Former Charlotte point guard Jahmir Young has announced his commitment to Maryland over Georgetown and Miami, giving head coach Kevin Willard and staff a big piece to the 2022-23 roster.
Young becomes the first commitment out of the portal for Willard and the new Maryland staff and joins IMG Academy (FL) three-star forward Noah Batchelor as newcomers to next year’s roster. Maryland was the first school to host Young back on April 7, the day he entered the transfer portal. Young previously declared for the 2022 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, but moved his timeline up as he’ll suit up one more season in college.
With Eric Ayala and Fatts Russell off to pursue professional careers, Young fills a dire need as a primary ball handler and is the first domino to drop as Willard and staff replenish the backcourt. Maryland saw reserve guard Marcus Dockery transfer to Howard while Ian Martinez returns to College Park for a second season, but Young fills the void as Maryland’s starting point guard next season.
It wasn’t a layup for the Terps, though, as a subsequent visit to Georgetown then Miami tested Maryland’s chances, especially with the Hurricanes’ emphasis on NIL as of late. But the connections to the Terps staff eventually won out with assistants David Cox and Tony Skinn in the fold. Still, Maryland will have to await a final decision from Young.
"As I continue to go through the NBA draft process, I am excited to announce that if I return to college I will be returning home to the University of Maryland," Young announced on Instagram. "I want to thank coach Sanchez and Charlotte for my time spent there. I am excited for the opportunity to play for Coach [Kevin] Willard and the University of Maryland.
Last season at Charlotte, Young averaged 19.6 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and shot 46.8 percent from the field including 34.1 on three-point attempts. Young, considered one of the top available portal guards, was a two-time first team All-Conference USA selection and was named Conference USA Freshman of the Year back in 2020.
With Young’s commitment, Maryland now has four scholarships available for the 2022-23 season.
Really hopes he backs out of the draft. This would make me feel like a real bounce back season would be possible.
So he's just going through the motions on the draft process, right? Seems weird to announce your transfer and remain draft eligible in the same statement.
Would be very Maryland for him to declare for the draft
Alright fine Willard can stay