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Maryland Basketball: Terps young core still a strength in recent struggles

By Anthony Brown

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 21: Head coach Mark Turgeon of the Maryland Terrapins gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 21: Head coach Mark Turgeon of the Maryland Terrapins gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins battle for position against Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins battle for position against Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Eric Ayala (Guard) 8.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.5 APG

Ayala has been a solid contributor in the backcourt alongside Cowan Jr. He has put up nine double-figure scoring games this season. I have been impressed with how he has taken advantage of the opportunities when he has the ball in his hands. Whether it was knocking down shots, taking charge of the team at the point or being sound defensively.

Before the season, my prediction was that he would be a reserve player. He belongs in the starting rotation and has shown why. His consistent play has been a huge help in the success of Maryland basketball with a month or so left in the season.

Jalen Smith (Forward) 11.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG

Smith played as well as I expected him to alongside Bruno Fernando. He has formed his own identity on the team with his play. While Bruno Fernando brings the intensity on the court for the Terps, Smith still makes noise but in a different way.

His best game was against Nebraska. His 15 points and four rebounds led Maryland basketball to the 74-72 victory. He was responsible for sealing the win with a runner in the paint.

You can always depend on him to put up points and get five or more rebounds per game. In fact, the only times he was held in check this season was against No. 3 Virginia (six points, five rebounds, three assists), No.17 Purdue (seven points, nine rebounds), Loyola-Chicago (one point, three rebounds, three blocks) and Michigan State (six points, three rebounds).

I look for him to come up big down the stretch. He needs to if Maryland is going to have a winning record in the last nine games of the season.

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