Fans get first flashes of newcomers

Freshmen, transfer make strong impressions with diligent work at practices

If Maryland Madness is typically more style over substance, the newcomers to this year’s Terps men’s basketball team might have to adjust their priorities.

Listening to coach Mark Turgeon at Big Ten media day Thursday in New York, you would think freshmen Darryl Morsell (Mount Saint Joseph) and Bruno Fernando, as well as graduate transfer Sean Obi, play the game wearing construction hardhats and work boots. Xfinity Center Saturday, 7:30 p.m. What: Free ceremony to introduce men’s and women’s basketball teams

All three are expected to play important roles for the 2017-18 Terps who begin the regular season Nov. 10 against Stony Brook at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. They have already made strong impressions on their coach and new teammates.

“Darryl and Bruno have been fantastic,” Turgeon said. “We haven't slowed down for them. They've kept up, with everything that we've put in. You know, when I signed both those players, I wanted to add toughness and physicality to our team, and we did that with both of them.”

Morsell, who along with 2018 commit Jalen Smith led Mount Saint Joseph to the 2017 Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title, is expected to back up sophomore Anthony Cowan at point guard. Cowan started every game as a freshman for a 24-9 team that lost to Xavier in the NCAA tournament’s Round of 64.

“Darryl is a big guard (6 feet 4, 205 pounds). He's playing point guard. He played point guard on his AAU team, did not for his high school team. He has a lot to learn there,” Turgeon said. “And he’s got Anthony up in him every day, which is hard.

“Anthony is obviously pressuring the ball. But Darryl is doing a terrific job.