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On Wednesday, the NCAA Division I Council extended the recruiting dead period across Division I sports through April 15. Previously set to end January 1, the extension adds another three and a half months where there will be no in-person recruiting.
“The COVID-19 numbers are not trending in the right direction for the Council to allow in-person recruiting and the associated long-distance travel for coaches, prospective student-athletes and their families,” said Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, per an NCAA statement.
By the time April 15 comes around, it will have been around 13 months since the start of the pandemic. It is an extremely unfortunate situation for everyone involved in the recruiting process. Coaches, just like any other profession, have had to adjust their recruiting approaches due to the pandemic.
On the flip side, it is equally tough for prospective student-athletes, as well. There is great potential that high schoolers that graduate in 2021 will have never taken an official visit to the campus of their choice until enrolling. Virtual recruiting, including telephone calls and video calls, has taken on greater importance in the absence of official in-person visits.
In Other News
Lila wrote about former Terp Jalen Smith’s new landing spot as he was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the tenth overall pick.
The pick is in!!!
— Testudo Times (@testudotimes) November 19, 2020
Jalen Smith has been selected as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
The forward is the first Terp lottery pick since Alex Len in 2013. pic.twitter.com/eZPlXrcthk
With the start of men’s basketball season just six days away, Henry took a look at Maryland’s nonconference schedule, while Wesley dove into the Big Ten slate.
Mark Turgeon congratulated Smith and Anthony Cowan Jr. as they begin their professional careers.
I’m so proud of the men Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith have become.
— Mark Turgeon (@CoachTurgeon) November 18, 2020
Tonight they embark on a new chapter in their lives, but they know they always have a home in College Park. pic.twitter.com/pL5nzfT4rd
Jalen Smith thanked the Maryland fan base ahead of achieving his NBA dreams Tuesday night.
Stix ❤️ you, Terp Nation.
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) November 19, 2020
Hear from @thejalen_smith as he gets ready for his #NBADraft moment tonight. pic.twitter.com/UAqIoaQzq4
Maryland celebrated what would have been the 57th birthday of one of the best college basketball players ever in Maryland legend Len Bias.
On his 57th birthday, we celebrate Len Bias.
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) November 18, 2020
Forever a Legend. pic.twitter.com/bkQOR9m8Rn
Galin Smith looks to leave a major impact for Maryland as he enters this upcoming season.
"I want fans to remember me as a dog when I'm on the court. A winner."
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) November 18, 2020
The Legacy Series: @GalinSmith30 pic.twitter.com/vk5YHHKNE1
With COVID-19 cases still lurking throughout the program, Maryland football did not practice yesterday and a decision surrounding Saturday’s game awaits.
Maryland football isn't practicing today, per a team spokesperson.
— Lila Bromberg (@lilabbromberg) November 18, 2020
The program is expected to make a decision tomorrow about whether the game vs Michigan State will be played Saturday.
Maryland women’s basketball reflected on a dominant road win at South Carolina from two years ago.
#OnThisDay (Nov. 18, 2018)...
— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) November 18, 2020
Who could forget this fun ?!
No. 9 Maryland used a 26-1 run to win at No. 10 South Carolina, 85-61. Stephanie Jones scored 18 points. Channise Lewis had 10 points and a career high 12 assists. Kaila Charles scored 17 points with 10 rebs. pic.twitter.com/A5fU5dPLe9
Outfielder Randy Bednar is looking forward to his senior year for Maryland baseball.
Pulling up to a ballpark near you
— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) November 18, 2020
Randy is ready for year four.#DirtyTerps pic.twitter.com/eF8qLU2O1u