NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Maryland of last decade

8. Jairus Lyles – VCU / UMBC

Lyles is a name that few knew early in his career, but he took advantage of his chance in the Big Dance and made quite the moment. A 6’2 guard from Silver Spring, this 3-star recruit originally played one season at VCU before transferring to UMBC for the rest of his career. If you realize that his senior season ended in 2018, then you can probably deduce the amazing moment that ended a productive playing career.

After barely playing at VCU and sitting out a year, Lyles was an important piece across three seasons with the Retrievers. He averaged 23.0 points per game as a sophomore, shooting nearly 48% from the field. His rebounding numbers were impressive as a junior, but it’s his senior year that we’re focusing on. After averaging 20.2 points per game and helping lead the Retrievers to an America East Tournament title, he scored 28 points to lead UMBC to an otherworldly upset over top-seeded Virginia.

Lyles was All-AEC three times, being named First Team as a senior as well as winning AEC Tournament MVP. He led the conference in points, field goals, and steals as a senior and had an all-around impact on this program. His performance in the NCAA Tournament was a legendary effort and his Retrievers will never be forgotten. He played professionally overseas after his college days, though it’s clear where his greatest impact was made.