Maryland finalized its backcourt last week after former Seton Hall guard Jahari Long announced his commitment, giving the Terps their third portal guard addition this cycle. With just two scholarships left, the attention has since shifted to the frontcourt as Maryland has been linked to another experienced option.
Kentucky forward Keion Brooks Jr. withdrew from the 2022 NBA Draft this week as Ohio State, Maryland, UCLA, Arizona, Notre Dame, Washington, Iowa, Florida, Mississippi State, South Carolina, BYU, DePaul, UNLV, Nebraska, Kansas State and Memphis have all reached out. Brooks started all 33 games last year for the Wildcats after averaging 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds, but became the third Kentucky player to enter the portal back on April 29.
Arizona, Notre Dame and Washington are the three perceived top contenders for Brooks, while the Wildcats join Maryland still in contention for former Washington State forward Efe Abogidi. Abogidi, a 6-foot-10 four-man, is expected to make his decision by the end of the week as Maryland potentially gives themself another portal option as a backup plan.
Maryland was also listed as a finalist for former Virginia Tech forward David N’Guessan earlier this month, but with all eyes on Abogidi, head coach Kevin Willard and the new staff will look for at least one more out of the portal to bolster the frontcourt.
Maryland is also among the schools to pursue South Kent (CT) forward Tafara Gapare as a potential 2022 addition, but he’s in decision mode regarding when he’ll reach the next level before he decides on a school. “There’s others offering me both years, just big decisions to make,“ Gapare told Inside the Black and Gold over the weekend. “I have to take into consideration players that are going and coming back to college this year at specific schools. Transfer portal is looking crazy, so it’s really tough.”
Meanwhile, Maryland is awaiting the expected final decisions from both Jahmir Young and Donald Carey to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft with a June 1 deadline looming.
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