Maryland’s signature win on Thursday may be more impressive than fans initially thought. Maryland’s 68-54 win over Purdue marked the largest win over a top-5 opponent as an unranked team since 1961, marking the fourth time in history that Maryland has beaten a top-five team by more than 14 points. It also marked the 51st all-time win versus a top-five opponent and the 34th all-time win versus a top-three opponent. They did so with a pair of their signees in attendance as St. Frances guard Jahnathan Lamothe and IMG Academy (FL) guard Jamie Kaiser Jr. made the trip in. “The atmosphere was absolutely crazy. The win seemed like it was going to happen from the start, the players looked so confident,” Kaiser told IBG. While Kaiser was joined by his dad, Lamothe made the trip with teammate and 2025 guard Tyler Jackson. The top-50 prospect drew buzz as one of the top talents in the area last spring when the then-new Maryland staff began evaluating Lamothe. Fast forward to today and Kansas became the latest to offer as they join UCF, Seton Hall, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Rutgers and Illinois among others. It’s plenty early in his recruitment, but Jackson has made himself a frequent visitor on campus dating back to the summer. https://twitter.com/PointGuardEyes/status/1507011249309061122 Elsewhere, Maryland is still in a good spot with 2024 Montverde Academy (FL) four-star center Derik Queen. Assistant Tony Skinn has been in consistent contact with the 6-foot-9, 230-pound priority target and his camp as the Terps continue to sit comfortably in his recruitment. Queen has already taken his official visit to Maryland and, just as it was heading into his October official visit, the buzz still indicates the possibility of returning home is something Queen holds in high regard. Indiana is still in pursuit while Auburn could be the school to host him for an official following his junior season as head coach Bruce Pearl has been in pursuit dating back to the fall. One contact said, though, that Queen isn’t approaching decision mode with a summer timeframe the most likely. NIL has been a topic of conversation in Queen’s recruitment dating back to last spring, but the buzz has been consistent dating back to last May that the Terps won’t be found flat-footed and can provide what Queen’s camp is looking for. On the court? I’m told that Willard’s play and coaching style have caught Queen’s eye as Maryland is now fresh off its first top-five win in seven seasons. There’s been steady confidence heading into the spring as Maryland will look to stay in consistent pursuit as Skinn and Kevin Willard look to close in the coming months. "Yes I did," Queen said when asked if he watched the win. "It was a great win. Coach Skinn sent me a picture of the fans." Meanwhile, Maryland is back in Xfinity for workouts this afternoon before beginning preparation for Nebraska. Maryland will travel to Lincoln to face the Huskers for a 5 PM tipoff on Sunday. Related Links Breath of fresh air for Maryland basketball following Purdue upset Maryland secures signature win, dominates No. 3 Purdue Instant reactions: #3 Purdue 54, Maryland 68 Coaching buzz (+) Contract details for new Maryland assistant Kevin Sumlin Maryland jumps into the mix for sleeper LB Keyshawn Flowers (+)
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