Maryland’s frontcourt depth is in serious jeopardy after multiple players announced their decision to transfer to other programs
This season’s Maryland team had very little depth to begin with, something that was evident in their late-season struggles. After beginning the season with seven forwards on the roster, they are now down to just two heading into next season.
Three players have already decided to transfer out of College Park. The first two of these announcements came mid-season when the Mitchell twins, Makhi and Makhel, announced that they would be stepping away from the program and looking to play elsewhere.
Scoop: Freshmen twins Makhi Mitchell and Makhel Mitchell are entering the NCAA Transfer Portal, per sources. Safe to say it was a mutual decision with Mark Turgeon. Terps frontcourt now alarmingly thin: https://t.co/jjJCkqJcIx #Terps pic.twitter.com/C4UzCrwPTn
— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) December 28, 2019
The Mitchell brothers recently announced their commitment to play for Coach David Cox at the University of Rhode Island next season.
This past week, sophomore forward Ricky Lindo Jr. disclosed that he too would be entering his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. Lindo’s departure came as a surprise to many Maryland fans considering that he would have been one of four returning frontcourt players and probably would have received a significant boost in playing time with no incoming big men currently signed. Coach Turgeon had high praise for Lindo, who in turn thanked his coaches and teammates:
#Terps sophomore Ricky Lindo Jr. announces that he will be entering the transfer portal. Maryland’s already thin frontcourt just got even thinner. pic.twitter.com/PKJ2Yhz3gp
— Pat Donohue (@SportsDownPat) March 30, 2020
Assuming the departure of sophomore Jalen Smith for the NBA, Maryland Basketball will head into next season without a collection of players who totaled 47% of the team’s rebounds in this year’s campaign. Only Donta Scott, Joshua Tomaic, and Chol Marial are set to return to the Maryland frontcourt, the freshman Scott being the only contributor from this past season. The two incoming freshman recruits are both guards. Fortunately for the Terrapins, Mark Turgeon has been very active in securing the interest of big-name transfers throughout the country who could potentially fill the major frontcourt gaps in College Park.