Maryland star guards Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice have announced their decision to enter the transfer portal, following the departure of head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova. This move leaves fans of the Terrapins disappointed as not a single member of the beloved ‘Crab Five’ will remain at the College Park. The team’s starting lineup boasted impressive statistics, with all five players averaging at least 12 points per game.
The exit of Gillespie and Rice comes after Maryland star forward Julian Reese and guard Selton Miguel exhausted their eligibility, and star center Derik Queen is expected to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite finishing the 2024-25 season with a 27-9 record, the Terrapins faced a loss to top-seed Florida in the Sweet 16. Now, the focus turns towards finding a new head coach, with Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams emerging as a potential candidate.
The departure of Willard has left Maryland in a challenging position, as they urgently seek a solution while dealing with roster changes and a search for a new leader. The school is prepared to commit significant resources to secure the right person for the job, emphasizing the importance of basketball within the program. Amidst the turmoil, some see a silver lining, with hope that the recent events will prompt necessary changes to steer the program in the right direction. Stay tuned as Maryland embarks on a new chapter in its basketball program and continues the search for a new head coach.
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