In 2010, Mosley far from old self

During last season's loss in the BB&T Classic, a surprising scoring option emerged on a Terrapin men's basketball team already led by three established seniors.

Guard Sean Mosley, who before had been recognized primarily for his intangibles and gritty play on defense, led the Terps to a near upset of then-No. 3 Villanova with a career-high 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting.

Just a year later, in the same venue as his breakout performance against the Wildcats, Mosley's struggles as a key cog of the Terps' revamped lineup were obvious. Mosley scored just four points in 19 minutes of action against Temple — the second-lowest amount of playing time this season for the junior.

Along with struggling senior guards Adrian Bowie and Cliff Tucker, Mosley could use tonight's game against a hapless UNC Greensboro (0-7) team as a stepping stone back to last year's level of play, when he averaged 10.2 points per game and shot 50.9 percent from the field.

With former starting guards Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes graduated, many believed Mosley, who finished his high school career as the second-highest scorer in this state's basketball history, would take on more of the scoring load this season.

But after a 21-point performance to start the season against Seattle on Nov. 8, the co-captain's scoring touch has slipped. Often reluctant to fire from deep or drive into the lane, Mosley is averaging only 8.3 points in nine games this season, the fourth most on the team.

"He had some really good people with him last year that allowed him to do certain things," coach Gary Williams said. "This year, there is more responsibility on Sean. Teams know him better."

With the added responsibility, the junior has shot just 39.1 percent from the field, including 3-for-14 from behind the 3-point arc. Through the BB&T Classic last year, Mosley was averaging 14.8 points per game and 64 percent from the field.

Even with his shooting struggles, Williams isn't overly concerned with what Mosley can bring to the team this season.

"We're hoping that he will ... gradually pick it up," Williams said. "You don't worry about Sean in terms of his caring [about the game], his wanting us to win. He brings that every game, every day."

"I just come in and play," Mosley said after a Nov. 26 win against Elon. "It's basketball. I'll try to take a couple of charges, get to the free-throw line, and that's how I get back into my rhythm. I'm coming around."

Backcourt struggles have been contagious for the Terps (6-3) of late. Bowie, Tucker and Mosley continued their inconsistent play with a combined eight points against Temple, prompting questions about their job security in the wake of impressive performances from freshmen Pe'Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin.

"The only thing I do is put the best team out there to win the games," said Williams, who added that about eight players had come into his office to discuss their performance and look over individual film since the loss. "That's not about losing confidence [in my starters]; it's just about trying to find what the best combination is."

Williams said yesterday that he would decide on the Terps' starting five after last night's practice but wouldn't release the lineup until shortly before tip-off tonight. Although Mosley's job is likely secure, he finds himself in a much different position than he was last December.

"This isn't about experimenting," Williams said. "This is about trying to put the best team out there to beat Greensboro. That's all I'm concerned with."

ceckard@umdbk.com