Maryland has added another former DeMatha star to the program as former four-star and Virginia Tech guard Rodney Rice has announced his transfer into the program.
Rice, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard, becomes the first of what should be multiple portal commitments this offseason as the former ACC guard gives Maryland another primary ball handler as head coach Kevin Willard replenishes the backcourt.
His freshman season was riddled by injuries, suffering an ankle injury before his first game and didn’t return to the court until his debut in January. Rice played in one game and broke his hand during practice, leading to just eight appearances where he averaged 19.9 minutes, 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44% from the floor and 33% from three. Rice was expected to be a key piece for Virginia Tech as a sophomore but opted to leave the program just weeks prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.
“Rodney Rice recently shared with me his desire to step away from our program,” VT head coach Mike Young said at the time. “While his departure is unfortunate, we wish Rodney and his family all the best in the future.”
During his time at DeMatha under Mike Jones, who led the pursuit for Maryland out of the portal, Rice was rated a top-100 prospect and became an All-MET first-team selection his senior season after averaging over 18 points across his three-year career.
Now, Rodney Rice becomes the second former DeMatha player to transfer to Maryland since Kevin Willard took over as head coach as Jahmir Young’s commitment two years ago gave the program its splash signing.
Maryland is currently projected to return DeShawn Harris-Smith in 2024-25, while Chance Stephens looks to provide perimeter scoring. Maryland also signed four-star guard Malachi Palmer out of Mount Zion Prep (MD) where he fills in as a two-guard.
The big question is how will head coach Kevin Willard replace Jahmir Young, who accounts for nearly a third of Maryland’s scoring this season, but Rice gives the backcourt another potential ball-handler to fill the void. Maryland is also coming off a visit with former Belmont guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who they rolled the red carpet out for.
