The Maryland basketball team suffered significant losses in the frontcourt this offseason, as former center Diamond Stone and forward Robert Carter Jr. declared for the NBA Draft. Plus, Jake Layman, a 6-foot-9 forward and another NBA prospect, exhausted his eligibility with the Terps after the 2015-2016 campaign.
In looking for a plausible post player, coach Mark Turgeon delved into the transfer market, just like he’s done several times since arriving in College Park in 2011.
And Monday, CBSSports.com’s Jon Rothstein reported the Terps received a commitment from forward L.G. Gill. The graduate transfer from Duquesne is eligible to play immediately.
“He is a tremendous addition to our program who will be able to make immediate contributions,” Turgeon said in a release. He is a good shooter and rebounder and is extremely athletic. As one of two seniors on our roster, he will bring high character, strong leadership and experience to our team and will also be a perfect fit for our locker room.”
Last season, Gill started all 34 games, averaging 10.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
The Chesterfield, Virginia, native was reportedly deciding between the Terps and Marquette, but he committed to Turgeon’s program Monday afternoon after visiting College Park this past weekend. He’ll join forwards Ivan Bender, Michal Cekovsky and Damonte Dodd in the frontcourt.
“I have established a great relationship with coach Turgeon and the staff throughout this recruiting process,” Gill said in a release. “Coach Turgeon has talked with me multiple times about how he is going to utilize me in this program and his beliefs in my capabilities.”
The Terps finished 27-9 last season and made their first Sweet 16 since 2003 but have already lost four starters from that team. Guard Melo Trimble declared for the NBA Draft but did not hire an agent, meaning the 6-foot-3 floor general can decide to return to College Park any time up until May 25.
