Maryland men’s basketball picked up a verbal commit from former Texas A&M guard Cashius McNeilly back in January after his official visit, but the current junior college guard announced he’s backed off his pledge on Wednesday.
“I would like to thank the entire Maryland Staff for everything they've done for me, believing in me and giving me such a great opportunity. I was beyond excited to be able to represent the Terp family and be a part of the culture they have. After many talks with my family and the recent changes to the program, I have decided to decommit from the University of Maryland and open my recruitment. Thank you to everyone who has supported me up to this point,” he wrote on Twitter. “I can't wait to find a new place to call home!”
The decommitment was expected as contact waned following the hire of new head coach Kevin Willard. Assistant Greg Manning Jr. led the way for McNeilly and had a connection to McNeilly’s former coach, Shane James. “I played three years of college basketball at Loyola (MD) with Greg Manning for Jimmy Patsos, so we’re very familiar with each other as well,” James told Inside the Black and Gold at the time. “Maryland, I call my second home, Baltimore because I spent four years there so there’s definitely a connection.”
Meanwhile, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported that Manning Jr. has been retained by Willard as director of basketball operations in a move that was already expected. Manning previously served as the director of basketball operations before being elevated to a bench assistant following Bruce Shingler’s dismissal.
As Willard & Co. look to begin replenishing the roster for the 2022-23 season, Maryland will host former South Carolina guard Jermaine Couisnard for an official visit beginning Friday and host IMG Academy forward Noah Batchelor for an official visit beginning Sunday.