For most college basketball teams, a loss in the NCAA tournament begins the transition of basketball moving out of the spotlight. That has not been the case for the Terps as the basketball hype has increased since the loss to West Virginia. The growing commitments and speculations around the team next season has gained momentum over the past week and here are some of the story lines.
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Diamond Shines in Chicago
Diamond Stone took to the national stage in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American game on Wednesday night and gave a glimpse of what he will bring to College Park next season. Stone scored 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting to go along with three rebounds and two blocked shots.
In the game, Stone showed his ability to clean up and finish around the basket, flushing dunk after dunk. He was impressive on the defensive end of the floor and proved he will be a valuable rim protector for the Terps. For a player of Stone’s 6-10, 250-pound size, he moves very well and got out on the tail end of several fast breaks, finishing in transition.
During the broadcast, it was mentioned that Stone would likely not have committed to Maryland if Melo Trimble was not returning and that he looks forward to playing with the Terps’ point guard.
Stone’s talent shown in the game Wednesday night only added to the anticipation for next season. He was smooth around the basket and has great footwork in the paint. He is certainly a strong finisher at the rim, but Stone also showed he has more to his offensive arsenal with a mid-range jump shot and sweeping hook shot.
When getting to Maryland, Stone will focus on trimming down his body fat and adding more muscle to his frame. The future Terps center has had success using his weight against fellow high school players, but he’ll need more strength when playing against the physical Big Ten defenses next season.
Layman Going Pro?
Reports surfaced Wednesday that Jake Layman is giving “serious consideration” to leaving Maryland a year early and entering the NBA Draft. While the reports are likely true that Layman is considering the option, it would be a surprise if he entered this year. Every potential prospect is expected to go through the draft process and seek outside evaluations on where they project in the draft.
Layman is likely talking to pro scouts and other resources to get feedback on his strengths, weaknesses, and any other type of insight that he would take into consideration about his professional future. If a team guarantees Layman that they would select him in the first round, then the chances he departs would significantly increase.
Another factor that could play into Layman’s decision is the talent on the projected roster for next season. While most would view the team’s talent as a reason to stay, it could be used as a reason Layman decides to leave. With Trimble, Stone, and Robert Carter Jr. as prospects for the 2016 NBA Draft, their talent will likely outshine Layman and could potentially hurt his draft stock. Though he was not the star of the team this past season, the potential NBA talent does not compare to what will be there next season. Layman could look at returning for another season as a risk to his NBA future.
Most internet mock drafts have Layman being a potential second round pick. His size, athleticism, and shooting ability makes him an intriguing project for NBA teams. Layman needs to work on his confidence and his assertiveness on the offensive end. He was relied on to be a rebounder last season and proved that he can make improvements in the needed areas. Another year working on his game will help him as an overall player at the next level, regardless of the talent around him next season.
Trimble Returning for Sophomore Season
Around noon on Wednesday, Trimble officially announced that he would be returning for his sophomore season. Trimble went through his draft process and decided that another year at Maryland would allow him to improve his value next season.
“We did our due diligence and also had a number of great discussions with Melo and his mom regarding what would be best for his future,” Mark Turgeon said. “He is excited about playing with a great team and is looking forward to his sophomore year at Maryland.”
ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford tweeted that Trimble would have likely been a second round pick this year, but should be a first round selection in 2016. The point guard pool in the upcoming draft (D ’Angelo Russell, Emmanuel Mudiay, Jerian Grant, and Tyus Jones among others) is much deeper than it will be in next year’s draft.
The success of this past season has brought the basketball buzz back to College Park and that has only grown since the season ended. The Terps student section at games once again showed the difference they can make and the college environment has made an impression on Trimble.
“I am excited about spending another year with my teammates and building on what we accomplished this year,” Trimble said. “This was the best decision for me. Being a member of the Maryland basketball program has been an unbelievable experience and I can’t wait to be back in front of the best fans in college basketball next season.”
Transfer Prospect Damion Lee
As the 201415 season nears an end, players are announcing their departure from programs to find a new home next season. The graduate transfers are the most valued players since their eligibility is effective immediately. Turgeon has been good in the past with bringing in transfers (Carter Jr., Dez Wells, Evan Smotrycz, and Jon Graham) and another for next season could be crucial.
The biggest transfer need for the Terps is at shooting guard. Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley are the two shooting guards expected to be major contributors next season, but the roster could use more depth at the position.
The prime candidate for the Terps is Drexel guard Damion Lee who informed the team he would graduate early and transfer elsewhere next year. Lee, a Baltimore native and Calvert Hall product, was fourth in the nation in scoring last season averaging 21.4 points per game last season. Maryland might hold the “home field advantage,” but he’ll be one of the most highly sought after transfer students.
Lee has been a high-volume scorer since beginning his career at Drexel. In his freshman season, he averaged 17.1 ppg and 13.0 ppg in his sophomore campaign. Injuries are a concern for Lee, who suffered a right hand fracture in February and missed the final three games of the season. Lee also missed the 2013-14 season with a torn ACL.
When playing at Calvert Hall, Lee played AAU for the DC Assault, which is the same program Trimble played for. Also, Graham and Lee played together at Calvert Hall and the departing Terps senior has already had conversations with Lee about the program. Looking at the potential roster in addition to the ability to play back in his home state, Maryland has to be considered one of the favorites to land Lee next season.
Chris Garman attended Mount St. Mary’s University where he studied in Communications. He is a native of Steelton, Pa. and has covered Maryland Men’s Basketball and Football for PressBox since 2012. Chris previously covered High School Football for The Patriot News in Harrisburg, Pa. He can be reached by email at: crgarman103@gmail.com.