Maryland sophomore guard Serrel Smith is entering the transfer protocol. The team announced Smith’s decision Tuesday.
“I want to thank Maryland and Coach Turgeon for these past two years – they’ve been nothing but amazing. My time at Maryland was filled with memories and relationships that I will always cherish! After careful consideration, I have decided to enter my name into the NCAA transfer portal and explore my options.”
Serrel Smith / Maryland
Maryland already has lost two players to transfers. Ricky Lindo Jr. transferred to George Washington. Meanwhile, Joshua Tomaic is transferring to San Diego State.
Smith committed to Maryland as a three-star recruit. However as a sophomore, his minutes were diminished last season, as he averaged a 7.6 minutes per game. He averaged 1.5 points per game with his limited play. He struggled shooting from the field, shooting a subpar 25% from the field.
Smith was relegated to the bench behind star senior Anthony Cowan at point guard. Starting two-guard Eric Ayala was the primary backup to Cowan in running point. Ayala is pegged starting point guard next season with Cowan graduated.
Ayala at point guard will allow both Aaron Wiggins and Darryl Morsell to play together with the first unit. It’s unclear Smith’s role would have increased next season, his departure leaves a lack a depth at point guard. Maryland now has three opened scholarships.
Head coach Mark Turgeon and his staff failed at attempts to land a grad transfer to help ball-handling duties. Maryland may now have to turn to a pair of three-star incoming freshmen — Aquan Smart and Marcus Dockery — to help with ball-handling duties.
