Maryland men's and women's basketball teams both selected as Big Ten Conference favorites

The Maryland men's and women's basketball programs received a lot of respect at Big Ten media day in Chicago on Thursday as both were picked as the preseason favorites to win the conference. Each team now shifts their focus to Magic Maryland Madness this Saturday, which unofficially kicks off what should be a very exciting basketball season for Mark Turgeon and Brenda Frese.

Maryland basketball

At Big Ten basketball media day, Maryland embraces soaring expectations - Washington Post
Maryland is entering their second season in the Big Ten with a large target on their back. Melo Trimble was picked as the preseason player of the year and the Terps have not only conference championship expectations, but also bringing a National Championship back to College Park. Under all of these expectations, Mark Turgeon said his team was working harder as a result.

Highlights from Big Ten basketball media day: Maryland the team to beat - Chicago Tribune
In the past year, Maryland has gone from a somewhat unknown in the Big Ten to the league favorite. And while the Terps have lofty expectations, Mark Turgeon said his team will be tested and humbled by a very difficult schedule that includes non-conference games against Georgetown, North Carolina, and UConn.

Terps women's basketball hopes to meet lofty expectations after spotless Big Ten debut - Baltimore Sun
The men's basketball program isn't the only one favored to win the Big Ten. The women's program was also selected as the preseason favorite.after going a perfect 18-0 in the Big Ten Conference last season. The women's team also won the Big Ten tournament and advanced to the Final Four. Might might end up as the Oregon of the East in football one day, but right now they seem like the new UConn when it comes to men's and women's basketball.

Damonte Dodd an x-factor for Maryland men's basketball?
When talking about Maryland basketball, the talk is mostly about Melo Trimble, Jake Layman, Diamond Stone or Rasheed Sulaimon, and rightfully so. But what about Damonte Dodd. Turgeon sang his praises at media day Thursday, specifically his play on defense. Could Dodd be the x-factor of the bench for Maryland this season?

Starting Five: Coaches Poll teams poised to break out
USA Today gives a quick profile on Maryland as one of the most intriguing story lines heading into the 2015-2016 season. "Mark Turgeon finally has all the pieces in place in his fifth season. But the Terrapins' re-emergence is only a projection at this point. High expectations are a good thing and all signs suggest the Terrapins have what it takes to cut down nets in March and April."

Maryland football

Maryland president sees Oregon-like potential in program; he's right - CBSSports.com
"It took ambition for Oregon to end nearly four decades of struggles and launch the modern Ducks' program we know today. At Maryland, with the momentum of Under Armour and new state-of-the-art facilities, the right coach could get the football program into contention at the speed of the hare, not the tortoise." Interesting to see others believing Maryland could be the next Oregon. That's why this next football hire is so important.

Sean Payton reportedly open to other head coaching opportunities - SBNation.com
It sounds like Payton wants to stay in the NFL and his salary this year is $8 mil, but man would it be amazing to have him on the sidelines in College Park.