MM 6.5: Top Maryland men’s basketball target commits to Syracuse

Maryland men’s basketball lost a key recruiting battle Thursday as 2021 four-star small forward Benny Williams announced his commitment to Syracuse.

The Terps had been recruiting Williams hard, but ultimately fell short to the Orange alongside Georgetown and Miami in the final four.

Williams was ranked was the No. 1 player in Maryland, No. 10 small forward and No. 47 overall player in the 2021 class, according to the 24/7 Sports Composite.

Mark Turgeon and his staff are preparing for a large haul in the 2021 class, casting a wide net in recruiting for players all across the floor. The Terps have extended offers to 33 players already in this cycle, along with 12 at the small forward position.

The Terps picked up their first commitment in the class with four-star power forward Julian Reese — brother of incoming women’s basketball recruit Angel Reese — joining the fold in May. The St. Frances Academy product has Maryland ranked as the No. 30 class in the nation.

In other news

Maryland soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski stood alongside all nine coaches in the Big Ten against racism.

Maryland volleyball coach released a statement following the death of George Floyd.

Head men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon shared the emotions surrounding the meeting he had with his team regarding racial injustice.