Williams continues strong play; Terps sign two recruits

With his 20-point, 11-rebound performance against Maine on Sunday, Terrapin men's basketball forward Jordan Williams accomplished something no Terp has in 15 years: five straight double-doubles.

The streak includes his two NCAA Tournament games last season, during which Williams broke out onto the national scene and generated considerable expectations for his play this season.

And after a productive summer reshaping his body, Williams has quickly solidified his position as one of the conference's premier post players. He's recorded at least 17 points and 11 rebounds in each of the Terps' first three games, and his dominance was recognized Monday by the ACC when he received conference Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career.

"It's extremely humbling," Williams said. "It's only the first week, so I have to keep pushing. I'm never satisfied with how I play. I always have to find something to get better at, something to improve my game."

STARTING SLOW

Terp guard Adrian Bowie didn't start his senior season off exactly how he wanted, committing several turnovers and picking up two fouls against Seattle in the team's season opener Nov. 8.

But it wasn't just Bowie struggling. The Terps (3-0) didn't build a substantial lead until late in the first half.

Just two days later, College of Charleston held a four-point lead less than five minutes into its contest against the Terps, who battled inconsistent play for a second straight game.

Their early-game woes faded against Maine last Sunday, with the Terps scoring the game's first eight points. Players said they recognize the importance of starting off quickly, especially in games such as tomorrow night's against No. 4 Pittsburgh.

But coach Gary Williams didn't seem too worried by their struggles.

"As long as we're playing with a certain level of intensity, whether we score a lot or not doesn't bother me," Williams said. "No one has ever won a game in the first four minutes anyway. There's still 36 minutes left. So if you do get off to a bad start, it's just shooting the basketball or turning the ball over."

TERPS SIGN TWO RECRUITS

Shooting guard Nick Faust of Baltimore and point guard Sterling Gibbs of Scotch Plains, N.J., signed national letters-of-intent to play for the Terps beginning in the 2011-12 season, the team announced yesterday.

The signings were mere formalities for the two high school seniors, who had already orally committed to Williams and the Terps.

Faust, rated the No. 37 player nationally by ESPN, possesses a thin 6-foot-6 build and the ability to score and handle the ball. He is also the first player from Baltimore to sign with the Terps since Sean Mosley.

"Over the years, we've had quite a few guys from Baltimore," Williams said. "I think they've done really well. Nick Faust is the latest."

Gibbs is the nation's No. 23 point guard, according to ESPN, and the younger brother of Pittsburgh guard Ashton Gibbs.

"Sterling is a very smart point guard who has played against outstanding competition," Williams said. "Sterling plays the game in such a way that makes his team better. He's a winner, and that is what we look for in our recruits."

ceckard@umdbk.com