Maryland men’s basketball interim coach Danny Manning explained he wanted to “challenge” guards Fatts Russell and Hakim Hart by holding them out of the starting lineup Tuesday against Michigan, per Sam Oshtry of Testudo Times.
Ian Martinez and Xavier Green started in Russell and Hart’s place. ESPN broadcast described the lineup adjustment as “an internal matter.”
Russell and Hart both entered the game off the bench following the first media timeout of the game at the under 16-minute mark.
Manning added Maryland “needed more from them.”
He also added, “We’re at a point now we’re going to push some buttons, do some things a little bit different.”
Unfortunately, Manning’s plan backfired. Michigan jumped out to a 39-19 halftime lead over Maryland. The Wolverines then cruised to an 83-64 win, dropping the Terrapins to a 1-6 record in Big Ten play.
Russell finished the game with four points on 2-of-6 shooting and three assists in 26 minutes. Hart had one point, missing both of his shots from the field, with three assists in 23 minutes.
It’s been a tumultuous season for Maryland. Head coach Mark Turgeon abruptly resigned after just eight games into the season. Then earlier this month, assistant coach Bruce Shingler was suspended by the school for 30 days following charges of solicitation of prostitution.
Georgetown transfer Qudus Wahab has been a huge disappointment. Russell, Hart and fellow guard Eric Ayala have carried the team as much as they could. But they’re now 9-9 overall on the season and searching for answers before the season is completely loss.
