Maryland Basketball Preview 2021

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Nov 7

Our Maryland basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that the Terrapins got a lot out of each player last year. They went 17-14 overall and 9-11 in the Big Ten during what was a transitional year. The Terps earned their third NCAA Tournament berth over the past four tournament years. However, as they had done in their last two appearances, the Terrapins were eliminated in the Round of 32. After the season ended, star guard Aaron Wiggins (14.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) declared for the draft. That left coach Mark Turgeon (221-113 Maryland/10 years, 471-272 Overall/23 years) with a major hole to fill. This season, Maryland has less experience than Turgeon would like. However, there’s a lot of talent to shape.

Terrapins Frontcourt

In a conference that this season features a lot of big men upfront, the Terps looked to be at a disadvantage, as they were short in the paint. However, the addition of 6’11” transfer Qudus Wahab (Georgetown) helps to remedy the issue. Our Maryland basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that Wahab, a center, will be joined by follow junior Donta Scott (11.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 49.8 FG%). Scott, a fine inside-outside shooter with a 43.8 percent three-point success rate, is also a quality defender. Top-50 recruit Julian Reese and sophomore transfer Pavlo Dziuba (Arizona) will vie for playing minutes.

Maryland Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Along with losing Wiggins to the NBA, Maryland saw Darryl Morsell (9.8 PPG, 2.8 APG) go to Marquette. That leaves Eric Ayala (15.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.2 APG) as the lone returning experienced backcourt player. Graduate transfer Fatts Russell (Rhode Island) comes to the Terps having averaged 14.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 4.5 APG. Plus, he led the Rams in career steals. His contributions will be exceptionally helpful, as he commands the floor, sets up plays, and dishes off assists. Hakim Hart offers quality shooting skills.