Maryland basketball's 84-53 win over Florida A&M on Monday night at Xfinity Center was a relatively drama-free affair, with the Terps racing out to a 15-0 lead and never looking back. However, the real intrigue came after the game when head coach Kevin Willard was asked about his decision not to start five-star freshman Derik Queen in the second half.

Willard's Lineup Choices Spark Curiosity as Terps Prepare for Marquette

Willard Benches Queen, Citing Unsatisfactory First-Half Performance

When asked why he didn't start five-star freshman Derik Queen in the second half, Maryland coach Kevin Willard provided a blunt response, stating, "I didn't like the way [Queen] was playing in the first half." Willard's unwillingness to elaborate further on the matter only added to the intrigue, as he simply reiterated his dissatisfaction with Queen's performance and asserted his authority as the head coach, saying, "That's the great thing about being a head coach. I get to make decisions and you guys get to criticize it."While Willard's decision may raise eyebrows, it's important to note that this is a common occurrence during the early stages of the season, as coaches work to establish their expectations and hold players accountable. For a strict coach like Willard, the non-conference schedule is an opportunity to set the tone and ensure his team is playing to his standards.

Reese Shines as Terps Dominate in the Paint

Despite the attention on Willard's lineup decision, the game itself was largely a one-sided affair, with the Terps asserting their dominance in the paint. Julian Reese, the other member of Maryland's imposing center duo, had his best game of the season, posting 21 points and nine rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting in just 20 minutes of action.Willard praised Reese's performance, acknowledging the "learning curve" the young center has faced in adjusting to his new teammates. "One of the frustrating things for Julian — he hasn't been frustrated, but when you put this many new guys out there with him, there is a learning curve understanding where he likes the ball, when to get the ball, where to get the ball," Willard said.The Rattlers (0-3) simply didn't have the size to contest Reese or the Terps (3-0) in the paint, allowing Maryland to control the game from the opening tip. This performance from Reese is a positive development for the Terps, as they look to establish a balanced scoring attack after relying heavily on Jahmir Young last season.

Balanced Scoring Bodes Well for Maryland's Offensive Versatility

One of the most encouraging aspects of Maryland's early-season success has been the team's balanced scoring. A different player has led the Terps in scoring in all three games, a stark contrast to last year when Jahmir Young carried the load with little help.This diversification of the scoring load is a testament to the team's depth and the progress of players like Reese, who has already shown significant improvement from his freshman campaign. Willard's emphasis on developing his young core, including the highly touted Queen, will be crucial as the Terps prepare to face a formidable opponent in No. 15 Marquette this Friday.As the Terps continue to gel and find their identity, Willard's ability to manage his rotation and hold players accountable will be a key factor in their success. While the decision to bench Queen may have raised some eyebrows, it's clear that Willard is committed to instilling his vision and standards within the team, even if it means making tough choices along the way.