NCAA Basketball: Top 25 recruiting programs of the 2010’s

21. Maryland Terrapins (ACC/Big Ten)

Average recruiting ranking: 35.80

Mark Turgeon is starting it hit his stride a bit as the leader of the Maryland program. The Terrapins have made the NCAA Tournament in four of their first five years as a member of the Big Ten and it seems as though the conference change has really done the program wonders. Prior to the switch, the Terps had made just one Big Dance appearance in the first five years of the decade. Now, though, they have compiled a total in-conference record of 59-33 (.641) in the Big Ten.

Maryland has secured its fair share of top-tier talent on the recruiting trail as well. Most notably, Diamond Stone and Jalen Smith were both five-star big men in their respective classes. Stone only ended up spending one season with the program while Smith is a current rising sophomore with big-time potential for a breakout year. It is also important to mention four-star point Melo Trimble as a top-notch recruit who eventually turned in a great career with the program. Maryland’s best recruiting class come in 2018 and ranked at No. 7 in the nation. It featured Smith as well as four-stars Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala.

Maryland is widely projected as a top-10 during this coming season and the future of the program might rest on a successful season. Despite these high expectations, head coach Mark Turgeon is seemingly on the hot seat. With a strong 2019-20 campaign, he could solidify his job security while also helping to propel the Terrapins to new heights. He is already a strong recruiter and this could be the year that yields the on-the-court success needed to leap up the national rankings.