Big Ten Basketball: Updated 2021-22 preseason rankings after NBA Draft decisions
439. . . . Terrapins . 7. team
The Terrapins had two key decisions to make in Eric Ayala and Aaron Wiggins, the top two leading scorers from last season. It ended up being 1 for 2, as Wiggins, who averaged 14.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg, opted to stay in the draft as a projected top-40 pick.
At least Ayaya is back, coming off a big junior campaign where he led Maryland with 15.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 36% from three-point range. Having him back gives this Big Ten Basketball team a go-to offensive option, along with a first-team all-caliber senior talent.
He’ll be joined by a pair of key offseason transfers in the starting lineup. Georgetown big man Qudus Wahab, gives them a talented low-post scorer and solid interior defender, while Rhode Island senior transfer Fatts Russell has averaged around 16 ppg in the past three years, although his efficiency leaves a bit to be desired. He’ll be the replacement for Darryl Morsell, the Big Ten Basketball Defensive Player of the Year who transferred over to Marquette.
With Donta Scott and Hakim Hart back, Maryland will have a strong starting lineup for next season. If under-the-radar transfers Ian Martinez and Pavlo Dziuba can have an impact, the depth will be there as well. This is a roster with a high ceiling but potentially low floor if Russell and Wahab don’t fit in well.