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Meet Maryland’s 2023-2025 basketball recruits, from Darius Adams’ flair to Derik Queen’s hometown pride. Discover how Buzz Williams is building a Big Ten contender.
The Xfinity Centre’s roar isn’t just for today’s wins, it’s for tomorrow’s stars. From Baltimore’s blacktops to Spain’s courts, Maryland men’s basketball recruits are crafting a new chapter for the Terps. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just catching the vibe, let’s unpack the players, the strategy, and the buzz driving Maryland men’s basketball recruits toward a brighter future.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland’s 2023-2025 classes blend local heroes like Marcus Jackson with stars like Darius Adams.
- Buzz Williams’ arrival in 2025 has ignited a recruiting surge, landing a top-15 class.
- Baltimore natives like Derik Queen fuel fan passion and team identity.
- Transfers and freshmen give Maryland a shot at the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
- The Terps’ recruiting holds its own against Big Ten rivals like Purdue and Illinois.
maryland men’s basketball recruits Overview
Recruiting Trends 2023-2025
Recruiting Trends 2023-2025Imagine a high school kid from Baltimore, shooting hoops in his driveway, dreaming of wearing a Terps jersey. That’s the story Maryland’s telling with its 2023-2025 recruits. Under Kevin Willard, the focus was on guards like DeShawn Harris-Smith. Now, with Buzz Williams at the helm in 2025, the Terps are stacking talent like Darius Adams, a 5-star guard, and Marcus Jackson, a Baltimore forward. The strategy? Mix high school standouts with transfer portal gems like Derik Queen to build a roster that’s deep and dynamic. Maryland’s 2025 class, ranked top-15 by On3, shows they’re not just playing catch-up they’re aiming to lead the Big Ten.
Why Recruiting Fuels the Terps
Recruits are the lifeblood of any college hoops program. Without fresh talent, Maryland’s stuck in the Big Ten’s middle tier, like their 16-17 record in 2023-24. New blood like Adams, who dropped 22 points per game in AAU, can shift that tide. Fans packed the Xfinity Centre (13,283 on average last season) for a glimpse of what’s next. A strong recruiting class doesn’t just win games it brings the energy that fills seats and sparks March Madness dreams.
2023 Recruiting Class Breakdown
Let’s step back to 2023, when Kevin Willard brought in a guard-heavy crew with big potential. Picture DeShawn Harris-Smith, a 6-4 sparkplug from Virginia, slicing through defenses like a young Greivis Vásquez. Here’s the 2023 lineup:
- DeShawn Harris-Smith: #27 nationally (95 rating, 247Sports), a scoring guard from Paul VI Catholic. He started as a freshman but hit rookie hurdles.
- Jamie Kaiser: #75 nationally, a 6-6 shooter from IMG Academy. His length was promising, but he transferred out after one year.
- Jahnathan Lamothe: #173 nationally, a 6-4 Baltimore kid from St. Frances Academy. His hustle won fans, even with limited minutes.
- Braden Pierce: A 7-0 center from IMG Academy, raw but with size to spare.
This group had flashes of brilliance but struggled to mesh. Harris-Smith’s grit kept him in the rotation, while Lamothe’s local roots gave fans a reason to cheer. The class showed promise but needed time to grow.
Tip: Want to relive the 2023 class’s highlights? Check YouTube for Harris-Smith’s high school mixtapes.
2024 Recruiting and Transfers
If 2023 was about building, 2024 was about fixing. After a 7-13 Big Ten slog, Maryland hit the transfer portal hard to plug holes. Enter Derik Queen, a 5-star Baltimore native who grew up watching Terps games with his family. Here’s who joined in 2024:
- Derik Queen: A 6-10 centre, top-10 nationally, who averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds at Georgia Tech. He’s Maryland’s new anchor in the paint.
- Tafara Gapare: A 6-5 forward from Georgia Tech, bringing athleticism to the wing.
- Isaiah Watts: A 6-2 guard from Washington State, a sharpshooter with 38% from three.
Queen’s homecoming was the big story imagine the crowd’s roar when he swats a shot at Xfinity. These transfers added instant firepower, addressing Maryland’s rebounding woes (ranked 12th in Big Ten rebounds in 2023-24). Unlike the 2023 freshmen, these guys were ready to contribute now.
Tip: Follow Testudo Times for transfer portal scoops they’re on top of every move.
2025 Recruiting Class Highlights
Now, let’s get to the fun part: 2025. Buzz Williams is building something special, landing six commits by May, including a 5-star stud. Picture Darius Adams at La Lumiere, draining step-back threes with ice in his veins. Here’s the 2025 class:
- Darius Adams: #39 nationally, a 6-5 combo guard with a 95 rating. His 22 PPG in AAU screams star potential.
- Marcus Jackson: #65 nationally, a 6-8 forward from Baltimore’s Compass Prep. His versatility fits Williams’ up-tempo style.
- Aleks Alston: A 6-9 power forward from Kenwood Academy, with an 87 rating. He’s a rebounding machine.
- Guillermo Del Pino: A point guard from Spain, bringing crafty playmaking.
