***BSL would like to thank Alex Kline from The Recruit Scoop for joining us today to talk about the Dion Wiley commitment and where the Terps go from here.
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BSL- Maryland is really solidifying their back court with the 2014 commitments of Dion Wiley, Melo Trimble, and wing Jared Nickens. Can you just talk about Wiley’s commitment a little. How big of a get is that for Maryland?
Alex Kline- I had heard for a while that Wiley was likely going to wind up at Maryland, but regardless, that is a huge get for Maryland. In order to give Trimble someone to distribute the ball to, it also gives Maryland a comfort level in recruiting players from both the local Under Armour and Nike teams in DC Assault and Team Takeover.
BSL- Does a commitment from him put the Terps on the map even more and potentially open the door for other big time recruits to look at Maryland down the road?
AK- I think this commitment is good locally and nationally for the Terps. Locally, it sets them up in a good position to land other DC Assault and Team Takeover kids. Nationally, others will see the resume and rankings of Trimble and Wiley and find it to be impressive what Mark Turgeon and staff are doing.
BSL– What do you like most about Wiley’s game?
AK- Wiley is athletic, efficient and serious on and off the court. once he becomes constantly aggressive, he could be pretty good. I like the accuracy in his shot, but also think his athleticism is pretty underrated due to how unused it is.
BSL- What aspects does he need to work on prior to arriving at MD?
AK- I would love to see Wiley become more aggressive and do more when the ball is out of his hands. He can disappear on the court at times when the ball isn’t in his hands.
BSL- How does Wiley fit in with Faust and Seth Allen? Do you see him coming in and starting right away?
AK- I see Wiley being a replacement for Faust as they are fairly similar, but he also has some traits similar to Allen. he can learn from both and combine their skills into what he does going forward.
BSL- What do you see the starting five looking like next year for Maryland?
AK- Allen, Faust, Smotrycz, Cleare, and ultimately Peters.
BSL- With the Nickens verbal, they have one scholarship remaining, it would appear the Terps would look to grab an above-the-rim big to kind of match with Cleare and Mitchell. Is there anyone that stands out to you?
AK- Chinanu Onuaku (Riverdale Baptist, center) is someone who is local that the Terps have been looking at and have offered. Since he is a local player, he would make the most sense to stay local in order to become a Terp.
BSL- Obviously one of the biggest names, and a guy everyone is going after, C Goodluck Okonoboah. Do the Terps have any chance with him?
AK- I do not see them landing Okonoboh, realistically.
BSL- How about Obi Enechoinyia and Martin Geben? Or are you hearing any other names that could be thrown in the mix?
AK- I see them landing Geben over Obi, if anything.
***BSL would like to thank Alex again for taking to time to chat with us.
