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Maryland star Jalen Smith set to return for sophomore season

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Maryland’s basketball program received a major boost on Monday, as star forward Jalen Smith will officially return for his sophomore season with the Terrapins.

Jeff Borzello of ESPN was one of several reporters to relay the news. The University of Maryland confirmed Smith’s decision to stay another year in College Park.

Smith had a strong inside presence for Maryland during the 2018-19 season, especially alongside fellow big man Bruno Fernando. Smith averaged 11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He shot 49.2 percent from the floor in his first collegiate season.

He also provided the Terps with a strong defensive presence inside, notching over a block per game average for the year.

Smith registered five double-doubles on the season, including his first career game against Delaware on Nov. 6, scoring 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He was also critical in Maryland’s first round win over Belmont in the NCAA Tournament, ending the game with 19 points and 12 boards.

Thanks to Smith’s inside presence, the Terrapins finished the season with a 23-11 record and went 13-7 in B1G play, good enough for fifth in the league. His return is certainly a bright spot for the future of the program.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB