NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season

23. Maryland Terrapins

2022-23 season record: 22-13 (11-9 Big Ten)

It was a successful first year for head coach Kevin Willard, taking the Terrapins to the Round of 32 before getting stomped by Alabama. But he’s going to have to replace half of his core 6-man rotation from last season, as Hakim Hart, Donald Carey, and Ian Martinez, all on the wings, left the team. The good news is that they have a trio of talented newcomers in its top-20 recruiting class to work with.

The big name is DeShawn Harris-Smith, a 6’5 wing who’s been very impressive in preseason play. The top-40 prospect is a do-it-all playmaker, capable of scoring and facilitating in the backcourt. Four-star wing Jamie Kaiser is a big body who’s a legit scorer, while Jahnathan Lamothe flies under the radar as another capable contributor. Plus, LMU transfer Chance Stephens adds to the backcourt depth and is another shooter.

Ultimately, Maryland will need its big returning trio to have a big year. All-Big Ten star guard Jahmir Young (15.8 ppg and 3.1 apg) is one of the best players in NCAA Basketball, while the frontcourt dup of Julian Reese and Donta Scott each averaged at least 11 ppg and 6.0 rpg. Indiana transfer Jordan Geronimo and big man Mady Sissoko adds to the depth inside.

How good the young wings look will ultimately determine how far Maryland goes this season. But with the seniors they have coming back, the floor for them will be higher than a few programs that have yet to be listed.