Entering the 2002-03 college basketball season, few players have played in as many big games or have led their team to as much success as Maryland's senior point guard Steve Blake.
The lone returning starter from last year's NCAA championship team and preseason Naismith candidate, Blake has led the Terrapins to an 82-25 record through three seasons as a starter, including back-to-back trips to the Final Four. His 751 career assists are a Maryland record, and he is on pace to join Duke's Bobby Hurly, North Carolina's Ed Cota and North Carolina State's Chris Corchiani as the only players in ACC history to register 1,000 career assists.
"In Steve, we have the most experienced point guard in the country," Maryland head coach Gary Williams said. "Steve's been a three-year starter. He's played against all of the great point guards that have played in the last three years. I don't think any point guard has done more for his team than Steve has done for our team."
Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, Blake has developed a reputation for clutch performances against top competition, especially in the hotly contested Duke-Maryland games.
In the 2000-2001 regular season, Blake shut down former Duke all-star Jay Williams during both regular season meetings. In one of the most memorable games in Duke history, Blake limited his rival to just 13 points and 10 turnovers before fouling out with 1:51 in regulation. Williams then went on a magical run in front of a stunned Maryland crowd with Blake out of the game, scoring eight points in 13 seconds to lift the Blue Devils to an incredible 98-96 come-from-behind victory.
Blake's tenacious defense also stifled Williams during Maryland's 91-80 romp at Cameron Indoor Stadium, as he shot just 5-of-16 from the field. Blake, on the other hand, turned in a solid double-double performance with 11 points and 11 assists.
Blake was no friendlier to Duke last year, leading the Terrapins to an 87-73 victory in their last game at Maryland's Cole Field House. He collected eight points and 13 assists, while forcing Williams into six turnovers and limiting him to just 6-of-22 shooting.
Given his success over the past three years, Blake would seem poised to continue putting up his gaudy assist numbers and guide Maryland to another deep run into the NCAA tournament.
However, the 2002-2003 season could prove to be the most challenging for Blake. Last year's reserves--Tahj Holden, Drew Nicholas and Ryan Randle--hardly match the void left by the departures of sophomore Chris Wilcox and the talented senior trio of Juan Dixon, Lonny Baxter and Byron Mouton.
With Blake's favorite targets lost to graduation and the NBA, Williams will rely on his senior point guard to incorporate newcomers Jamar Smith, Nik Caner-Medly, Travis Garrison, John Gilchrist and Chris McCray.
"Nobody has played in more big games than Steve has," Williams said. "Hopefully his knowledge and his ability will help our younger players as we get started."
Not only will Blake be expected to lead this young group, but he will also have to handle the pressure that comes with being the defending national champion. He seems to have no qualms with the task.
"We've played a lot of great teams since I've been here," Blake said. "It's nothing new for me. We're going to be a balanced team. The new guys will learn from experience. I think they're going to be great players here."
Maryland's newcomers may be talented, but their success will depend largely on Blake's ability to get the ball to them at the right time and in the right place. Even if the Terrapins struggle early, Blake will likely have them ready for their Jan. 18 showdown against Duke in College Park, Md., when he will have the chance to show just how much he can do without his supporting cast of the past three years.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.