Maryland’s arrival in the Big Ten was met with widespread uncertainty, namely due to the Terps’ recent inconsistencies under Mark Turgeon.
However, in year one, UMD finished second in the standings behind Wisconsin, and if not for their star freshman being injured against West Virginia, they might have had a chance for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Thanks to several key returners, Turgeon’s crew looks poised for a repeat performance in 2015-2016.
Key Losses: Dez Wells (graduation)
Possible Losses: No announcements made
Key Returners: Melo Trimble, Jake Laymen, Jared Nickens
Key Newcomers: Diamond Stone (five-star, center)
Breakdown: After taking the Big 10 by storm, the big question in College Park was whether or not Mark Turgeon could keep momentum going, and continue the Terps’ rise back to national relevance after a slow start to his time at UMD. When Trimble and Laymen both announced their intentions to return for another season, Maryland suddenly became a very hot pick to enter next season as one of the favorites in the conference. Once Stone announced his intention to head East and play for Turgeon, the Terps became a real threat to reach the Final Four. The trio of Trimble, Laymen, and Stone gives UMD offensive threats at each key spot on the floor. Trimble can get to the rim and finish through contact, while also being a sniper from beyond the arc–he shot 41.9-percent from deep as a freshman. Laymen is classic swing-wing, who can hit from deep and also make dynamic plays off the bounce while getting to the rim. Stone, ranked No. 6 in the country by Rivals.com, gives them a bruising and skilled back to the basket scorer who can punish teams with his strength and build. The Big 10 should once again be one of the better conference’s in the country next season, but Maryland is right there with anyone in it, including most people’s favorite in Michigan State.
