VIP: notes heading into basketball opener, Derik Queen, juco target
- Ahmed Ghafir
- Oct 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Maryland basketball is eight days away from the season opener and with preseason winding down ahead of the Mount St. Mary’s matchup, notes heading into Kevin Willard’s second season along with a likely offseason visitor for football.
Maryland wrapped up its second scrimmage of the preseason against Virginia, winning the first half as one contact said the Terps “played about as good as we could’ve against a UVA defense.” It sounds like Virginia took over after the break and won the second half after being able to take control of the opening minutes of the second half. The Terps were able to find success in the second half, but never able to overcome the hurdle as the ‘Hoos offense hit its stride.
While he’s been able to practice, another big takeaway was that newcomer Mady Traore was cleared to play this scrimmage after dealing with eligibility issues following his transfer. Head coach Kevin Willard was clear to preach patience when it comes to the Terps’ new 6-foot-11 big man, but the athleticism and provided rim protection are evident as he develops behind Caelum Swanton-Rodger this upcoming season. There’s confidence that the Terps are better equipped against the more physical Big Ten teams this season, and the addition of Jordan Geronimo is a big reason for that, while the freshmen continue to mesh with the veterans. While Geronimo adds experience and physicality to the frontcourt, one contact added he's shooting with much confidence heading into the season.
Aside from Chance Stephens, Maryland has also dealt with a few players sidelined through the offseason with minor injuries this offseason with Noah Batchelor and Jahari Long sidelined. Both were sidelined during the scrimmage, while Caelum Swanton-Rodger has been largely limited since the Italy trip, though a source tells IBG that there’s confidence that Maryland will be at full strength heading into next week’s season opener.
As far as whether recruits will make their way to campus, Maryland will look to host a handful of recruits with three home games in November and Largo (MD) five-star Cam Ward is a candidate to make his way back to campus. Ward, a top priority in the 2025 cycle, did make his way to campus to watch the Terps’ practice before making his way over to SECU Stadium the weekend of the Indiana game. Maryland will undoubtedly have an early presence at Largo once the season kicks off, while Gonzaga is another focus next cycle with Christian Gurdak and Nyk Lewis high on the board. Lewis didn’t make it onto campus for his visit last month, but Gurdak did and the staff has done well establishing in-roads with the 6-foot-9 forward.
As for five-star Derik Queen, it’s status quo in his recruitment with an exact decision timeframe still fluid heading into the early signing period next week. Queen remains the undoubted focus as Indiana continues to serve as the primary competition down the stretch, while the Baltimore native included Houston and Kansas inside his top four on Friday. Between Queen and 2025 four-star Efe Oliogu’s potential reclass down the line, Maryland’s ’24 class largely hinges on how Queen’s recruitment plays out. The same level of confidence remains toward Maryland’s ultimate chances of landing the five-star product, but head coach Kevin Willard continues to lead efforts on the close. Former target Daquan Davis, who transferred from St. John’s to Overtime Elite after brief intentions to play at St. Frances, reopened his recruitment over the weekend but I don’t expect Maryland to be involved again.
On the football side, Maryland saw its third decommitment of the cycle after Donovan Thompson backed off his pledge on Sunday night though it’s a loss the Terps are more than capable of absorbing. I’m also hearing Que McBroom, a juco interior lineman out of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, is a strong candidate to take a postseason visit as the two sides still iron out a date with the offensive line still a focus to close the cycle. Of course, Maryland will need to reverse course on the season as they welcome a long list of recruits to campus this upcoming weekend. Concordia Prep (MD) four-star Ernest Willor won’t make it in with his own game scheduled for Saturday, but 2025 four-stars Jaelyne Matthews and Malik Washington will be back on campus for their second and third visits this season.
