With so much player movement in college basketball, I wanted to wait to take a look at rosters but we’re in May and I’m tired of waiting.
Maryland is the most interesting program in the DMV because it’s the closest to doing something big in March.
Coach Mark Turgeon did one of his best coaching jobs when he took an offensively challenged team without any rim protection on defense to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The Terps could be a legitimate Big Ten champion contender if they get Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala back.
Both Wiggins and Ayala declared for the NBA Draft while leaving the option of returning.
Departing Players: Darryl Morsell, Jairus Hamilton, Galin Smith, Chol Marial, and Aquan Smart.
Of the five players who won’t be back, the loss of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Darryl Morsell, is the biggest. Not only is Morsell great on the defensive end but he also showed a high level of toughness that bled over to his teammates.
All four players are replaceable.
Incoming Players: Julian Reese, Ike Cornish, Fatts Russell, Qudus Wahab, Ian Martinez, and Simon Wright
Turgeon did a good job filling in for the pieces that are leaving. If there were two positions the Terps needed to fill via the portal was point guard and center. They got both. Fatts Russell (Rhode Island) will provide a punch on offense from the point guard position while Qudus Wahab makes the trip around the beltway to College Park. Wahab will provide rim protection while providing offensive punch in the lane.
Returning players: Donta Scott, Hakim Hart, and James Graham III
You know what you’re getting from Scott. It’s Hart who will be the question. After spending most of the season being the primary ball-handler, Hart would benefit from moving off the ball more. Being at the end of the swing might be where Hart is at his best. Hart can shoot the three and has room to improve his drive to the basket. He should be a big part of the Terps plans.
