Big Ten Basketball: 2024 offseason grades for each team
Maryland Terrapins - Grade: A
After a disappointing season, Maryland lost its star guard (Jahmir Young), while also losing several players to the transfer portal. But the only departure that hurt the team is Jamie Kaiser Jr. a former top-50 freshman prospect who transferred out to Butler.
The other key freshman from last season was DeShawn Harris-Smith, who averaged just 7.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg on 37% shooting from the field. The versatile guard struggled from the field but with more spacing around him, could be a sophomore breakout star to watch.
And that’s what Coach Kevin Willard did this offseason via the portal. Selton Miguel shot 39% from deep at South Florida and was the AAC 6th Man of the Year, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie was a sophomore star at Belmont, set to be the new point guard on the team. Rodney Rice and Jayhlon Young add to the backcourt depth as well.
Keeping 5-star center prospect Derik Queen was also important to the Terps, pairing with returning forward, Julian Reese. Maryland was able to retool the roster in a way that should make them competitive again in the Big Ten and could have one of the top offenses to watch next season.