Top 5 Maryland Basketball Recruiting Targets for 2025

The Maryland basketball recruiting class of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. The Terrapins have already landed commitments from several top prospects, including five-star recruits Jamie Kaiser and DeShawn Harris-Smith. With a strong core of players in place, Maryland is now looking to add even more talent to its roster. However, the Terrapins will face stiff competition from other top programs, such as Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Who will Maryland target next and how will they fair against other top schools?

One of the top targets for Maryland in the 2025 class is four-star recruit Kylan Boswell. The 6-foot-2 point guard is one of the best passers in the country and is also a capable scorer. Boswell would be a great addition to Maryland’s backcourt and would help the Terrapins compete for a national championship. However, Boswell is also being heavily recruited by other top programs, such as Kentucky and North Carolina. In spite of facing serious competition, Maryland remains confident that they can land Boswell. The Terrapins have a strong relationship with Boswell and his family and are hoping that will give them an edge in his recruitment.

Another top target for Maryland in the 2025 class is four-star recruit Matas Buzelis. The 6-foot-9 forward is one of the best shooters in the country and is also a solid rebounder. Buzelis would be a great addition to Maryland’s frontcourt and would help the Terrapins compete for a national championship. However, Buzelis is also being heavily recruited by other top programs, such as Duke and Kansas. Similar to Boswell, Maryland faces an uphill battle in their effort to secure Buzelis’ commitment. Recruiting is a fluid process and many things can happen between now and the early signing period in November. Nonetheless, Maryland is well-positioned to land both Boswell and Buzelis, they just need for things to break their way.

Future Terps: Maryland Basketball’s Top Recruiting Targets for 2025

Top Prospect: Arvell Smith

Arvell Smith, a 6’1″ point guard from Hyattsville, Maryland, is widely considered the top target for Maryland’s 2025 recruiting class. Smith, who plays for DeMatha Catholic High School, has been a standout on the national circuit, showcasing exceptional ball-handling skills, court vision, and a deadly three-point shot. He has offers from several top programs, including Duke, Kentucky, and UNC, but Maryland is considered the frontrunner. Smith’s father, A.J. Smith, played for Maryland from 2002-2006, and Arvell has been visiting the campus since he was a young child. His commitment would be a major coup for first-year head coach Kevin Willard and a significant step towards rebuilding the Terps’ program.

Other Key Targets

Nigel Pack III

A 6’4″ shooting guard from Olney, Maryland, Pack is a skilled scorer with a smooth jump shot and an ability to get to the basket. He has offers from Maryland, Virginia, and Penn State.

Jayden Ross

A 6’7″ center from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Ross is a physically imposing presence with a soft touch around the rim. He has offers from Maryland, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh.

Zahir Williams

A 6’5″ wing from Bowie, Maryland, Williams is a versatile athlete with a strong frame and an emerging all-around game. He has offers from Maryland, Villanova, and UConn.

Name	Pos	Hometown
Arvell Smith	PG	Hyattsville, MD
Nigel Pack III	SG	Olney, MD
Jayden Ross	C	Upper Marlboro, MD
Zahir Williams	Wing	Bowie, MD

Crystal Ball Predictions: Breaking Down the Future of Maryland’s Roster

Top Targets for the Class of 2025

The Maryland Terrapins are looking to add some talented players to their roster in the 2025 class. They have already received commitments from several top prospects, including Jeremiah Alexander, Nolan Dixon, and AJ Swinton. However, they are still in the running for several other highly-rated players.

