—and the kid will redshirt next season anyway as he is not at all ready to be an ACC caliber player. By no means does Dodd’s commitment signal that they will stop pursuing Mitchell, Cassell (etc) or any other big that can help provide more immediate dividends next season. Dodd is a player that they feel can help add depth inside for the future—they know there are no immediate dividends with him other then having a player they really like signed sealed and delivered that they feel confident about coaching up and developing.

I mentioned it in another post as well, but the staff is also growing increasingly confident in there pursuit of the Harrison Twins, they obviously cannot come out and say such, but they like their chances right now and they will be on campus for the UVA game.

Also, there is a press release floating around about Dodd’s commitment, which I have included here, it maybe a pay wall related item, but I received it directly so I will share it.

“There are players like Damonte Dodd every year. Sleepers, late bloomers, under the radar types. Dodd, a senior big man from Queen Anne’s County High School in Centreville, Maryland, has come out of nowhere recently, and has been receiving interest from a number of colleges, including Georgetown, Dayton, Houston, Seton Hall, and Maryland. Dodd’s game has evolved to the point where he has now committed to the Maryland Terrapins. The formal offer and subsequent commitment occurred Tuesday during a visit to College Park, according to QACHS Head Coach Dale Becraft.

“Damonte is not the same player he was last year,” said Becraft. “His improvement has been astounding. He’s gotten bigger and stronger (now 6-9, 230 lbs), and his whole game has just gone to a new level. He’s been working with a personal trainer, and his conditioning has helped his game without question. He’s only 17, so he’s a young senior, and the doctors say his growth plates are still open. The thing with Damonte is his upside….he’s got lots of it.”

Becraft spoke more about the player and the person.

“Damonte’s putting up great numbers down here (24 ppg, 17 rpg, 6 bpg), and he should, because truthfully, he doesn’t play against anyone his size,” said Becraft. He’s already set the school record for blocks. The thing he needs most is the experience of playing against kids his own size. At Maryland, he’ll have that opportunity. He has a tremendous wing span, good timing, good speed, and he’ll rebound the ball. Right now on offense, he basically dunks everything, so polishing up some moves is a priority. His wing span is that of a seven footer, and he can catch the ball. He’s a low post guy, a back to the basket guy, but he has touch. He’s a very good free throw shooter. It’s just a question of time, and making the adjustment to major college ball. It will take him some time, but the Maryland coaches love his upside."

As a person, Becraft gave Dodd very high marks.

“Damonte is a great kid, a character kid,” said Becraft. “He’s never been in trouble, or had any disciplinary issues, or anything like that. He’s popular in school and in the community. He’s been easy to coach, and I think he’ll do the work he’ll need to do in order to improve. Damonte is a solid student (2.4 GPA), and he does need to raise his GPA a bit, but he will do the work in the classroom.”

So, how does a 6-9 kid from Centreville, Maryland (15 miles past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge) go unnoticed until recently?

“Damonte has had very little exposure,” said Becraft. “He played for a very small AAU program out of Annapolis, and also in a couple of summer leagues around here. But he’s never been on the national AAU circuit, and this area is not a basketball hotbed per se. As the season began though, he got better, and began putting up big numbers, so the word eventually got out. And then my phone began to ring. It’s been blowing up lately. All sorts of schools…high majors, mid majors, low majors, D-2s, JUCOS, you name it, they’ve called. It’s been crazy around here.”

Among those calling was the University of Maryland.

“Scott (Spinelli) came down and saw Damonte, and liked him a lot,” said Becraft. "He kept using the term “intriguing” to describe Damonte’s game. And then he came back a second time, and the next thing you know, Mark (Turgeon) showed up. He really liked the things Damonte could do. I think Maryland was determined to not let an in-state kid like Damonte leave the area, and go somewhere else and blow up. Maryland did its homework on this one, no doubt."

Becraft noted that Dodd had his sights set on Maryland as soon as the interest was shown by the staff.

“Once Maryland became involved, they immediately became Damonte’s top choice,” said Becraft. “I’ve had Georgetown, Dayton, and all these other schools calling here, but Damonte was unwavering in his desire to be a Terp. So, both he and the staff decided to formalize this as quickly as possible. It’s not 100% clear whether or not Damonte will go to Maryland immediately this fall , or possibly do a prep year. The Maryland staff and the family will make that determination. If he raises his SAT a bit, he’ll be good to go academically. He could go now and redshirt a year, or prep, or go and be active immediately. That determination will be made after the season is over.”

Dodd will not be an instant impact big man for Maryland, but he doesn’t have to be, with four bigs tentatively set to return next year. But this young man has some tools to work with, and his recent improvement would seem to bode well for being a solid contributor a year or two down the line. Rebounding and shot blocking are skills that translate well from high school to college. With big men, development often comes in leaps and bounds. Damonte Dodd’s best basketball seems to be ahead of him. And now his dream of becoming a Terp is being realized.

Queen Anne’s County High School has a bye in the first round the Maryland State Playoffs in the 2A classification. Their first game will be next Tuesday vs the winner of the North Caroline/Wicomico game."