The future of Maryland’s backcourt has been solidified following the signings of Jamie Kaiser Jr, Deshawn Harris-Smith and Jahnathan Lamothe, but frontcourt recruiting has been a long process during head coach Kevin Willard’s first full recruiting cycle in College Park. But after the staff extended an offer to IMG Academy (FL) center Braden Pierce just two days before Christmas, they’ll get a chance to host the 7-footer on an official visit beginning January 27.
Assistant coach David Cox has led the recruitment of Pierce as the staff made the trip down to the Florida powerhouse to check on the 7-foot, 230-pound big man last month. As IBG noted this visit was likely to come to fruition early in the week, Pierce has been working to become more familiar with the Terrapins as the staff began to build the relationship. “[Kevin Willard] came to IMG I guess earlier, maybe September or October. They saw me play and they liked how I was developing and he said they really needed a big for next year,” Pierce told IBG.
Though he attends the same school as Kaiser, Pierce is taking a post graduate year at IMG Academy but would be a welcomed addition for Maryland. The Terps could return veteran Julian Reese next season while Caelum Swanton-Rodger could play a more integral role in the rotation. Still the depth is limited with Arnaud Revaz and Pavlo Dziuba, who have played less than 20 minutes combined this season, still maintaining eligibility. Pierce previously added that Missouri has been in consistent contact with South Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Virginia in pursuit. Pierce added he’s looking to make his commitment in March.
Pierce is rated a three-star prospect and an 89 overall by On3, sitting as the 146th-best prospect and 15th-best center in the nation.
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