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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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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – DECEMBER 06: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots the ball against Anthony Cowan Jr. #1 and Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins at Mackey Arena on December 6, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – DECEMBER 06: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots the ball against Anthony Cowan Jr. #1 and Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Maryland Terrapins at Mackey Arena on December 6, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Aaron Wiggins (Guard) 8.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG

Wiggins has proved to be a reliable addition off the bench. He can shoot the ball well. As his college career progresses, his role may expand, but from what I’ve seen, his bench production and three-point shooting are what the Terps need to survive games and keep leads.

Serrel Smith Jr. (Guard) 3.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG

Even though Smith Jr. only plays about 14 minutes per game, he comes in and contributes any way he can. I do see more potential for him to grow with more playing time. He had five points and two rebounds in the win against Northwestern. He reached double figures in points three times this season.

Ricky Lindo Jr. (Forward) 1.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG

Lindo Jr. is a guy for Maryland basketball who comes in the game and gets the team rebounds. He plays about 13 minutes per game. Like Serrel Smith Jr. there’s only so much he can do with so little playing time. His best games statistically were against the Radford Highlanders (eight points, 10 rebounds) and Minnesota Golden Gophers (six points, six rebounds) both of which were wins for the Terps.

The way I see it, these guys are going to have to play big minutes in the Terps last nine games if Maryland is going to have a shot at the NCAA Tournament. Yes, the starters playing well is essential. Yes, a team can’t afford to be injured. The Terps have been relatively healthy this season which has been an excellent thing for them.

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They play five of the last nine games on the road. It is imperative they win a good amount of those games playing solid defense, not turning the ball over and taking advantage of their opportunities on offense.

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