By Maxwell DiFabio
After a disappointing 12-21 season from the 2025-2026 University of Maryland men’s basketball team, Buzz Williams is revamping the team and program.
It started with Kaden House, a four-star recruit who committed to Maryland on Oct. 31, 2025. As the son of former NBA player Eddie House, he looked to have a strong connection with his coaches and a chance to prove himself.
“I believe I can win there and play under a staff that believes in me while also making me the best version of myself,” House said in an interview.
While excitement surrounded House joining the Terps, fans waited for local five-star recruit and top 10 national prospect Baba Oladotun to make his decision as he considered Georgetown, Maryland, Arkansas and Kentucky. However, nothing beats a lifelong dream, and for Oladotun, it was to put on the Maryland jersey.
On Nov. 19, 2025, Oladotun announced his commitment to Maryland during a live ceremony held for him at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“I think the general expectation from Maryland students and alumni this year is that this team will play post-season basketball,” Collin Phamdo, a sophomore aerospace engineering major, said. “We all want to see these younger guys succeed, and making the NCAA tournament would be a step in the right direction.”
Globally, fans like to look at the big names, often leaving key team additions overlooked. One of the most overlooked players is returning for his fifth year of eligibility due to an injury in his debut season for Maryland.
Pharrel Payne battled a season-ending leg injury in the 2025-2026 season.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, players are eligible for a fifth year. Not only did Payne average 17.5 points before his injury, but he’s also an experienced veteran in college basketball. Fans are excited to see how he can help with the development of the incoming freshmen.
“As someone who has watched a lot of UMD basketball games throughout the years, I’m expecting a very successful season this year. I think we’re going to have the Xfinity Center very packed, and I think we’re going to have a very good year,” William Krouse, a sophomore government and politics major, said.
Joining the journey to the NCAA tournament is Adama Tambedou, another four-star recruit who committed to Maryland from Putnam, Connecticut. Tambedou is 6-foot-7 and one of the most anticipated power forwards to play college basketball this season.
“I think our new recruits have a lot of potential; I think it’s only upwards from here,” Krouse said.
Aside from the incoming freshmen, Maryland picked up multiple transfers, the most notable being former Kentucky and Arkansas point guard D.J. Wagner. Wagner, who was the number one recruit nationally coming out of high school, has yet to have a breakthrough in his collegiate career.
After the trials and tribulations that Maryland fans faced, the Terps are ready for the team to flip the script and prove Maryland is a basketball school.
Featured Image: The University of Maryland men’s basketball team plays against Mt. Saint Mary’s on Nov. 19, 2025 at the Xfinity Center. Photo by Maxwell DiFabio.