A dynamic, stylized digital illustration of the Maryland Terrapins basketball court, Coach Buzz Williams in a sharp suit on the sidelines with a determined expression, a modern, energetic aesthetic, bold team colors of red, white, black, and gold, a sense of forward momentum and a new beginning.
Maryland Basketball: A New Era Under Buzz Williams
Program Transition and Coaching Change
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball program entered a new era in 2025 with the appointment of head coach Buzz Williams. Williams, who previously coached at Texas A&M, took over the program following Kevin Willard's departure to Villanova in March 2025. This coaching transition marked a significant shift for the Terrapins as they looked to rebuild and establish a new identity under Williams' leadership.
Roster Overhaul and Player Movement
The offseason brought substantial roster changes for Maryland basketball. The program experienced significant player movement following Willard's departure, with key players from the previous season entering the transfer portal. Among those who departed were Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice, two notable members of the "Crab Five" recruiting class.
Additionally, the team lost several key contributors to graduation and professional aspirations:
- Forward Julian Reese graduated after completing his eligibility
- Guard Selton Miguel also graduated
- Center Derik Queen declared for the NBA Draft
- Pharrel Payne: The senior transfer led the team with 21 points on efficient 6-for-8 shooting
- Darius Adams: The freshman contributed 16 points, primarily from the free-throw line where he made 10 of 12 attempts
These departures created opportunities for new talent to emerge and for Coach Williams to shape the roster according to his system and philosophy.
Season Opener and Early Performance
The Buzz Williams era began on November 3, 2025, with an impressive 83-61 victory over Coppin State at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. The season opener provided the first glimpse of Maryland's revamped roster and Williams' coaching approach.
Key performers in the debut game included:
The victory showcased the team's potential under their new leadership and provided an encouraging start to the Williams era.
Season Outlook and Projections
Analysts and media outlets have tempered expectations for Maryland's 2025-26 season. CBS Sports has projected the Terrapins as a "bubble" team for the NCAA Tournament, indicating that their participation in March Madness will depend heavily on their performance throughout the season.
This projection reflects the challenges of integrating a new coaching staff with a significantly changed roster, while also acknowledging the program's potential to exceed expectations.
Building for the Future
As the season progresses, Maryland basketball faces the dual challenge of competing in the competitive Big Ten conference while simultaneously building for long-term success. Coach Williams brings a proven track record of program development, and his ability to maximize the talent on his roster will be crucial to Maryland's success.
The Terrapins' journey under Buzz Williams represents a new chapter in the program's storied history, with the potential to reestablish Maryland as a consistent contender in college basketball's landscape.
The prompt for this was: maryland basketball
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