Maryland basketball transfer targets: Ian Chiles set to visit College Park, Terps among three likely finalists

We've previously talked about Ian Chiles, the IUPUI graduate transfer point guard who has reported interest in Maryland and would be immediately eligible to play this upcoming season. New news on that front, from ESPN's Jeff Goodman, who says Chiles will visit Maryland next week and decide between the Terps, Tennessee and Auburn.

IUPUI transfer Ian Chiles will visit Tennessee this week, Maryland next week. Will likely choose from those and Auburn. Can play in 14-15.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 4, 2014

So who is Chiles again?

A 6'1", 200-pound point guard who just finished his career at IUPUI in the Summit League. He averaged double-digits in scoring each of his three years with the Jaguars, including a career-high 15.8 this past year, in which he was the team's main scoring option. Originally from Louisville, Chiles transferred to IUPUI from Wabash Valley Junior College, and scored a lot of points for some really bad Jaguar teams.

What would he provide for the Terps?

Scoring, mostly, as well as an additional ball-handler. He's a solid spot-up shooter, especially from two-point range (making 39.6% of them), but has no problem driving to the hoop or shooting from three. Problem is, he wasn't particularly good at the latter two during this past season, making just 55.5% of shots at rim and 31.4% of three-point attempts.

That's not necessarily reason for alarm, however. The former number was a career low and the latter was much lower than his freshman season (41.5%), a year in which his usage numbers were much lower than his past two seasons. In an offense like Maryland's where he won't be one of the top scoring options, it's not unreasonable to think Chiles's efficiency numbers could rise back to his previous levels (assuming Mark Turgeon can keep him from becoming shot-happy, like the players he would potentially be replacing).

Beyond his statistical presence, Chiles would also provide the team with another senior -- one with experience being the center of a team -- and another option at the point guard position if when Melo Trimble needs a rest.

Would he be eligible to play immediately?

Yes! Chiles graduated from IUPUI, and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Who is Maryland competing against?

Auburn and Tennessee. Maryland definitely has the competition advantage here, as there's no question who plays in the better conference, but that does not mean the choice is clear-cut. At Auburn (where he's already visited), Chiles would have a chance to hold a bigger scoring role under new head coach Bruce Pearl. At Tennessee, Chiles would have the chance to play for a tournament team (with a new coach and an overturned roster as well).

When should we know if he's going to be a Terp?

Probably in the next two weeks or so.