As the curtain falls on Maryland’s 2025-26 men’s basketball season, it’s time to pivot our focus toward what lies ahead. With a 12-21 record, including a 4-16 mark in the Big Ten, the Terrapins have had a challenging year, marking their worst in decades.
For head coach Buzz Williams, a significant turnaround is essential. Despite some late-season sparks, the team faces more questions than answers as they prepare for the next chapter.
With the transfer portal opening from April 7-21, player movement will be a hot topic. Let’s dive into the current roster dynamics and potential changes.
The Departures
Four Maryland players have finished their eligibility and will be leaving: David Coit, Collin Metcalf, Elijah Saunders, and Solomon Washington.
Among these, Solomon Washington stands out as a key loss. He started 22 games, nearly averaging a double-double with 10.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Elijah Saunders, despite a rocky start, emerged as a top three-point shooter, hitting 41.3% from beyond the arc. David Coit delivered electrifying performances, including two 40+ point games, but struggled with consistency.
Collin Metcalf, who started the last 12 games, contributed 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
Pharrel Payne, although a senior, isn’t on this list. Having played only ten games due to injury, Maryland is likely to seek a medical hardship waiver for him to gain another year of eligibility.
The transfer portal looms large, and any player with remaining eligibility might decide to explore opportunities elsewhere. Key candidates for departure could be Aleks Alston, Myles Rice, George Turkson Jr., and Isaiah Watts.
Myles Rice, once expected to lead as starting point guard, faced setbacks due to injuries and performance issues, starting only four games. Isaiah Watts, with 32 appearances, struggled offensively, averaging just 4.1 points per game. George Turkson Jr. and Aleks Alston had limited contributions, averaging 1.3 and 2.1 points per game, respectively.
The Arrivals
Looking ahead, Maryland welcomes four freshmen: Austin Brown, Kaden House, Baba Oladotun, and Adama Tambedou.
Baba Oladotun is the standout recruit, ranking as Maryland’s second-best in the modern era. At 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan, his footwork and instincts make him a promising addition.
Kaden House, a high-energy guard, fits perfectly into Buzz Williams’ system with his aggressive scoring style. Adama Tambedou, though slightly undersized, is a force on the boards.
Austin Brown, while raw, has already made a name for himself with Texas high school scoring records.
Currently, with four players exiting and four freshmen entering, any new additions via the transfer portal will necessitate departures. The portal often attracts top talent from mid-major schools looking to step up to power conferences.
Strategic Focus
The point guard position will be a critical focus for Williams, especially after Rice’s challenges. Last season, the team had to rely on shooting guards to fill the role.
Guillermo Del Pino showed promise, but securing a seasoned point guard is vital. Rowan Brumbaugh from Tulane, a Washington, DC native, could be an ideal fit if he enters the portal, bringing strong scoring and playmaking abilities.
While Williams is comfortable with guard-heavy lineups, adding experienced wings would be wise. With Turkson Jr. and Jaziah Harper as potential non-freshman returnees, someone like Tyler Tejeda from Towson could be a valuable addition. Tejeda, who shined with 17.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, is likely to enter the portal.
Even with Payne potentially returning, bolstering the frontcourt remains a priority. Chase Walker from Illinois State stands out as a top choice if he becomes available, offering size and scoring prowess.
As Maryland gears up for the next season, the blend of incoming talent and strategic acquisitions will be crucial in reshaping their fortunes. Fans will be eager to see how these changes unfold and the impact they’ll have on the Terrapins’ quest for redemption.