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Maryland men’s basketball senior guard Darryl Morsell broke the silence on his future with the Terrapin program Monday.
The 2021 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year announced that he will be exploring all of his options moving forward, including testing the NBA Draft waters and entering his name in the transfer portal.
“I want to thank Coach Turgeon, the entire coaching staff, my teammates and all of Terp Nation for making the last four seasons unforgettable. The University of Maryland developed me into the man I am today and I will always be grateful,” Morsell said. “ ... I feel it is important to consider all of my options, including the possibility of returning to Maryland, in order to make a decision that is best for my family and for my future.”
The Baltimore native’s 1,090 career points rank 50th in program history. Combined with 510 career rebounds, Morsell is one of 33 players in program history with 1,000 points and 500 boards.
He averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and a team-high 2.8 assists per game this past season. He was known as the “heart and soul” of the 2020-21 Maryland team, serving as a key leader for the group on and off the court.
Morsell was the key cog behind the Terps’ defensive identity and fought through two injuries throughout the season.
Against Michigan on Dec. 31, he suffered a facial fracture after being elbowed by Franz Wagner while going up for a rebound. After having surgery, he only sat out for one game before taking the floor in a mask.
Morsell also dealt with lingering shoulder issues, which he revealed were much worse than was publicly known following the team’s season-ending loss to No. 2 seed Alabama in the Round of 32. He was expected to get surgery to repair a fracture in his labrum this offseason.
The guard has a free year of eligibility due to the pandemic, meaning head coach Mark Turgeon and his staff can continue to build the roster knowing it won’t count against a scholarship if Morsell does elect to return to the program.
“I applaud Darryl for considering all of his options and using the resources available to make an informed decision that is best for his future,” head coach Mark Turgeon said.