Maryland lands former Georgia Tech standout Robert Carter

Former five-star recruit Robert Carter is transferring to Maryland, as first reported by Scout's Evan Daniels and later confirmed in a press release. The rising junior averaged 11.4 points per contest along with 8.4 boards a game in his sophomore campaign for Georgia Tech. His 6’8’’, 247 pound stature is going to provide much-needed experience and size for the Terps. Carter will have to sit out for the 2014-15 season and will serve as a redshirt year.

Maryland recruited Carter out of high school but the talented power forward opted to stay in the south, representing his home state at Georgia Tech. This addition to the Terps comes with a great sigh of relief to Maryland fans after Charles Mitchell announced his departure from the university to be closer to his ill grandmother.

Carter chose the Terrapins over other high-major schools like Kansas, South Carolina and St. Johns. His re-recruiting process was different in that he was much more interested in leaving the south this time around and that he was attracted to schools with Under Armour sponsorships (all except Kansas have UA gear). It made sense for the big man to land in College Park, considering Under Armour was invented by Kevin Plank, a Maryland alum and former football player.

He will provide a huge boost for the Terps interior in two years. He will immediately compete and be considered for the starting power forward spot. Carter has massive size in the paint and has great touch around the rim with a deadly hook in his repertoire, but he can also stretch the opposition and hit down the open three.

The Yellow Jackets faced the Terps twice during Carter’s time in Atlanta but Carter was only healthy for one of those matchups. In that game, however, Carter destroyed the Terps on his way to a 19-point, 10-rebound performance in a Georgia Tech victory.

With the signing of Carter, Mark Turgeon and staff have now created a pipeline in Georgia, signing three recruits in three seasons (Mitchell, Trayvon Reed, Carter). Incoming freshman Trayvon Reed and Carter both attended Shiloh High School and played basketball together.

Some quotes from the release:

“We’re excited to welcome Robert to the University of Maryland men’s basketball program,” Turgeon said. “We had a great visit with Robert and his parents, Robert Sr., and Linda, and welcome them to our family. Robert is a tremendous young man and he will be an outstanding teammate and leader. He is a complete player with a strong offensive skillset that complements his desire to rebound and defend. Our program is thrilled to have him as we transition into the Big Ten.”

“I decided to come to Maryland because of the relationship I developed with Coach Turgeon,” Carter, Jr., said. “I have watched and respected how he has developed players throughout his coaching career. He has been a very successful head coach and I like his style of play. I am excited about the freshman class coming in and the current players we have on our team. We have a great opportunity to win and be successful. I am looking forward to competing in the Big Ten and being a part of an outstanding program.”