Ivan Bender should play a role for Maryland basketball when he returns from injury

Maryland basketball kicks off its season against American on Nov. 11. Until then, we’re profiling every member of the team.

Ivan Bender, forward

Height: 6’9

Weight: 235 pounds

Year: Sophomore

High school: Elektrotehnicka Skol

Jersey No.: 13

How Bender got to College Park

He arrived at Maryland out of the blue in January 2015.

Career highlight

He came in at the end of Maryland’s win over St. Francis and threw down this sweet dunk:

2016-17 prospectus

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon called Bender his team’s “most improved player” a little over a week ago, but Bender suffered a fractured wrist shortly after, and his return timetable is unclear.

Maryland sorely needed Bender’s help in a slim frontcourt. L.G. Gill’s going to be the team’s starter with freshman Justin Jackson backing him up until Bender gets back. Other than that, we really don’t have a clue. Bender’s skills were underdeveloped the last time we saw him, and we don’t know exactly which skills he’s improved upon the most. Only time will tell.

Dream season

Bender doesn’t miss too much time with injury, comes back for conference play and becomes a reliable sixth man for a team in need of a backup power forward.

Up next

Our next subject is more famous for his towel than for his basketball abilities.

Standings

kirby.oconnell.3, HughGR and Jtkohout are tied for first with two correct guesses. PeachesTerp is in second.