Maryland Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Terrapins
The Terrapins have experience in the backcourt
Maryland basketball doesn’t have star power on their roster this season, but they have experience in the starting lineup and that is huge as they look to transition smoothly into a new era. The strength of their starting lineup is going to be their backcourt and the wing position this season. The jury is still out on how well the frontcourt will do as a unit but there is room for optimism. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the starting lineup for the 2020-21 Maryland Terrapins, shall we?
Eric Ayala, Junior, Point Guard
It is Ayala’s time to shine at the point guard position. Last year, he finished the season strong after dealing with a shooting slump for most of the year. He averaged nearly nine points and three rebounds per game and ranked second on the team in assists with 66. He’s known for his range from the three-point line, but he can drive to the basket and create his own shot as well. It will be interesting to see how he does as the centerpiece in the Terps pick and roll offense.
Daryll Morsell, Senior, Shooting Guard
Morsell is the heart and soul of this team. He is the glue guy and has proven to be a model of consistency during his tenure at Maryland. He was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the media, a 2019-20 All-Glue Team selection by Seth Davis and The Athletic, and a 2019 Orlando Invitational All-Tournament Team selection.
He was largely responsible for helping the Terps stifle Marquette’s star guard Markus Howard in the Orlando Invitational Championship game and he hit the game-winning shot to beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers en route to a Big Ten Championship. Morsell is going to have another good season as he looks to cement his legacy as one of the best players to produce for the Terps from the Baltimore area.
Aaron Wiggins, Junior, Wing
Wiggins received a well-deserved Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honor last season averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game. He was featured on SportsCenter early in the season after he put a Notre Dame defender on a poster via a put-back slam. He provided a spark for the Terps off the bench and in transition on both ends of the floor. As a junior, look for him to take another step as a starter.
Donta Scott, Sophomore, Power Forward /Jairus Hamilton, Senior, Power Forward*
Donta Scott will be a player to watch for the Terps this season. His numbers don’t tell the story of his production on the court. He recorded six points and four rebounds and started the final 21 games of the season. He made his mark playing the four spot.
His ability to attack the glass and bring down rebounds was something that stood out in addition to shooting efficiently from the perimeter. He has the versatility in his game to play the wing and both frontcourt positions. Look for him to have a big year in his sophomore campaign.
If Hamilton gets a waiver, he would provide the Terps with a high scoring threat in the post that can also shoot the three-point shot. He also moves well off the ball so that could allow the Terps to use him in different ways. He scored close to 10 points and four rebounds per game for the Boston College Eagles last season.
Chol Marial, Sophomore, Center
Maryland fans should be excited to see Marial fully healthy. He was a fan favorite last season in his limited role. He provides the Terps with size defensively and on the boards at 7-foot-2. He played 12 games and scored 10 points, secured 19 rebounds, and blocked five shots in 68 minutes of actions. Seeing more of him on the floor will allow people to truly see what he can do.