FanPost

Beyond Melo

When there is a McDonald's All-American coming to College Park, it's only natural for his name to crop up often when the conversation turns to the 2014-2015 basketball season. Romelo Trimble has earned that. But it does me wonder - with five four-star freshmen preparing to wear a Terps uniform in the Fall - if we might be sleeping on someone.

First there's Dion Wiley. Ranked #49 by Rivals.com, the 6'4" SG was injured much of his senior season in high school, but there was a point, as I recall, that he was rated slightly higher than Melo. He's considered a deadly shooter from deep, but will mostly likely be playing behind Seth Allen (and Dez Wells, when Dez plays the 2). Because of that, one has to wonder how much of an impact he'll have as a freshman; or do we?

When it was announced that #93 (Rivals.com) Jared Nickens committed to Maryland, I have to admit I was surprised. With Jake Layman, Wells and - at the time - Nick Faust already capable of playing at the 3, I wasn't sure how much playing time he'd see. But the more we hear about the 6'6" wing (and considering Faust is transferring) the less I wonder.

This team missed Alex Len last season, especially on the defensive end. There was no one capable of protecting the rim. But #96 Trayvon Reed might be that player. At 7'1", the Georgia native is considered raw on the offensive end, but much more advanced defensively. That being said, he has spent the last year under the wing of Pervis Ellison, but how much of a difference that will make on his offensive game is yet to be seen. With Shaquille Cleare transferring, he Will Likely get plenty of opportunities to make an early impact.

While Michal Cekovsky isn't ranked in Rivals' Top-150, the 7-footer appears to have a well-rounded game, and may be the answer to the athletic power forward question we've asked for awhile. He appears to have a smooth stroke, with range to the 3-point line; handles the ball well for a big, and his length should provide another shot-blocking option. Interestingly, Cekovsky is a different type of PF than Evan Smotrycz and Charles Mitchell, which could get him on the floor more often than if his skill sets matched Smo's or Chuck's.

So, aside from Trimble, which of the five incoming players will have the greatest impact as freshmen? Feel free to vote, and add your comments.

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