As Maryland picks up the pieces from another disappointing finish, it's easy to see what needs to be fixed. The hard part is how to do it between now and November.

"Ourselves and N.C. State were probably the two slowest teams in the ACC," coach Gary Williams said. "And physically, we need to get stronger."

The problem is that James Gist and Bambale Osby, the fastest and strongest players on the team, respectively, are out of eligibility. But the Terps have now missed the NCAA Tournament three of the last four years, and their 19-15 final record simply isn't good enough.

Williams' job isn't in jeopardy, but there is no question Maryland is wedged in an era of mediocrity. Within the last few years, the Terps have lost out on Maryland natives Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley. Durant and Beasley, of course, could be consecutive Players of the Year in college basketball. Those two certainly could have pulled Maryland out of its current funk.

Instead, it will be up to sophomores Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes to grow and mature. The process started this season and must continue through the offseason for Maryland to compete in the always-competitive ACC.

"We've got to have the younger guys step up and get stronger physically," Williams said, "and make a commitment to be basketball players 365 days a year."

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