New Maryland basketball transfer Collin Metcalf knows Buzz Williams is "the exact type of coach I love to work with"

Ahmed Ghafir
May 12
3 min read

Former Northeastern center Collin Metcalf materialized into a portal prospect with a wide array of interest, but heading into his visit to Maryland on May 6, there was little doubt where he wanted to close out his college career.

Metcalf, a 6-foot-9 center originally from Germany, took visits to Western Michigan, FIU and Longwood along with a visit to Fresno State “a couple of days” before making the trip to Maryland. But heading into his final year of eligibility, there was no doubt Metcalf had his eyes set on Maryland as he finds peace knowing the process played out the way he hoped.

“I think my favorite part about this is I found the best home for me,” Metcalf told IBG. “I think the process was really long, drawn out. A lot crazier than I thought it was going to be but I think I’m just happy it’s a good school.”

The tight-knit culture of the Buzz Williams staff was hard to ignore during his time on campus.

“When I got there I was so excited because that’s where I planned on going but just meeting all the coaches – a lot of guys, they’ll say they’re a family and stuff like that. But this coaching staff really means it. They’re all in tune with one another, super close. It was great to see how they actually mean family and they’re not creating a family.”

Metcalf also got a chance to familiarize himself with what a Buzz Williams-led program looks like, and having his advisor praise his new head coach only made it easier.

“So many people talked highly of Buzz when I went in. My agent, he couldn’t stop saying how good of a coach Buzz was,” Metcalf added. “I went and looked at coach’s resume, I think everything about Buzz’s accolades kind of speaks for itself. He didn’t really do much talking about himself. He’s a very humble guy, more of a ‘I’m going to let my work speak for itself’ so I find that very interesting. A huge thing for me is seeing a coach who doesn’t talk about himself, kind of his work and his work in the past. I think he’s an amazing guy. When I got there, he was more I want to see the type of person you are. I don’t want to hear what you have to say, I want to see it and I think for me, that’s the exact type of coach I love to work with.”

After appearing in 37 games during his first two seasons at Northeastern, Metcalf stepped into a feature role in 2024-25 after starting in 30 games and appearing in all 32. Metcalf’s production on offense was limited to just four points per game on 58.7% shooting, his second consecutive season shooting at least 50% from the field, as he made a name for himself on the defensive end of the floor, leading the CAA with 78 blocks and being named to the conference’s All-Defensive team. With Metcalf now set to join a frontcourt anchored by former Aggie center Pharrel Payne, the German center knows he fits the Terps’ new identity.

“When I got there, we did a workout and it was a good workout in the morning. They worked on everything that I’m good at and they said they have a great plan for me. They said all the things you do great, our team does that at the highest level. We need it. We are top-15 in everything you do great – offensive rebounding, defense, just physical and drawing fouls. It’s just great to see there’s a team I can come in and fit in and not have to worry about adjusting my game to a different level of play.”

Metcalf will arrive in College Park in a matter of weeks with summer workouts set to begin on June 2.

“We’re just going to be working. We’re just going to get there, straight from the start, get the grind on,” Metcalf added. “I think he has a great plan set out for me – big year ahead of us.”

Related Links