Jake Kauderer

Personal news: I’m excited to share that this week, I start as a fall sports intern at the @washingtonpost, where I’ll be assisting with Wizards, Mystics, Commanders and other local coverage. Pumped to contribute to the sports section of one of the world’s most iconic papers!

AJ Dybantsa looked excellent in his NBA debut. But the Wizards were plagued by familiar problems — rebounding and three-point shooting. On Dybantsa's outing, plus the early-season issues: washingtonpost.com/sports/20…

Can confirm: I'll be covering Super Bowl LXI for @SBJ! So appreciative to everyone at @merrillcollege and @PovichCenter who made this possible. I can't wait to head to Los Angeles in February!

The Wizards blow a 13-point lead, losing 121-111 in Cleveland. It's their 17th straight loss to the Cavs. AJ Dybantsa went for a team-high 19 points in his debut. The No. 1 overall pick looked great. But Washington was again dominated on the glass, getting outrebounded by 20.

AJ Dybantsa is the first player to lead NCAA men's basketball in scoring and then be drafted No. 1 overall since Glenn Robinson in 1994, per the broadcast. The 6-foot-9 forward is showing why right now. Up to a team-high 15 points for the Wizards, who lead 76-63 over the Cavs.

AJ Dybantsa wastes no time getting his first NBA points. Reaches the free throw line on the Wizards’ first possession. The No. 1 overall pick has arrived.

Abdul-Rahim doesn't see himself as just an interim coach. Far from it. "I see myself as someone who is a program builder and that’s going to allow this program to take the next steps," he said. A strong first step to convincing Jim Smith of that would be to secure a win.

Maryland’s open practice window for media will be every week the rest of the season, a team spokesperson said. Marks a major shift from under Michael Locksley, when practice was not viewable for the media at all during the season.

Sidney Stewart wasn't shocked by Locksley's departure: "I know we were kind of not having the best of luck during the season, so obviously we heard some outside noise. I can't say I was super surprised, but it actually happened."

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim: "The first questions I ask are: Do you love football? And how bad do you want to win? And those are really the the only two questions that I ask these young men right now."

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim's 3 bullets for Maryland to improve: - Increase football IQ, specifically pre-snap apprioach - Better attention to technique - Bring constant effort Said "it's not about wins and losses" right now. Instead, Abdul-Rahim is focused on the process.

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim: "I don't see myself as just an interim [coach]. I see myself as someone who is a program builder, and that's going to allow this program to take the next steps." Said Maryland is calling this a "five-game season."

Asked Jim Smith about the conversation with Michael Locksley on his dismissal. He said "that's a real private conversation. Coach Locksley and I have worked really closely together for 15 years, and I think I'll just leave that between us." "He was an incredible professional."

Jim Smith speaks on Maryland's coaching search. Says "Maryland is an incredibly attractive job." "There's not an agency that represents coaches that haven't already reached out with a possible candidate ... we will get a really good coach."

Exciting news: Jim Smith will be answering some questions, per a team spokesperson.

Jim Smith, Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, Malik Washington and Sidney Stewart will address the media in about an hour. A new era for Maryland football begins.