NCAA Basketball: Which 2018 recruiting classes could be most influential?
Maryland Terrapins
Class ranking: No. 7 nationally
One of the newer members of the Big Ten, the Maryland Terrapins are heading into their fifth season in the conference. While transition periods can be difficult for many programs, that has not been the case for the Terps. Maryland won at least 12 conference games in three of their first four seasons, landing in the top-3 of the conference in each of those seasons. However, they are coming off of a disappointing 2017-18 campaign that saw them miss the Big Dance after just an 8-10 record in conference play.
But don’t expect Maryland to be down for long. Head coach Mark Turgeon has the program trending in the right direction and a deep NCAA Tournament does not seem far away. Led by Jalen Smith (No. 14), Maryland’s 2018 recruiting class lands at No. 7 in the nation. Smith, a 6’10” center, will be an instant factor on next season’s team. He will logically replace Michael Cekovski, who is graduating, in the rotation and should be an upgrade there.
In addition, three superb top-150 wings are coming in for next season. Aaron Wiggins (No. 38) is an excellent shooter and creates for himself well in isolation situations. As evidence of this, the 6’6″ forward won the one-on-one competition at the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic. In addition, guards Eric Ayala (No. 71) and Serrel Smith (No. 141) will help the depth on the wing next season while also providing some ability to handle the rock at the point. Lastly, Trace Ramsey (No. 265) rounds out the class of a 6’7″ wing.
The expectation in College Park is that Kevin Huerter, Anthony Cowan, and Bruno Fernando will all return for next season. This trio of talented returners along with this elite quartet of recruits could lead Maryland back towards the top of the Big Ten rankings. To be quite honest, the talent on this roster will be difficult for any other team in the conference to match. If recruiting classes like this become the norm for Coach Turgeon, then Maryland may sit atop the Big Ten sooner rather than later.