Maryland Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Terrapins
Projected starting lineup
Point Guard: Jahmir Young
Young returns as the unsung leader for the Terrapins backcourt heading into his final year. He made quite the impression in his first year in the Big Ten this past year, finishing with 15.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.1 apg and 1.3 spg on 41.5 percent shooting from the hardwood. He earned second-team All-Conference honors for his performance and looks to build on last year’s performance to lead the way for this year’s group.
Shooting Guard: Jordan Geronimo
Geronimo is a newcomer who brings his own wealth of experience to the fold from Indiana, where he spent the past three seasons. He’s appeared in 82 games from 2020-23 with Indiana, making just six starts. He’ll need to improve on his ability to knock down shots on the perimeter though, if he hopes to hold onto his starting role. He shot just 26.3 percent from deep with the Hoosiers as a junior.
Small Forward/Wing: DeShawn Harris-Smith
Harris-Smith is probably the biggest surprise pick to be put in the starting rotation, but his ability to compete and not need the ball in his hands makes him a solid choice to operate at the off-guard role. At 6-foot-5, he’s capable of defending both guard roles as well as the forward spot with his length. Look for him to inject his energy into this rotation as a potential All-Freshmen selection. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as one of their best defenders given Coach Willard’s pedigree for defense.
Power Forward: Donta Scott
Scott is the first returning face in the frontcourt for the Terrapins. He’s another fifth-year senior who should lead the charge with his ability to rebound the ball and knock down shots on the floor at the stretch-forward role. He’s another player who brings the energy on both ends of the floor with his presence. He put up 11.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 1.6 apg on 30.8 percent shooting from behind the arc in 2022-23.
Center/Forward: Julian Reese
Reese showed tremendous growth in Year 2 with the Maryland frontcourt this past season. His production grew to 11.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 bpg and 1.0 apg on 63.2 percent shooting from the floor in 2022-23. He’s grown into a tremendous presence around the rim on both ends of the floor. He finished sixth in the conference in blocks (42) but also led the way in personal fouls (112). He’ll need to limit those as he enters his junior season with the Terrapins.