Averaging seven points on 37 percent shooting isn’t what one would expect from someone whose coach touted him as the most physically gifted player he’s ever had. But that was the reality for DeShawn Harris-Smith last year.
Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard wants Harris-Smith to be more aggressive on offense, but the sophomore guard hasn’t shown much of that through three games this year. With added scoring options on the perimeter, that’s not what the Terps need most from him this season.
Instead, Willard said Harris-Smith’s role is more defined, they need him to make defensive stops against the other team’s best player. That could be pivotal for Maryland on Friday against No. 15 Marquette and preseason All-American guard Kam Jones.
“[When] I see guys going out there, scoring all the points and stuff … I feel like my only job is to play defense and try to do all the little things that maybe they’re not doing,” Harris-Smith said. “That’s just something that takes no skill, I can hang my coat up on that every single day.”
[Maryland men’s basketball hopes press defense becomes part of its identity]
Jones is averaging 22.7 points and 6.3 assists on efficient shooting through three contests this year. He’s the only player in the country to rank top-40 in points and assists per game.
In Maryland’s biggest test of the non-conference season, the matchup with Jones could dictate the result.
“[He’s] definitely gonna be a tough matchup,” Harris-Smith said. “You just gotta limit his touches and make him do things that he’s not as comfortable doing. I know he’s a great shooter, he likes to get to his left a lot. So I’m gonna try to just deny him the ball when he gets off it, and then when I’m on him, try to force him to use his right hand.”
How Maryland opts to defend Jones could be a major factor. Willard often switches everyone but his center on ball screens, but one of Harris-Smith’s most impressive defensive performances came a year ago when the Terps weren’t switching.
Payton Sandfort scored 13 points and shot 3-for-4 from beyond the arc in the first half during Maryland’s bout against Iowa on Feb. 14.
Willard assigned Harris-Smith to chase Sandfort through screens to stay on him for the entire second half — the Hawkeyes forward shot 3-for-10 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range.
Maryland won the game by 12 points after entering halftime down by six.
[Julian Reese, Selton Miguel lead Maryland to third straight blowout win, 84-53]
Still, Harris-Smith’s switchability remains one of his biggest assets. That gives Willard and the Terps some flexibility with how they’ll defend Jones and the Golden Eagles.
“He can guard four positions,” Willard said. “He’s got the toughness if they if he switch him on a four … and he’s got the smarts and the quickness to defend little guys.”
Last year Willard consistently praised Harris-Smith, who made the Big Ten All-Freshman team despite his scoring woes. His struggles were common for many first-years last season, as they played a sport dominated by players in their fifth college season.
And even if the offensive issues persist, Harris-Smith has earned his coach’s trust on the other end of the floor.
“This is a team is still trying to figure out their roles a little bit,” Willard said. “The one thing that I know DeShawn always understands is that he’s going to bring extreme value on the defensive end.”
