Maryland basketball season review: Varun Ram

Varun Ram

#11, 5-foot-9, 150-pound point guard

Ram, from Clarksville, Md.,  will enter his third year in the program, having sat out the 2012-2013 season as a transfer from Trinity (Conn.) College before finally suiting up last season. Ram was initially a walk-on, but was granted a scholarship last season. Like Jonathan Graham, Ram could receive one of two currently available scholarships this season, depending on  whether or not Maryland uses them on a JUCO, a transfer, or another 2014 high school commit.

Stats

Ram, not thought of before last season as someone who would ever play meaningful minutes, ended up defying those expectations when Seth Allen went down with a preseason injury and Roddy Peters & Co. underwhelmed in their attempt to fill in. Ram appeared in 16 games, averaging 7.2 minutes when he did play, and even got a start on Dec. 8 vs. George Washington. He was a combined 3-of-14 from the field, grabbed 13 total rebounds, dished nine assists, had nine turnovers and eight steals.

High point

That start was definitely a high point, as was his nifty little performance in a competitive game against Providence, when he played 12 minutes and had 3 points, 3 steals and 3 rebounds. He played a season-high 19 minutes against Marist and dished out 3 assists with 2 steals.

Low point

As the schedule got tougher, Ram's less-than-D1 size and athleticism began to show, then Seth Allen's return pretty much killed Ram's minutes. He appeared in just three of the final 18 games of the season.

2014-2015 outlook

Most likely, Ram is going to be next season's John Auslander, meaning he'll be the most respected walk-on who is closest to getting real minutes -- but then those minutes probably won't come unless Maryland either struggles mightily at point guard or is bit by the injury bug. Ram does have a role on this team, even if that role is only relevant in practice. He's Maryland's only traditional pass-first PG which should make him a vital scout team guy and could even become useful in spots during the season depending on situations and matchups. Because Ram has a great work ethic and a great mind -- he majors in neurobiology and physiology and has a 3.99 GPA (following in my footsteps!) -- you can't totally rule out him getting in crazy shape, figuring out how to close the gap on B1G guards, and forcing himself into some type of more meaningful role. It's unlikely, but not unfathomable. Whether that happens or not, Ram is a character guy that Maryland will be glad to have in the program for another season.