NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2023-24 season

11. Maryland Terrapins

In the first full recruiting class for head coach Kevin Willard, it was clear that he wanted to keep some of the top local prospects home. And it worked out, with two top-100 players from the “DMV” area on the roster. The top name is DeShawn Harris-Smith, a 6’5 wing ranked in the top 30 overall, just outside of getting a five-star distinction.

He plays like one, known for being a quality athlete that can do just about everything. Harris-Smith can rebound like a forward, pass like a ball-handler, and even has some “3 and D” potential since he can shoot the ball. Had he been 6’7, he’s probably a top-10 overall player in this class.

Also on the wings are Jahnathan Lamothe, a three-star recruit from Baltimore as well as Jamie Kaiser Jr., a top-50 wing that can play and defend multiple positions. With Hakim Hart and Donald Carey gone, the wing positions for Maryland are wide open and these incoming freshmen, especially Harris-Smith, should get plenty of playing time.

And don’t forget about Braden Pierce, a three-star center prospect. At 7’0 and 230 pounds, he’s the biggest player on the Terrapins roster and should get backup minutes behind Julian Reese at the five-spot.