The Maryland basketball team lost starting forwards Robert Carter Jr. and Diamond Stone after last season, opening spots to see significant action in the frontcourt.

Forward Ivan Bender, who coach Mark Turgeon called the team’s “most improved player” won’t be the beneficiary of their absences — at least not yet. The 6-foot-9 sophomore fractured his wrist in a private scrimmage last weekend, Turgeon said Thursday on a conference call. The sixth-year coach said Bender will not need surgery but does not have a timetable for his return.

“It’s a setback for him, and I feel bad for him because he’s been practicing so well,” Turgeon said. “Players were gaining confidence in him, and he was gaining confidence.”

Bender averaged 4.3 minutes per game in 10 appearances last season as a freshman, but the Bosnia & Herzegovina native had emerged as one of the Terps’ top options down low. At Maryland’s media day Oct. 25, Turgeon said Bender would have started had the Terps played in a game a few days prior.

The sophomore was in the starting lineup for Maryland’s “secret scrimmage” against Wake Forest in Richmond, Virginia, last weekend, but that’s when he injured his wrist. Turgeon said Bender “fell awkwardly” trying to get a rebound, and hopes he’ll be back “sooner than later.”

The Terps host Catawba on Saturday in an exhibition before opening the season against American at Xfinity Center on Nov. 11.

Turgeon said Bender’s absence opens up opportunities for Duquesne graduate transfer L.G. Gill and junior forward Michal Cekovsky, who averaged 10.6 minutes per game his first two seasons.

While Gill and Justin Jackson, a 6-foot-7 forward who will also play guard, provide scoring production for the Terps, Turgeon said Cekovsky will help with defense and rebounding early in the season as he returns from a hamstring injury he suffered Aug. 29.

Cekovsky is not 100 percent, Turgeon said, but he’s practiced and will play Saturday barring a setback.

“He’s just a little bit rusty because of the injury,” Turgeon said. “He’s more confident — I know that — but just moving a little too quick for him offensively coming off this injury.”

Cekovsky shown his offensive potential in practice. Turgeon said he consistently hits 15-foot jumpers and drills the occasional three. He’s even shown the ability to create scoring chances off the dribble.

Maryland fans will hope to see those types of plays in the near future, especially with Bender’s status uncertain.