Maryland’s backcourt has taken another hit as sophomore guard Chance Stephens suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during summer workouts this week, sidelining him for the bulk of the 2023-24 season.
After one season at Loyola Marymount, Stephens committed to Maryland in the midst of his early April official visit after assistant David Cox ignited the portal pursuit. “It was kind of a quick thing when I went in. They reached out there, been consistent so I’ll go down there and see what’s up. I already know Cox and stuff so I wasn’t as pressed to do a Zoom visit and all that,” Chance added.
“They basically just need a shooter. That’s the bottom line. Just coming off pin downs and ball screens, hit open shots, that’s what they need,” Stephens added. “My dad being from DC, I’ve been there a couple of times and I like the vibe. I’ve got family down there so it’s a good spot.”
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After grad transfer Don Carey exhausted his eligibility following the 2022-23 season, the Terps turned to Stephens as a long-term piece in the backcourt capable of filling that exact role. Stephens showed that deep touch as a freshman after posting 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting from deep against Wake Forest, while shooting 35.9% from the field on the season.
Stephens was among several new faces along head coach Kevin Willard’s roster ahead of year two, joining Jordan Geronimo and Mady Traore from the portal along with the four-man freshmen class. Veteran point guard Jahmir young returns for year two to run the point once more, while Jahari Long gives the unit experienced depth. Freshman Deshawn-Harris Smith, who is set to return to campus after being among 35 invites to Team USA U-19 men’s national team camp, is expected to start alongside Young while freshman Jahn Lamothe rounds out the rotation.
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