Micah Thomas will transfer from Maryland basketball

Maryland basketball now has two open scholarship spots, because on the same day Melo Trimble announced he is hiring an agent and turning pro, the school announced Micah Thomas will transfer from the program.

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello was first to report the news, which Maryland confirmed in a release.

Thomas was one of five freshman who joined coach Mark Turgeon’s team, and served a redshirt season in 2016-17, riding the bench with fellow newcomer Joshua Tomaic as the two filled out their bodies. Thomas came to Maryland raw, carrying only 195 pounds on his 6’7 frame. The only action he got this season was in practice and during pregame warmups, when he threw down some impressive dunks.

“I want to thank Coach Turgeon and the staff for providing me an opportunity to play at the University of Maryland,” Thomas said in a release. “I grew personally and learned a lot both on and off the court. However, I feel it is in my best interest both academically and athletically to pursue another opportunity."

Thomas was a project, but his length and shooting stroke could have enabled him to contribute as soon as his redshirt freshman season. Maryland needs frontcourt depth behind starting power forward Justin Jackson, and it’s possible Thomas could have helped there.

“He probably thinks I’m crazy right now. I’m just trying to instill some work habits in him,” Turgeon said before the season. “But he’s got phenomenal talent, and he can really shoot the ball and make big shots.”