Maryland
Odds to win title: +1000
Record: 28-7, 14-4 Big Ten
Odds c/o Bovada
The Maryland Terrapins are generating a lot of preseason hype. Coach Mark Turgeon fully realizes the talent of his roster.
Maryland has five-star recruit Diamond Stone and a talented guard, Duke transfer Rasheed Sulaimon.
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Maryland also has Melo Trimble and forward Jake Layman to form a powerful quartet of talent. That is not to mention Georgia Tech transfer Robert Carter Jr. Turgeon waxed on the collection and simply said, “I think we have Final Four talent.”
Trimble was very good last year as a freshman, leading Maryland in scoring and assists to make All-Big Ten first team. He seems to relish going hard at a defense and can break down the best, and Turgeon thinks he is going to be better still, “I think Melo will be a more complete player. He will grow as a leader and defensively.” Jaylen Brantley will serve as Trimble’s backup at the point.
Sulaimon is a 6’5” shooting guard and while he was dismissed by Coach Kyrzewski, his talent is undeniable. Turgeon said of him that “he is a great kid and I have known his family for a long time.” That seems to be enough to vouch for the talent who averaged 11.6 points in 33 starts at Duke as a freshman (his most recent campaigns were not as good).
Diamond Stone is the No 6 recruit on Scout.com and he should make an immediate huge impact. Turgeon said of him, “He is a big strong kid who can really score around the basket.” At 6’10” 250 he is likely a one and done to the NBA, but will be a first team All American first.
Maryland has a major stud here and he starts alongside 6’9” 240 pound Robert Carter Jr. The Georgia Tech forward is ever more strength and rebounding for a tough Terrapin interior.
Jake Layman has a chance of becoming a first round pick and will be a solid 3-man capable of knocking down shots from all over. Last season he led the Terrapins in rebounding and was the third-leading scorer.
Tremble and Layman are both steady performers but this is team that will be largely defined by Sulaimon and Stone. The Terrapins will be glad it has a steady point in Tremble when March Madness comes. This is a team with a lot of sticking power and good balance on its roster. There are few better value bets than the Maryland Terrapins. It seems to be Final Four or bust for this talented group.
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