COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - Maryland coach Mark Turgeon needed a full season to find out what it's like to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Now, one year after replacing long-time Terrapins coach Gary Williams, Turgeon has a better understanding of his own team - and the competition.
He said this season "is completely different" because he has a feel for the league and what it takes to be successful.
Maryland lost standout guard and leading scorer Terrell Stoglin, who received a one-year disciplinary suspension in April and decided to leave the team. But several key players return - most notably 7-foot-1 sophomore center Alex Len, 6-8 senior forward James Padgett and guards Pe'Shon Howard and Nick Faust.
Maryland opens its season on Nov. 9 against defending national champion Kentucky.