When you're sitting at 8-12 overall and bringing up the rear in the Big Ten standings before the calendar even flips to February, it’s natural for the focus to shift from what’s happening on the court right now to what could be coming next. And for Maryland basketball fans, there’s a legitimate reason to look ahead with some optimism.
Buzz Williams' Track Record Says This Won’t Last Long
Let’s start with the man steering the ship. Buzz Williams doesn’t do back-to-back losing seasons.
In two decades as a head coach, he’s built a reputation for getting programs back on track quickly. Heading into this season, Williams held a career record of 373-228 - that’s a .618 winning percentage - and only two of those seasons ended below .500.
One of those came during the COVID-shortened year when his team was 8-10 before everything shut down.
He’s made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, won SEC Coach of the Year twice, and posted 13 seasons with 20 or more wins. So if history tells us anything, Williams knows how to bounce back - and fast. That’s good news for a Maryland program that’s trying to find its footing in a brutal Big Ten landscape.
A Top-Tier Recruiting Class Is on the Way
What makes the bounce-back even more likely is the talent Maryland has coming in next season. The Terps currently boast the No. 4 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports.
That kind of ranking doesn’t happen by accident - and it’s not just about stars and rankings. It’s about fit, upside, and addressing needs.
And this class checks all those boxes.
A clear theme in this group? Size. Maryland’s been forced to play small this season, but help is on the way in the form of long, athletic, and versatile forwards who can give the Terps some much-needed presence in the paint.
Let’s break down the four-man class that’s got fans in College Park buzzing.
Baba Oladotun: A Five-Star with Sky-High Potential
Oladotun is the crown jewel of this class. The five-star forward from Silver Spring, MD, brings a tantalizing blend of size and skill.
At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he’s grown out of the small forward mold he was originally recruited in - but he still carries those perimeter skills with him. That’s a scary combination.
He’s not a finished product yet - his shooting numbers in EYBL play (28% from three, 63% from the line) show there’s work to be done - but the tools are all there. He’s got the footwork that scouts rave about, the handle to create his own shot, and the athleticism to blow by defenders.
He’ll need to add bulk to bang with Big Ten bigs, but once he gets into Maryland’s strength program, expect that to come quickly. His versatility is what sets him apart - he’s a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.
Kaden House: A Scoring Guard with NBA Pedigree
House brings a different kind of energy. The 6-foot-3 guard from Chandler, AZ, is a natural scorer who can fill it up from all three levels.
He’s not the most consistent three-point shooter, but when he gets going, he can light it up. More of a bucket-getter than a traditional distributor, House can still move the ball when he locks in - though turnovers can be an issue when his focus slips.
What stands out is his motor. He’s a high-energy guy who rebounds well for his position and racks up steals and blocks on the defensive end.
And the bloodlines don’t hurt either. His father, Eddie House, had a long NBA career and won a title with the 2008 Celtics.
His brothers Kalek and Jaelen are both high-level players as well, with Jaelen earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Mountain West in 2024. That kind of basketball IQ runs deep in the family.
**Adama Tambedou: Undersized? Maybe.
Underrated? Definitely Not.
**
Tambedou might not be the tallest power forward out there, but don’t let the tape measure fool you - this guy plays big. At 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, he’s a physical force in the paint who thrives on effort and athleticism. He put up big numbers in the Pro16 league last season: 15.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game - plus a league-leading 33 dunks in just 14 games.
He’s already got the build and motor to contribute at the college level. The next step is refining his finesse game.
He’s shown flashes of an outside shot, but he’s not going to stretch the floor consistently just yet. Still, Tambedou brings toughness and energy - two things this Maryland team could use more of right now.
Austin Brown: A Sleeper with Serious Upside
Brown might not have the five-star label, but don’t sleep on him. The 6-foot-8 forward from Lufkin, TX, has been on Williams’ radar since his days at Texas A&M. That relationship helped bring him east, and it could pay off in a big way for Maryland.
Brown’s versatility is his calling card. He can play either forward spot and has the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions.
At 210 pounds, he’s got a wiry frame that’ll need some filling out, but he’s tough and competitive - the kind of player who could carve out a role early and grow into something more. For a three-star prospect, he’s got the tools to be a real contributor down the line.
Looking Ahead
This season hasn’t gone the way Maryland hoped, but there’s a blueprint for better days ahead. Buzz Williams has a long history of turning things around quickly, and with a top-five recruiting class coming in - one that brings size, skill, and versatility - the Terps are setting the foundation for a much stronger 2026-27 campaign.
It’s not just about stacking talent. It’s about building a roster that fits the way Williams wants to play - tough, physical, and versatile on both ends.
That’s what this group brings. And if history is any indication, Maryland won’t be stuck at the bottom of the Big Ten for long.