As the NBA Draft approaches and the final commitments are being made, Maryland sure does have a promising shot at the Final Four in the 2016-17 season.
1. Melo Trimble is returning.
After breaking hearts when he announced he was entering the NBA Draft in early April, Melo announced this past week that he will be returning for his junior year at Maryland. Now the question is, which Melo will be returning? 2014-15 or 15-16 Melo?
2. 4-Star small forward Justin Jackson just committed.
This 6'7 Canadian is ranked eighth among the small forward recruits this year, making him a great addition to Maryland's recruiting class. This class is now ranked No. 9 nationally and second-best in the Big Ten, as Jackson joins 4-Star recruits Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter.
P.S. peep the logo Jackson is sporting.
3. L.G. Gill transferred from Duquesne.
Gill averaged 10.1 points and 6.5 rebounds this past year. He will be finishing off his senior year as a Terp.
4. Dion Wiley is back.
Wiley was redshirted for the 15-16 season as he suffered from a torn meniscus. The Terps' guard has been undergoing extensive therapy and practices and will be back in action for the upcoming season.
5. Did I mention Melo is back?
So what we commented on his Instagram endlessly telling him to stay? It worked, right? Also, Dodd's comments are undoubtedly the best.
6. We get to do this again.
For the past three years, Maryland's student section has pulled off a flash mob. The first time it was against rival Duke. But, after joining the Big Ten, the flash mobs have taken place at games against Wisconsin. Do I smell a new rivalry?
7. 4-Star point guard Anthony Cowan looks sick.
Anthony Cowan averaged 23.2 points at Saint Johns College High School. After not being selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, Cowan felt disrespected, knowing that his stats don't prove how well he can perform. At an invitational taking place in Atlanta during his senior year, Cowan was up against a point guard who was selected. He made eight three-pointers and hit all 14 of his free throw attempts that game, ending up with a career high of 40 points.
8. We get to play a game at the Verizon Center.
Renewing the rivalry this past season, the game against Georgetown lit up the Xfinity Center. Well, what about a bigger venue? On Nov. 15 the Verizon Center will be full of Terps.
9. MELO IS BACK!
Trimble averaged 16.2 points and 3.9 rebounds during his freshman year (2014-15). This past year, he averaged 14.8 points and 3.6 rebounds. What you got for us in 2016-17?
10. I have a strong feeling that we will be hearing "My Boo" at a few basketball games.
Even though we made the Sweet 16 this year, Nickens and Brantley actually put Maryland on the map.
11. It looks like people believe in us again.
It's being said that Maryland gets good news in pairs, as within these 15 hours Melo Trimble withdrew from the NBA Draft and Justin Jackson committed to Maryland. Final Four here we come?
12. We have a young team for this 2016-17 season.
Although having a team full of freshmen makes them inexperienced, it looks like Maryland has a bright future ahead. Having new faces is exactly what this team needs after losing starters like Rasheed Sulaimon and Jake Layman.
13. Most importantly, Melo Trimble will wear red and gold for another year.
I don't think I can stress enough how excited Maryland fans are for The Return.
Go Terps!
