In the world of basketball, Maryland alumni have been making waves, crafting impressive careers at home and on the international stage. Let's dig into the thriving professional paths of some of these former Terps, dating back as far as the 2015-16 season.
Aaron Wiggins is certainly a name to know. Now in his fourth season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wiggins is experiencing a breakout year.
Averaging 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, he's shooting nearly 49% from the field and has a keen eye beyond the arc with a 38.3% success rate from three. His smooth moves at the free-throw line, hitting 83.1%, add to his career-high performances.
With the Thunder hitting a league-best 68-14 this season, there's plenty of buzz as they get ready to face either the Mavericks or Grizzlies in the first playoff round.
Meanwhile, Jalen Smith is wrapping up his fifth NBA season. Bolstering the Chicago Bulls' lineup, he tallied 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
Smith consistently delivered with a shooting percentage of 46.6% from the field and kept his cool with an 80.9% free-throw hit rate. Sharing the court with fellow Terps Jahmir Young and Kevin Huerter, Smith contributed to what was a dynamic team experience.
Jahmir Young, fresh off an All-G League Rookie Team honor, made a strong case for himself over 30 G League games, splitting time between the Nuggets' and Bulls' affiliates. From dropping 21.4 points to snatching 2.0 steals per game, Young was a force.
His stint in the Tip-Off Tournament only elevated his profile, where he shone even brighter with 22.2 points and 6.8 assists on average. The highlight of his season?
March 4, stepping onto the NBA stage for the Bulls and showing up in six games.
As for Kevin Huerter, his seventh NBA season saw him splitting time between the Kings and Bulls, with solid averages of 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and a notable 2.3 assists per game. While his three-point shooting saw a dip, Huerter remains a pivotal player, recognized for his skillful career so far.
Veteran Alex Len is in his 12th NBA season, bringing experience to the Lakers after a split season with the Kings. In 46 games, Len's presence, averaging 1.6 points and 2.1 rebounds, could be the edge the Lakers need in their playoff quest against the Timberwolves.
Across the Atlantic, Bruno Fernando found his rhythm with Real Madrid, after wrapping up his time with the Raptors. In Europe, Fernando is averaging 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per Euroleague game, showcasing his growth and adaptability.
Donta Scott is making his mark in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he consistently delivered, averaging 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His tenacity on the court speaks to his potential and evolving skills.
Beyond these notable careers in the NBA and G League, other former Terps are carving out successful paths in leagues worldwide, holding Maryland's legacy high across the globe. Such stories of persistence and success are a testament to the strong foundational skills they developed during their time at Maryland.
