Maryland Basketball: Impact of Jahmir Young returning next season
By Karl Heiser
Maryland Basketball got some fantastic news Tuesday morning as graduate guard Jahmir Young made known his plans to return to College Park for his fifth year of college basketball. The news was first reported by Rudy Gersten on Twitter and confirmed by Young.
A graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the 6’1″ point guard spent three seasons at Charlotte before transferring to his hometown program. Young was integral to Maryland’s success in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on the way to All-Big Ten Second Team honors.
His performance reportedly opened the door for NIL opportunities with other programs, but sources informed me earlier this week that Young’s decision came down to going pro or returning to the Terrapins.
SOURCES: While NIL opportunities may have become available to Jahmir Young from other schools, the decision at this time comes down to staying at Maryland or going pro.
— Karl Heiser (@KHeiserCBB) March 24, 2023
If Young plays college basketball next season, it will be as a Terrapin. Decision expected soon. pic.twitter.com/Zglu31wqd8
Having Jahmir Young back as the lead guard is huge for head coach Kevin Willard, who now does not need to worry about filling that role with an inexperienced returner, incoming freshman, or a transfer. An early look at the backcourt rotation sees returners Jahari Long and Ian Martinez coming off the bench while four-star freshman DeShawn Harris-Smith starts alongside Young.
Earlier news of Hakim Hart and Ike Cornish hitting the transfer portal provided clarity to Maryland’s roster situation ahead of next season. With Jahmir Young’s return, and assuming 2023 center Braden Pierce officially signs on, the Terps currently have one open scholarship spot. This scholarship can be used to get someone from the portal or bring back senior forward Donta Scott on his remaining year of eligibility should he elect to use it at UMD.
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Maryland Basketball finished this season with a 22-13 overall record and 11-9 mark in Big Ten play. They entered the 2023 NCAA Tournament as the No. 8 seed in the South Region, defeating No. 9 West Virginia in the Round of 64 before falling to No. 1 overall seed Alabama in the Round of 32. Looking ahead to 2023-24, Maryland has the No. 16 incoming class per 247Sports.