The allure of securing top-tier college basketball recruits lies in their potential to make an immediate impact, unlike their gridiron counterparts who often need time to develop. Maryland experienced this firsthand with Derik Queen, whose stellar play propelled the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 appearance in nearly ten years. However, as with many elite prospects, their campus tenure is often brief, a reality that might repeat itself next season with Baba Oladotun.
With the 2026 NBA Draft concluded, the buzz around early 2027 mock drafts is palpable, and Maryland's freshman phenom, Oladotun, is a hot topic. According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Oladotun is projected to be the 12th pick, potentially landing with the Portland Trailblazers.
Wasserman highlights Oladotun's enticing blend of size and skill, noting his smooth shotmaking and impressive athleticism. Scouts will be keenly observing his physical growth and ability to create efficient scoring opportunities at Maryland.
Meanwhile, CBSSports' Adam Finkelstein slots Oladotun at the 25th pick, eyeing a future with the Brooklyn Nets. Finkelstein describes Oladotun as a late-blooming, nearly 6-foot-11 wing with significant upside, despite being early in his development after reclassifying from the 2028 class.
Maryland fans are already excited, with reports of Oladotun dedicating himself to the weight room since arriving at College Park. His physical transformation is one to watch as the season progresses.
ESPN takes a different approach, ranking Oladotun 21st on its big board rather than in a mock draft. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, however, is more conservative, leaving Oladotun out of the first round but still noting his potential. Vecenie suggests that Oladotun might need more time in college to mature physically, given his slender 6-10 frame and youth-he won't turn 18 until December after skipping his senior year.
As one of the highest-rated Big Ten players in various mock drafts, Oladotun stands out in what seems to be a weaker year for first-round talent in the conference. In CBSSports' projections, the only Big Ten player ranked higher is USC guard Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas.
Nationally, Oladotun is among the top freshman prospects, though this year's class lacks the freshman star power seen in previous drafts. While potential superstars like AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, and Darryn Peterson headlined the draft, other promising talents like Tyran Stokes from Kansas also generate intrigue despite having more questions surrounding them.
As the season unfolds, players like Arkansas' Jordan Smith Jr., Arizona's Caleb Holt, Duke's Cameron Williams, and of course, Maryland's Baba Oladotun, will be under the microscope, with none yet a guaranteed success story. The journey for these young athletes is just beginning, and the path to the NBA is paved with both promise and uncertainty.
In Other News...
Maryland Has A Huge Backcourt Opportunity It Cannot Waste
Marylands next backcourt target is taking shape in a big way, and the timing works in the Terps favor. Oneal Delancy, a four-star combo guard from Montverde Academy, is scheduled to make an official visit to College Park on June 29, giving Maryland a chance to sell itself to one of the top prospects in the 2027 class. Delancy has built his reputation on scoring, defensive versatility and athleticism, the kind of profile that can fit almost any modern backcourt.
For Maryland, the visit is more than a courtesy stop. The staff is prioritizing Delancy and wants to show him a clear role and development plan, which matters when a recruit this highly regarded has other major programs involved in the process. Houston and Florida State have already hosted official visits, and South Florida and Miami are still in the mix, so the Terps will need to make this one count if they want to stay front and center as his recruitment moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
Where Bishop Boswell Fits In Marylands Backcourt Is Getting Interesting
Bishop Boswells move to Maryland gives the Terrapins another experienced guard to sort through as they keep building out the backcourt for the 2026-27 season. The junior transfer from Tennessee arrives with a steady rsum, having averaged 6.2 points and 3.1 assists last season, and he should be right in the mix for minutes once he gets to campus.
For Maryland, the appeal is obvious: Boswell adds depth, skill and another option in a guard room that already has multiple players competing for roles. The early-season schedule adds a layer of intrigue, too, because Boswell is set to see his former team in a marquee November tournament matchup, giving the Terps an immediate test against a familiar opponent. [Read more 🡒]
Another Maryland Big Man Just Landed A Real NBA Opportunity
Solomon Washingtons next stop is a real NBA opportunity after the Maryland forward landed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NBA Draft. Washington had already worked out for the Pelicans, and the chance gives him a clear path into their summer program as he continues trying to turn his energy and versatility into a pro role.
His first game for New Orleans in Summer League comes July 9 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that setting will tell the team plenty about how he fits in. The Pelicans are looking at him for frontcourt depth, and there is at least the possibility of him sharing the floor with fellow Maryland alum Derik Queen, giving Terrapins fans another reason to keep an eye on New Orleans this month. [Read more 🡒]