UMaine at a Crossroads

While Coach Ted Woodward appears to be a class act and a stand up guy, the question must be asked...Is he the right person to lead the UMaine Men's Basketball team? I like the fact Woodward is trying to reel in the best talent Maine has to offer. I question if he can motivate and "coach them up"? In his 4 seasons at the helm, Maine has not been in the top half of teams in the America East. Coach Woodward appears to have some talent, particularly in the Freshman class but in the games I've attended this year it seems many of the players do not know their roles. The Bears also continue to be plagued by fundamental errors, missed free throws and turnovers. Don't these flaws make their way back to coaching and preparation? I question Coach Woodward's leadership skills, and his ability to make in-game adjustments. In several recent games including the Bears second half collapse against UMBC at home, Maine was outcoached, outschemed, and outplayed in the second half. I am willing to give Coach Woodward another season to turn things around and see if he can harness the talents of athletes like Troy Barnies, Sean Costigan and Malachi Peay, fit them into a system in which they can be successful. Looking to next season, one thing is certain...Maine needs a floor general, a calming influence who can run the team and set up his teammates without piling up turnovers. I don't believe this person is on the current roster. Junior Bernal is a nice athlete and energy guy but he is not a point guard. He is best served as a third guard/6th man type. I have not seen Gerald McLemore play but am told he is more of a "2 guard" a la Kaimondre Owes. Where does this leave Maine? Woodward may be pinning his hopes on Winthrop High School's Sam LeClerc, but I've heard he likes BU? Say it ain't so...Let's hope next year the coach can make the pieces fit.