BBALLBREAKDOWN v.2 | Page 9

Not only did they get a top freshman, they have two highimpact transfers in Rasheed Sulaimon from Duke and Robert Carter from Georgia Tech.While Sulaimon’s offensive impact has declined over his three-year career as a Blue Devil, he will bring defensive intensity and versatility to the Terrapin backcourt, which will take loads of pressure off Trimble. Carter will definitely contribute as a rebounder as his 28.3 percent defensive rebounding rate ranked seventh in the nation in 2014 and will provide frontcourt depth behind Stone and Layman. Maryland can afford to lean on their depth, with four players not projected to be in the starting lineup that have started games during their careers as Terrapins: bruising Damonte Dodd, 7-foot-1 Michal Cekovsky, Nickens, and another highly recruited sophomore guard in Dion Wiley. All will get valuable experience this year to carry over to 2016-2017 when there’s a chance all five starters will be gone. have such high expectations, is the seventh ranked RSCI player, center Diamond Stone. Maryland didn’t have a post presence last year and the 6-foot11 Stone will provide that in his freshman year, giving Turgeon a wide body he can build a part of his offensive playbook around. Stone should command double teams, opening up the perimeter for shooters to have open looks. Stone will also hopefully provide defensive rebounding, an area where Maryland was only average, which will greatly improve their already strong defense. “Turgeon’s recruiting efforts have paid off, and the Terps are ready to step back onto the national stage.” Maryland’s transition to the Big Ten was easy, finishing second in the regular season in their inaugural season. Now, they have a chance to grab the title in their second campaign, and are one of the heavy Final Four favorites. The trust in Turgeon paid off and he is ready to lead Maryland deep into the postseason. Photo: Mitch Stringer - USA TODAY Sports BBALLBREAKDOWN | 9