Players to Watch

Here is a table of some of the top players that Maryland is still recruiting in the 2025 class:

Name	Position	Hometown	Status
Trentyn Flowers	PG	Fairfax, VA	Uncommitted
Donovan Johnson	SF	West Orange, NJ	Uncommitted
Tyler Betsey	SF	Philadelphia, PA	Uncommitted
Jayden Brown	PF	Durham, NC	Uncommitted

Scouting Report

Trentyn Flowers is a 6’3″ point guard from Fairfax, VA. He is a talented scorer and passer who can also play defense. Donovan Johnson is a 6’8″ small forward from West Orange, NJ. He is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend. Tyler Betsey is a 6’7″ small forward from Philadelphia, PA. He is a skilled scorer and shooter who can also play defense. Jayden Brown is a 6’9″ power forward from Durham, NC. He is a physical player who can score, rebound, and block shots.

Evaluating the Potential of High School Phenoms

Identifying future college basketball stars is a challenging task. However, certain criteria can help evaluate the potential of high school players:

Physical Attributes

Physical attributes are crucial for assessing a player’s potential. Key factors include:

Height and wingspan
Athleticism and explosiveness
Body type and frame

Skill Set

A player’s skill set is equally important:

Ball-handling and passing
Shooting ability
Defensive instincts

Intangibles

Intangibles play a significant role in a player’s potential:

Work ethic and dedication
Leadership and competitiveness
Coachability and attitude

Competition Level

The level of competition a player faces can impact their evaluation:

National exposure and presence on AAU circuits
Quality of high school competition
Past success and accolades

Character

A player’s character is an essential consideration:

Academic success and maturity
Personality and relationships
Off-court conduct and work ethic

Criteria	Description
Height and Wingspan	Affects rebounding, blocking, and shot contest range.
Athleticism and Explosiveness	Impact verticality, speed, and quickness for driving and defense.
Body Type and Frame	Determines strength, physicality, and durability for inside play.
Ball-Handling and Passing	Crucial for playmaking, setting up teammates, and advancing the ball.
Shooting Ability	Essential for scoring from various distances, including 3-point range.
Defensive Instincts	Key for rebounding, steals, blocks, and defending in different situations.
Work Ethic and Dedication	Reflects commitment to training, skill development, and improvement.
Leadership and Competitiveness	Demonstrates ability to guide teammates, set examples, and thrive in pressure situations.
Coachability and Attitude	Readiness to accept instruction, learn new concepts, and demonstrate a positive attitude on and off the court.

Inside the Recruitment Process: How Maryland Lands Elite Prospects

Identifying and Scouting Talented Players

Maryland’s coaching staff embarks on a nationwide search to identify top-tier recruits. They attend high school showcases, consult with coaches and AAU program directors, and monitor rankings and scouting reports. The Terps prioritize prospects with exceptional talent, athleticism, and character.

Building Relationships with Key Figures

Once potential recruits are identified, the Maryland staff initiates contact with their coaches, guardians, and AAU program directors. They establish regular communication, attend games and training sessions, and invite recruits to campus for unofficial visits. By fostering these relationships, the Terps demonstrate their interest and build a rapport with the player’s support system.

Hosting Unofficial and Official Visits

Unofficial visits allow recruits to experience Maryland’s campus and interact with the coaching staff and players. The Terps provide tours of the facilities, introduce recruits to the student body, and give them a taste of college life. Official visits take place over the weekend and include the opportunity to attend a game, meet with academic advisors, and explore the city of College Park.

Presentation and Commitment

During the unofficial and official visits, the Maryland staff emphasizes the program’s rich history, competitive conference, and commitment to developing players both on and off the court. They present detailed plans for the recruit’s role in the team and outline the academic and athletic resources available at Maryland. If a recruit is impressed by what they experience, they may make a verbal commitment to join the team, which can later be formalized with a signed letter of intent.

Breaking Down the Key Factors Influencing Recruits

5. Academic Support and Resources

Maryland prides itself on offering a top-notch academic experience, which is a major draw for student-athletes. The university has a highly respected academic reputation, with numerous top-ranked programs. The athletic department also provides a dedicated academic support staff that works closely with athletes to ensure their academic success. Maryland offers a wide range of resources to support student-athletes, including tutoring, counseling, and study halls. Additionally, the university has partnerships with local community colleges to provide remedial coursework and support for athletes who need additional academic assistance. This commitment to academic excellence not only helps Maryland attract top recruits, but it also prepares them for success both on and off the court.

