Believe it or not, Maryland basketball season begins tonight as the Terps gear up for an exciting year on the court. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, head coach Kevin Willard is prepared to lead the team to success in the tough Big Ten conference.

Returning to the court are three key players with a collective 11 years of college basketball experience under their belts: Jahmir Young, Julian Reese, and Donta Scott. Together, they have amassed nearly 4,000 points for the Terps, providing a strong foundation for the team. Joining them is highly-regarded guard recruit DeShawn Harris-Smith, who is expected to make a significant impact this season.

Coach Willard expressed confidence in Harris-Smith, highlighting his partnership with experienced players like Young and Scott as crucial for his transition into the college game. The presence of these veteran leaders will also help guide other freshmen on the team and contribute to a cohesive unit.

The Terps boast a formidable offensive lineup, but Willard emphasizes a gritty, defensive-minded approach that will remain a constant throughout the season. Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans commended Willard's dedication to hard work and blue-collar mentality, which aligns with the values of the university.

Leading the backcourt will be point guard Jahmir Young, who had an impressive Big Ten debut last season. Young now aims to elevate his game and become one of the premier guards in college basketball. While he has proven himself as a scoring guard, Young will be expected to facilitate for his teammates and provide consistent play throughout the season.

DeShawn Harris-Smith, a highly-rated freshman shooting guard, has generated significant buzz and is considered a top contender for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. With his powerful playing style and non-stop motor, Harris-Smith is anticipated to exceed expectations, bolstering Maryland's success on the court.

At the small forward position, Jamie Kaiser Jr., another promising freshman, brings a combination of toughness and shooting ability to the Terps. With his polished skills and work ethic, Kaiser Jr. is expected to contribute greatly to the team's outside shooting.

In the frontcourt, power forward Donta Scott holds the key to Maryland's success. Scott's performance this season will be critical, as he has the potential to make life difficult for opposing defenses. Additionally, Julian Reese, a blossoming big man, has shown significant growth during the last season and is poised to become one of the Big Ten's top frontcourt players.

The Terps are predicted to finish within the top three of the highly competitive Big Ten conference. With their blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, Maryland has the potential to make a strong impact this season. Their ranking in the top 25 nationally signifies the recognition of their skilled roster, which includes several preseason All-Big Ten selections.

While challenges lie ahead, Maryland's coaching staff remains optimistic about the team's chances. The addition of assistant coaches Tony Skinn and Grant Billmeier, along with administrative staffer Tevon Saddler, who departed for head coaching jobs, has resulted in some turnover. However, Coach Willard is confident in the abilities of his revamped staff to continue building on the success of previous seasons.

As the season tips off, the Terps will be focusing on improving their road performance, an area in which they struggled last year. With a more athletic and deeper roster, Maryland aims to maintain better consistency, particularly in their shooting. Last season, their 3-point shooting lagged behind in the Big Ten, hindering their ability to seize key moments in games.

The schedule ahead features a mix of non-conference tune-ups and challenging Big Ten matchups. Facing tough opponents like Michigan State and Purdue, Maryland understands the competition they will encounter. However, the team's depth and talent offer them the opportunity to be a significant contender in the conference.

As the Maryland basketball season kicks off, the Terps hold high hopes for their performance. Coach Willard's emphasis on defense and the team's blend of experienced players and talented newcomers bodes well for a successful campaign on the court. With determination and hard work, Maryland aims to make their presence felt in the Big Ten and beyond.