’24 Five-Star Recaps Maryland Visit

The Maryland Terrapins had a highly sought-after wing player on campus for an unofficial visit Monday.

“My Maryland visit today; I thought the Maryland coaching staff was amazing. The way they broke everything down [for me] and just going around campus and being able to see all the beautiful facilities they have [was fun]. [This is] where I could potentially go to school one day, so it was just a good feeling and a nice place to be at.” Trentyn Flowers‘ said he felt like Maryland is a place where he’d be taken care of, and the basketball program does a great job of developing its players.

“The Xfinity Center was amazing. Seeing that championship trophy they won back in 2002, the NCAA Championship, was crazy. The feeling of being a part of the culture for that little bit of time felt amazing,” Flowers on what he enjoyed seeing during the visit. “Being down on the floor and seeing what it was like and how their student section is, I can only imagine what the environment would be like. It was a great place to be.”

The 6-foot-8, 195-pounder understands what he brings to the game and how he fits into Maryland’s style of play.

“From what I heard today, he [Kevin Willard] builds his offense and runs his team around the best player. I feel like I can incorporate guys [in the offense], and I feel like I make everybody better. Also, [they like] my ability to be a two-way defender [and] what I bring to the game with my height and size. Not a lot of people can move like me. I feel like I’m an all-around player. I can impact any part of the game.”

What was the main message to Flowers from Maryland Terrapins head coach Willard? Work hard and be good to the people around you.

“The main message was [to] keep working hard. Basketball will take care of itself. He instilled in me, ‘make sure you’re always a great person and carry yourself a certain way. That gets you very far in life.’ I liked that. For him, it was more about life than just a basketball-first approach.” Like Michael Nwoko, Flowers has a good relationship with Terps assistant Tony Skinn.

“Coach Skinn. He loves the way I play and how versatile I am. He [watched] me play when I was playing in the Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and when I was with Huntington Prep. I was playing against St. Frances Academy and Maryland commit Jahnathan Lamothe. [Skinn’s] been able to watch me play a couple of times, and he likes my game.”

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Trentyn Flowers is a five-star recruit in the 2024 class, the fifth-best player nationally, third-best small forward, and the best player in Virginia, according to On3 consensus. He holds offers from Alabama, Michigan, Maryland, Georgetown, Kansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State. He has Overtime Elite and G-League Ignite interest.

He doesn’t have an official visit itinerary set but wants to visit Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, UNC, and Kansas. He plans to take three or four visits in the Fall.

These are other schools prioritizing him on the recruiting trail: Oklahoma State, Memphis, Cincinnati, Kansas, USC, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas Tech, UNLV, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Arkansas, UCF, Virginia Tech, and Missouri

“It’s been chaotic and hectic but good. I’ve just been dealing with a lot of calls, a lot of people. Being a good player such as myself comes with it. I’m just blessed to be in this position. I couldn’t ask God for nothing more.” He credits his parents for the job they’ve done raising him and has that in mind when choosing a basketball program and university.

“Really, I’m looking for a home away from home. My mom and dad have done a great job of raising me. I want to go somewhere where I know the coaches will do a good job with me on and off the court. [It’s about] whoever I feel most comfortable with. [As] I like to say, I’m going to handle my [basketball job] at the end of the day, but somewhere I can lay and be comfortable, that’s where I’m going to go. That’s the biggest thing for me.” Flowers is a bright, sociable young man who works hard. A university will benefit from that on and off the court.

“Off the court, I feel like they’re going to get somebody bright and a guy who [will always] bring a good attitude no matter what. I’m very social. I like to get to know people. On the court, they’re going to get a dog, somebody that wants to win games at all costs. Whatever I have to do on and off the basketball floor to get it done, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s my mentality and mindset.”

What stands out right away about Flowers is his size and length, which allow him to be versatile on both ends of the floor. He can shoot the perimeter shot efficiently, drive to the basket, score with contact, and be an efficient passer.

He does recognize that he’ll have to get stronger physically in the next two years to be ready for the college game.

His sophomore season took him on a journey from West Virginia’s Huntington Prep to California’s Sierra Canyon to play with other high school stars like Bronny James, Amari Bailey, and Kijani Wright. Here’s what he learned.

“My sophomore season, I learned I can endure anything. The two situations I was in were difficult, especially for sophomores coming in. That shows I can go into any situation and play with anybody. No matter where I go, I can help people win instantly. I showed that I matured over that year and put myself in a position to be where I’m at Rosedale now. Hopefully, going into my junior year, I can lead the whole team.”

He transferred to Rosedale Christian Academy in Baltimore, Md., with his legacy in mind.

“I was born here, and for me, it was like, what would I want my legacy to be? I could go to Oak Hill, Monte Verde Academy, IMG, all these schools, and be paired with all these great names. With Rosedale, I can build a foundation just as there would be for me [at] those other schools. I can do that for myself, my family, and whoever wants to go there. It was just bigger than basketball. I thought it would be the best move at the end of the day.” The Rosedale Christian Academy Panthers had a good year in 2021-22, ending the season with a 20-8 (7-2 Maryland Christian region) record and a deep playoff run.

He believes his competitiveness will help him to gel with his teammates. He’s also going to lead by example.

“…I’m going to come in there and try to make everybody better. I’m not selfish; I’ve never been that way. [I will] come in and work just as hard as anybody else. I feel like I bring a lot to the table.”

Flowers has big goals as an upperclassman.

“I want to be remembered as a great student, a great friend to somebody, and loved by all. Hopefully, God-willing, I keep working hard, and I’ll be a McDonald’s All-American, go to the Jordan Brand Classic, [earn] two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in the state, and National [Player of the Year]. From there, what I decide to do after my high school career, [I hope] it all comes together.”