Maryland’s Pitch to Top-Tier Prospects

Maryland basketball is looking to make a splash in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and they have a strong pitch to offer top-tier prospects.

Tradition and History

Maryland has a rich tradition of basketball success, with five national championships and 27 NCAA Tournament appearances. They have produced numerous NBA players, including Len Bias, Juan Dixon, and Steve Francis.

Elite Facilities

The Terps practice and play in the state-of-the-art Xfinity Center, which opened in 2002. The facility includes two full-size practice courts, a weight room, and a film room.

Academic Excellence

Maryland is a top academic institution, with a strong reputation for research and teaching. The university offers a variety of majors and programs, including a highly respected engineering school.

Location and Culture

College Park is located just outside Washington, D.C., offering students access to the nation’s capital and its cultural attractions. The university has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life.

Winning Culture

Maryland has a winning culture, with the men’s basketball team reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons. Head coach Kevin Willard has a proven track record of success, having led Seton Hall to the NCAA Tournament five times in eight seasons.

Personalized Development

Maryland offers personalized development plans for each player, tailored to their individual needs and goals. The coaching staff works closely with players to improve their skills and prepare them for the next level.

Player	Position	Rating
DJ Wagner	Point Guard	98
Isaiah Collier	Point Guard	97
Matas Buzelis	Power Forward	95
Ron Holland Jr.	Shooting Guard	94
Mikey Williams	Shooting Guard	93

Assessing the Competition: Other Schools in the Mix

The Terps are not the only school vying for Robinson’s services. Several other top programs are in the mix, including:

Duke Blue Devils

Duke is one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country, and they have been very successful in recruiting top talent in recent years. They have a strong tradition of developing players and sending them to the NBA. Additionally, Duke has a strong academic reputation, which could be appealing to Robinson.

North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels are another top program with a rich tradition. They have won numerous NCAA championships and have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game. North Carolina is located in Robinson’s home state, which could be a factor in his decision.

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky is known for its basketball prowess and has produced some of the best players in the country. The Wildcats have a strong track record of success and have a passionate fan base. Kentucky is also located in a basketball hotbed, which could be appealing to Robinson.

UCLA Bruins

UCLA is another top program with a rich tradition. They have won numerous NCAA championships and have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game. UCLA is located in Los Angeles, which is a major media market and could be appealing to Robinson.

Other Schools

In addition to the schools listed above, several other programs are also interested in Robinson, including Michigan, Kansas, and Ohio State. These schools have all had success in recent years and are located in major basketball hotbeds.

School	Location	Tradition	Facilities	Academics
Duke	Durham, NC	Excellent	Excellent	Good
North Carolina	Chapel Hill, NC	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Kentucky	Lexington, KY	Excellent	Excellent	Good
UCLA	Los Angeles, CA	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI	Good	Good	Excellent
Kansas	Lawrence, KS	Good	Good	Good
Ohio State	Columbus, OH	Good	Good	Good

The Importance of Building a Strong Foundation

For any team, laying a solid foundation is crucial for long-term success. In Maryland basketball recruiting, this means identifying and securing talented players who can contribute immediately and develop into future stars. A strong foundation provides a platform for building a competitive team capable of contending for championships.

Key Elements of a Strong Foundation

Several key elements contribute to building a strong foundation in Maryland basketball recruiting:

Early Identification: Identifying potential recruits early in their high school careers allows coaches to establish relationships and track their development.
Player Assessment: Thoroughly assessing recruits’ skills, athleticism, and character helps coaches determine their fit within the team’s system.
Relationship Building: Establishing strong relationships with recruits and their families fosters trust and loyalty, increasing the likelihood of securing commitments.

By focusing on these elements, Maryland basketball can lay a strong foundation for sustained success in the years to come.

The Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 holds several promising prospects who could contribute to Maryland’s foundation. Here are a few notable prospects:

Name	Position	Hometown
DJ Wagner	Guard	Camden, New Jersey
Amani Hansberry	Forward	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jalen Hooks	Guard	Fort Washington, Maryland

These recruits possess the potential to become impact players for Maryland and contribute to the team’s success in the years to come.

The Value of Relationships in Recruiting

Building strong relationships with recruits is crucial for college basketball programs, especially in the highly competitive 2025 recruiting class. Here are a few key aspects showcasing the value of relationships:

Trust and Communication

Strong relationships foster trust and open communication, allowing coaches to understand recruits’ goals, motivations, and concerns. This transparency builds rapport and creates an environment where recruits feel comfortable sharing important information about their decision-making process.

Personalized Recruiting

Relationships enable coaches to tailor their recruiting pitches to each individual recruit. By understanding their character, aspirations, and family values, they can craft personalized messages that resonate with the recruit and their support system.

Access to Networks

Building relationships with recruits extends beyond the individual athlete. Coaches gain access to their networks, including family members, friends, and high school coaches. These connections provide valuable insights into the recruit’s character, playing style, and potential fit within the program.

Early Commitment

Strong relationships increase the likelihood of early commitments. By establishing a personal connection, recruits feel more confident in making a decision before other programs have a chance to intervene. This gives the coaching staff a competitive advantage in securing top talent.

Positive Referrals

Satisfied recruits often serve as positive advocates for a program. They share their experiences with other potential recruits, creating a positive reputation and making it easier to attract future talent.

Recruit Retention

Relationships continue to be valuable once a recruit commits. Coaches who maintain strong bonds with their players can foster a sense of belonging and commitment throughout their college careers.

Example: Maryland Basketball’s 2025 Recruiting Class

Maryland’s successful 2025 recruiting class is a testament to the value of relationships. Coach Kevin Willard established strong connections with top recruits through personalized communication, early evaluation, and a commitment to family involvement. The result was a highly regarded class featuring several highly sought-after prospects.

Player	Stars
Jamie Kaiser	5
Ryan Dunn	4
Jacob Coleman	4

10. Building a Dominant Frontcourt

To compete with the elite programs in the country, Maryland needs to establish a formidable presence in the paint. They have already taken a step in the right direction with the commitment of Milan Momcilovic, a top-50 center in the 2025 class. But to truly dominate the frontcourt, they need to continue adding impact players.

In the 2025 class, Maryland is targeting several elite big men, including John Bol (6’9″ PF), Bryson Tucker (6’10” C), and Jaren Holmes (6’8″ PF). These players possess a combination of size, athleticism, and skill that would make them valuable additions to the Terrapins’ frontcourt. By securing commitments from two or three of these top targets, Maryland could build a dominant frontcourt that will anchor their team for years to come.

Player	Position	Height
Milan Momcilovic	C	6’10”
John Bol	PF	6’9″
Bryson Tucker	C	6’10”
Jaren Holmes	PF	6’8″

Maryland Basketball Recruiting 2025 Crystal Ball

The Maryland Terrapins basketball program is off to a solid start in their 2025 recruiting class. With two four-star commits already in the fold, the Terps are well on their way to putting together another top-25 class. Here’s a look at Maryland’s 2025 recruiting class so far:

Jayden Nixon, 6’5″ small forward from St. John’s College High School (Washington, D.C.)
Jaheim Singletary, 6’2″ shooting guard from Sidwell Friends School (Washington, D.C.)

Both Nixon and Singletary are considered to be among the top players in the country for their respective positions. Nixon is a versatile wing who can score in a variety of ways, while Singletary is a knockdown shooter with a high basketball IQ. The Terps are hoping to add a few more pieces to their 2025 class, including a point guard and a center. With a strong coaching staff and a tradition of success, Maryland is in a good position to land some of the top recruits in the country.