- Jaziah Harper: A 6-7 forward from Don Bosco Prep, a defensive stopper.
- Nicholas Blake: A 6-2 walk-on guard, son of Terps legend Steve Blake.
This class is Maryland’s best in years, ranked top-15 nationally by On3. Adams and Jackson could start day one, while Blake’s legacy adds a nostalgic twist. Williams’ recruiting magic is clear he’s blending local pride with global talent.
Fan Voice: X posts are buzzing about Adams: “This kid’s handle is unreal—Terps got a steal!”
Comparison with Big Ten Rivals
How do Maryland’s recruits stack up in the Big Ten? Purdue’s 2023 class had top-50 talent, but their 2025 group lacks Maryland’s star power. Illinois snagged a solid 2025 class, but they don’t have a Darius Adams. Indiana’s transfer-heavy 2024 mirrors Maryland’s, but their 2025 high school commits are weaker.
Maryland’s edge is balance: Adams’ scoring, Queen’s rebounding, and Jackson’s local roots give them a unique mix. The Terps’ 2025 class ranks top-5 in the Big Ten, per 247Sports, putting them in the hunt with Purdue and Illinois. Tip: Track Big Ten recruiting on On3 to see how Maryland compares weekly.
Coaching Impact on Recruiting
Coaches are the X’s and O’s behind recruiting, and Maryland’s seen a shift. Kevin Willard laid a foundation in 2023 with Harris-Smith and Lamothe, but his 2024 class leaned on transfers, leaving some fans hungry for high school stars.
Then Buzz Williams arrived in 2025, flipping the script. He landed Adams, Jackson, and Del Pino in months, showing a knack for selling the Maryland vision. Think of Williams as a chess master, moving local pawns like Jackson and international knights like Del Pino. X fans are eating it up: “Buzz is building a squad!” one tweet raved. His up-tempo system fits this versatile class perfectly.
Local Talent and Fan Engagement
Nothing fires up Terps fans like a hometown kid. Marcus Jackson, a 2025 forward from Baltimore, grew up dreaming of the Xfinity Centre. Derik Queen, a 2024 transfer, did the same, and his return had fans chanting his name. These local stars aren’t just players—they’re the heart of Maryland’s identity.
Add in Nicholas Blake, son of Terps icon Steve Blake, and you’ve got a nostalgic hook. Last season’s 13,283 average attendance proves fans show up for their own. Tip: Snag tickets to see Jackson and Queen light up College Park—it’s a vibe.
Future Outlook for Maryland
So, can these recruits get Maryland dancing again? The Terps haven’t hit the NCAA Tournament since 2023, but 2025’s class could change that. Imagine Adams running pick-and-rolls with Queen, who’s already a rebounding beast. Their synergy could exploit Big Ten defences, especially against slower teams like Purdue.
Challenges remain: blending transfers and freshmen is tricky, and the Big Ten is a gauntlet. But with a top-15 class and Williams’ energy, Maryland’s got a real shot at March Madness in 2026. Keep an eye on 2026 prospect Baba Oladotun, who’s already visiting campus Williams isn’t slowing down.
Bold Prediction: Adams and Queen combine for 30 points per game in 2025-26, pushing Maryland to a Sweet 16 run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Maryland’s top 2025 basketball recruits?
Darius Adams (#39 nationally, 5-star), Marcus Jackson (#65), and Aleks Alston lead the 2025 class, joined by Guillermo Del Pino, Jaziah Harper, and Nicholas Blake. This top-15 class blends Baltimore pride with global talent, setting Maryland up for a Big Ten surge.
How does Maryland’s 2025 class rank nationally?
Maryland’s 2025 recruiting class ranks top-15 nationally, per On3, driven by 5-star Darius Adams and top-100 Marcus Jackson. It’s a top-5 Big Ten class, rivalling Purdue and Illinois for talent and depth.
What impact will Buzz Williams have on recruiting?
Buzz Williams has electrified Maryland’s recruiting, landing three 2025 commits, including 5-star Darius Adams, by May. His focus on versatile players and local stars like Marcus Jackson signals a bold new era for the Terps.
Are there local recruits in Maryland’s classes?
Marcus Jackson (2025) and Derik Queen (2024), both Baltimore natives, anchor Maryland’s local pipeline. Their ties to the community boost fan engagement and make Xfinity Centre games a must-see.
How do Maryland’s recruits compare to Big Ten rivals?
Maryland’s 2025 class, with Adams and Jackson, outshines Indiana’s high school recruits and rivals Illinois and Purdue. The Terps’ mix of stars and transfers makes them a Big Ten contender.
Will Maryland make the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
With Darius Adams’ scoring and Derik Queen’s dominance, Maryland has a strong shot at the 2026 NCAA Tournament. If they gel, expect a deep March run, their first since 2023.
Call-to-Action
Ready to ride the Terps’ wave? Follow 247Sports and Terrapin Times for the latest recruiting scoops. Jump on X to join fans hyping Adams and Jackson. Better yet, grab tickets to Xfinity Centre and cheer for Baltimore’s finest—your voice could push Maryland back to March!
