The University of Maryland got a major commitment this week when a key player announced his return for a final season in College Park. Now with Jake Layman back, what does that mean for the Terps? Also, Dez Wells will look to find a spot in the NBA next season. Will he get selected in the NBA draft and is it a bad thing if he doesn’t? Finally, Robert Carter Jr. will make his long awaited debut for the Terps next year. What should the Terps expect from the Georgia Tech transfer?
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Layman Officially Returning
Maryland forward Jake Layman officially announced Thursday afternoon that he would be returning for his senior season. The announcement came after speculation continued to grow that Layman might make the jump to the NBA, especially as more days went on without a commitment.
Layman and his family worked with head coach Mark Turgeon to go over the options for next season, ultimately coming to the conclusion that returning to the Terps is the best decision.
“We did our homework, took our time and worked with the Laymans to ensure the best decision for Jake,” Turgeon said. “We are thrilled to have Jake return for his senior season.”
Building on the recent success and the potential for next year’s played a major role in Layman’s decision to return.
“Maryland is my home and we had great success this year,” Layman said. “There is so much to look forward to next season and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Layman will likely be one of the captains next season and the Terps will need his leadership. Dez Wells was at the heart of the team last season and those are the shoes Layman will be expected to fill next season.
With Layman officially back, the Terps frontcourt appears to be solidified for next season. Layman will move to a more natural small forward position and being 6-foot-9, he could cause matchup issues for opponents through the season. He’ll also give the Terps an established rebounder on the wing to pair with Diamond Stone and Robert Carter Jr.
Layman back in the fold should solidify what most are expecting, a preseason top 5 ranking for the Terps.
Wells’ Professional Future
Wells departs Maryland after his senior season and will now fight for a future in the NBA. For most of his collegiate career, he was a small forward that could slide to both guard positions when needed. In the NBA, Wells is too undersized to continue as a small forward and will likely be a shooting guard. He also showed over his final two seasons at Maryland that he could initiate the offense at point guard.
His improved range from beyond the arc has significantly helped Wells’ chances of getting selected in the upcoming NBA draft. Wells shot 30-percent from beyond the arc in the 2013-14 season and boosted that to 51-percent this past season. If chosen to attend the NBA Combine in the summer, Wells will be able to earn his way in front of the NBA scouts by showcasing his strength and athleticism.
If Wells is not selected, he should have offers to sign as an undrafted free agent and play for a NBA Summer League team. This could be a better scenario for Wells since he will have a choice in the process. He can choose a team where he sees himself as a better fit and increase his chances of finding a role in the NBA.
Finding a current NBA player this Wells compares to is difficult because he has unique abilities for his size. Wells’ strengths make him better as a small forward, but he would struggle significantly at that position in the NBA.
A somewhat comparable player to Wells in the NBA is a slightly undersized version Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler. Both share a similar strength and aggressiveness when attacking the basket. They are also tough defenders that can be physical. Wells might be a better shooter than Butler, but the length of Butler makes him more explosive at the rim.
Wells has fought through adversity throughout his collegiate career. His toughness and work ethic gives him a strong chance to have a career in the NBA.
Looking Into Robert Carter Jr.
After a year with the team waiting for eligibility, Carter Jr. will finally be available to play for the Terps next season and is expected to contribute immediately. He is projected to be the starting power forward and will be pair with Stone down low to give the Terps one of the top frontcourts in the Big Ten.
In his time preparing for his debut with the Terps, Carter Jr. has impressed most who have watched him. He is 6-foot-9, 240 pounds and shows freak athleticism for his size. Coming out of high school, he was a 5-star recruit and averaged 11.4 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game in his sophomore season at Georgia Tech.
Carter Jr. can step out and make mid-range shots and the occasional long-range shots. He also has exceptional footwork around the rim and a strong finisher. Before several Terps home games, Carter Jr. worked out with the coaching staff and was able to showcase his talent for the early arrivers.
Some reports question his ability to defend and stay on the floor. Similar to the way Charles Mitchell was in his time at Maryland, Carter Jr. has been known to run out of gas quickly because of the high intensity level he consistently plays with. Defensively, he is a terrific shot blocker and rim protector, but lacks some lateral quickness that helps keep offensive players in front.
Most of these strengths and weaknesses for Carter Jr. were from when he last played a collegiate game over a year ago. A year off to work on these things and prepare for the 2015-16 season should result in major improvements all around.
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.