Q&A With New Terp Walk-On Simon Wright

The Terps’ bench has drawn attention over the years, thanks to guys like Andrew Terrell and his patented towel wave. But the newest Terp, walk-on transfer Simon Wright, will not be one of those as the 6-foot-7 forward looks to give Maryland quality minutes at the end of the rotation.

Wright initially planned on hanging up his basketball career before assistant Danny Manning reached out, paving the way for Wright’s decision to utilize a graduate year to suit up for the Terps for one season. In his 2019-20 campaign, Wright averaged 6.8 points, and 4.9 rebounds on 48.2% shooting from the field, 36.5% from three, and 82.6% from the free-throw line. Wright appeared in 29 games and averaged just over 24 minutes per game.

Inside the Black & Gold recently connected with Wright to learn more about his transfer to College Park.

Q: What made you want to transfer to Maryland?

A: “So upon the completion of my senior year at Elon, I was obviously mad that we didn’t make the tournament (we lost in our conference championship) but I was satisfied with my effort and the growth of the program during my time there, and I was really proud of that to the point where I did not really want to play another year anywhere else. I could have transferred to another D1 school and gotten a scholarship, but I was shifting my focus from basketball to my professional development as an aspiring clinical psychologist. I applied to Maryland due to their prestigious clinical psychology program and somehow got in. After talking it over with one of my coaches (Andrew Dakich, who walked on at Michigan and Ohio State), we decided that I would pursue a walk-on opportunity. He was close friends with Andrew Terrell, and he is the one who let Coach Turgeon know that I was an enrolled grad student. I then got on the phone with Coach Greg Manning and he completely sold me and it was honestly a no-brainer for me. I am just extremely lucky that it worked out like it did where I am able to play basketball for a historic program while also studying clinical psychology.”

Q: What do you feel you’re bringing to the team?

A: “The biggest thing I will bring to the team is just energy every single day. I am an ultra competitor who will raise the level of intensity every time I step on the court. In terms of my game I am a guy who is willing to do all of the dirty work. I take pride in playing defense and moving the ball on offense. Obviously coming in as a walk-on I will have a different role than I did on my Elon team, so I am willing to do whatever Coach wants me to do and I will do it to the best of my ability. I just wanna help this team achieve greatness.”

Q: Have you spoken to any coaches and teammates yet?

A: “I honestly have not spoken to any of my teammates yet, I move in June 7th so I look forward to meeting everyone then. In terms of the coaching staff I have been talking the most with Greg Manning, he has been great helping me out with all the logistics.”

Q: How would you describe yourself a player?

A: “Tough and grimy, blue collar type guy I crash the glass religiously and lock in on the defensive end. I am confident that I can lock anyone up. On offense I can knock down open shots with confidence, and I’m versatile as a forward I can take bigger guys off the dribble and I take pride in making the right basketball play.”

Q: What are three non-basketball fun facts about yourself?

A: “I don’t eat dairy, I love playing piano (although I’m not that good) and I am allergic to grass”

Q: Do you have a message for Terp fans?

A: “Yes, I’m honored and blessed to have an opportunity to be apart of this program that has such a rich tradition and amazing fans. It’s going to be extremely special this year because fans are gonna be allowed back at the games with 100% capacity. I can’t wait to experience the Xfinity Center and the amazing atmosphere, which will only increase the dedication and determination I have to contribute to a program and fan base that deserves to make a run in March!”