| Team | Moneyline | Spread at DraftKings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington | +950 | +19.5 (-110) | Over 137.5 (-115) |
| Maryland | -1750 | -19.5 (-10) | Under 137.5 (-105) |
Odds as of November 10th, 2021.
Hello, Neighbor
As noted above, the transfer portal is playing a major factor in what the Terrapins will look like this season — and there’s no bigger (pun intended) newcomer than former Georgetown post Qudus Wahab. The 6-foot-11 junior gives Turgeon exactly what he was missing last year on both ends of the floor: a dominant offensive rebounder, someone who can post-up, and a true shot-blocking presence.
Look for Wahab to potentially be the focal point of the Terrapins on both ends of the floor. His presence should create space for Maryland shooters and allows defenders to extend more on the perimeter. He scored a team-high 17 points and pulled down six rebounds against the Bobcats, Tuesday, in his Terps debut.
Wahab’s presence also allows junior Donta Scott to slide down to his natural position at the 4. Scott averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game last season and, among regular starters, had the highest 3-point field goal percentage (43.8%) on the team. With Wahab and Scott anchoring the frontcourt — along with former four-star recruit James Graham III, Julian Reese and a future breakout performer in Arizona State transfer Pavlo Dziuba also being part of the mix — the Terps’ frontline appears to be in great shape.
Fear the Turtle (Backcourt)
The starting guard trio of Eric Ayala, Hakim Hart, and Rhode Island transfer Fatts Russell should give Maryland fans optimism. While the group may not cut down the nets in the NCAA title game like Juan Dixon and company did in 2002, the potential for greatness is there.
Ayala was the team’s leading scorer at 15 points per game last season and the senior should be one of the better scorers in the conference.
Hart started 18 games last season and can score in bunches — as seen in his 32-point display against Saint Peter’s in early December. Without Wiggins and 2021 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Morsell around, the junior will be looked upon to provide more offense.
Another intriguing addition to this roster is Russell. The graduate transfer was a First Team All-A-10 and All-Defense honoree last season and comes in as a player that can run the point right away. While he led his former conference in free throw rate last year, his efficiency has left something to be desired — Russell connected on just 23.5% of shots from distance, while shooting sub-40% inside the arc. But now that he’s not the go-to guy, Russell should elevate his game in 2021-22.
Sure, there’s some newcomers being asked to play key roles starting Thursday. So, can the Colonials keep up?
Beltway Buzz
GWU head coach Jamion Christian’s club underwhelmed last season, sporting a 5-12 overall record and 3-5 mark in the A-10. But there’s hope for a turnaround this season — and it starts with James Bishop.
The 6-foot-2 guard scored in double-figures in every game last year, averaging19 points per game. He only scored eight points (on 2-of-13 shooting from the field) against the Red Flash), but Brendan Adams (22) and Joe Bamisile (20) helped pick up the slack. As for Bishop, the former LSU prospect has room for growth in efficiency (he shot just 34% from 3-point range and 73% from the free-throw line). But expect a big year from the sophomore as he continues to mature.
An interesting subplot Thursday will be Ricky Lindo Jr. The former Terp only played in seven games last season. But when he was on the floor, he impressed. The senior averaged 11.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in 2021 and went for 17 and nine Tuesday.
How will it shake out at the Xfinity Center? Considering Maryland’s elite mix returning players and new faces, the home team has too much to fade despite GWU’s potential.
Pick: Maryland -19.5 (-110)
