At last week's Big Ten Media Day in Washington, D.C., both junior guard Melo Trimble and senior center Damonte Dodd made references to the "low expectations" for the team outside of College Park.
That motivational angle won't work, at least among the nation's Division I coaches.
In the preseason coaches' poll released Thursday by USA Today, the Terps find themselves at No. 21 despite losing four starters from last season's 27-9 Sweet Sixteen team.
Maryland is the lowest among the five Big Ten teams ranked. Michigan State is No. 9, Wisconsin is No.