Earlier today, media members were able to attend a media availability on campus, as well as ask head coach Mark Turgeon some questions about the 2013-2014 version of his team. First off was an update on Shaq Cleare, who practiced today after being cleared by doctors.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Terps&src=hash">#Terps</a> center Shaq Cleare passed all tests for his injured back, cleared to go, practiced fully today, Mark Turgeon said.</p>— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/alex_prewitt/statuses/384683161835556865">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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That's obviously good news for Maryland, as Shaq was held out of the exhibition games in his native Bahamas earlier this year. Being able to have him available during these bonus 30 practices prior to when the season previously started should be huge for Shaq, who was recovering from a back injury.
Also notable from today's event - Turgeon gave three additional players scholarships for this season: Varun Ram, Spencer Barks, John Auslander.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Terps&src=hash">#Terps</a> placed Varun Ram, Spencer Barks, John Auslander on scholarship, Turgeon said. Brings them up to 12.</p>— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/alex_prewitt/statuses/384683319205847040">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Spencer was obviously very happy about the news
The other big news was that Penn State transfer Jon Graham is still awaiting word from the NCAA about a waiver.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jon Graham, transfer from Penn State, still going through waiver process. Turgeon guessed three weeks away from NCAA decision.</p>— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/alex_prewitt/statuses/384683725990408192">September 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Alex Prewitt has a lot more from today's event in this story. Be sure to check it out.
We'll have more on Maryland's upcoming season in the coming days.