Maryland Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Terrapins
By Brian Rauf
Projected starters
Anthony Cowan Jr.
Cowan is one of the most underrated players in the country. After playing second fiddle to Melo Trimble as a freshman, Cowan had the point-guard role all to himself as a sophomore and excelled to the tune of 15.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His ability to break defenses down and get into the paint is the key to Maryland’s offense. If Cowan can continue to improve as a shooter, he’ll be unstoppable.
Darryl Morsell
Morsell got a good deal of playing time as a freshman last season and finished the year as a starter. At 6-4 and 205 pounds, he can play either guard position and has the athleticism to be a factor attacking the basket and on the glass. Morsell won’t see a major offensive role because of his lack of shooting but will be used more as a perimeter defensive stopper.
Aaron Wiggins
With Huerter now a member of the Atlanta Hawks, Wiggins is going to have a much bigger role than was previously expected of him. He’s now Maryland’s most talented perimeter scorer and will need to produce if the Terps are going to be successful – and I think he will. Here’s a full breakdown of his game and why I think he’s one of the best under-the-radar freshmen in the country.
Related Story. Breaking down Maryland's 2018 recruiting class. light
Jalen Smith
The highest-ranked player in Maryland’s heralded recruiting class, Smith is a super athletic and uber talented 6-10 forward. That athleticism is the biggest key to Smith’s game – he has a good vertical leap and is quick off the ground, which helps him block shots and grab rebounds on both ends of the court. He’s also a relatively advanced offensive player, demonstrating both a reliable post game and three-point jumper. The No. 16 overall recruit in the 2018 class, Maryland is counting on Smith becoming a star.
Bruno Fernando
Fernando was a pleasant surprise for the Terps last year as he became much more of a dominant force than they were expecting. NBA teams began to take notice of the 6-10, 245-pounder because of his strength, athleticism, and upside, but he decided to bypass being a potential first-round pick to take another year of seasoning in College Park. At times, Fernando was dominant down low but was nowhere near consistent enough. Finding that consistency and continuing to develop as a shot blocker and a post scorer will be key for him.