Maryland’s backcourt will have almost an entirely new look to it next season after another departure, this time from freshman guard Jahnathan Lamothe as a source confirms the Baltimore native will enter the transfer portal.
Lamothe, a former four-star prospect out of St. Frances Academy, leaves after just one season with the program. Lamothe didn’t waste much time on the chance to play for Maryland out of high school before choosing the Terps over Georgetown, UCF and Penn State among others, ultimately becoming the first commitment of the 2023 cycle for head coach Kevin Willard. Lamothe’s commitment paved the way for the Terps to add Jamie Kaiser Jr. and DeShawn Harris-Smith in what was expected to reset the foundation of the program. After signing with Maryland, Lamothe went on to be named MIAA MVP and was a BCL First Team selection as a senior, while a school-record 57 points–including 16 threes–gave fans hope that Lamothe’s success could translate in College Park.
But that never came to fruition as Willard turned to Jahari Long and DeShawn Harris-Smith to become the primary ball handlers with Lamothe out of the rotation by the time conference play began.
“Jahnathan’s the typical freshman. He’s stayed with a great attitude. He’s worked hard. He’s really been good in practice, and he’s earned his minutes in practice,” Kevin Willard said ahead of the Michigan game back in January.
Lamothe averaged 0.8 points and shot 25% from the field, including 18.2% from three, in 16 appearances as a freshman.
Lamothe becomes the third outgoing transfer for Maryland this offseason after Noah Batchelor became the first to announce his plans for next season. Caelum Swanton-Rodger then entered the portal on Monday, now giving Willard three vacant scholarships to work with.
Maryland will look to close in the portal beginning with former Belmont guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who is set to visit on Friday.
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