It has been interesting to see how the D.C. area’s four new college basketball coaches have meshed with their best players. Here’s how it has worked out so far: Ryan Pearson (George Mason) » In October, when Paul Hewitt was asked about the low-post talents of his 6-foot-6 senior, he corrected the questioner. “Ryan is so much more than just a low-post threat,” Hewitt said. “You’re going to see him do a lot more things.” Hewitt has been spot-on. Pearson is averaging 21.3 points (up from 14.2), 9.0 rebounds (up from 6.7), 1.8 assists (up from 1.2) and 1.7 steals (up from 0.9) and is shooting 59 percent from the field (up from 51).
Terrell Stoglin (Maryland) » The relationship between Mark Turgeon and the 6-1 sophomore will be a continuing storyline. It has been tough to judge so far. In the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, Stoglin followed an 0-for-9 performance in a loss to Alabama with his career high (32 points) on 12-for-21 shooting in a win over Colorado.
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Tony Taylor (George Washington) » Coach Mike Lonergan said in preseason that Taylor was the furthest along of his players, and he has shown his comfort level with increases in points (15 a game to 18.3), field goal shooting (42 percent to 52 percent) and 3-point shooting (34 percent to 62 percent).
Jordan Sugars (Navy) » The 6-3 senior is struggling in the controlled offense of coach Ed DeChellis. His scoring (11.2 ppg) is down from 16.0 as he is getting fewer looks from beyond the arc, trying 4.8 3s a game and hitting 25 percent, far short of last year’s 7.3 attempts and 34 percent rate.
– Kevin Dunleavy
