Baltimore, MD – According to The Baltimore Sun, the Maryland men’s basketball team concluded the calendar year 2025 with a mix of progress and challenges under first-year head coach Buzz Williams. The Terps wrapped up their nonconference schedule with a 7-5 record, marking a transitional phase for the program following significant roster turnover and the implementation of a new coaching philosophy.
Williams, who took over in April 2025 after the departure of previous coach Kevin Willard, inherited a squad that lost key contributors to the transfer portal and NBA drafts. The team opened the season with a blend of returning players and newcomers, including transfers and freshmen, aiming to rebuild identity and cohesion. Early games showcased flashes of potential, particularly in defensive intensity, but inconsistencies plagued the offense throughout the first 12 contests.
In their most recent outing before the holiday break, Maryland fell to a ranked opponent, highlighting ongoing struggles with perimeter shooting and ball handling. The Terps shot under 40% from the field in several matchups, averaging 68.2 points per game—a dip from the previous season’s output. Defensively, however, they held foes to 65.8 points on average, demonstrating Williams’ emphasis on physicality and rebounding. Julian Reese, a returning junior forward, emerged as a cornerstone, leading the team with 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, including a double-double in eight of the 12 games.
Williams praised the group’s resilience during a mid-December press conference, noting that the schedule included tough nonconference tests against powerhouses like Gonzaga and Alabama. “We’re building something sustainable,” he stated. “The growth is there, even if the wins haven’t always followed.” The coach introduced a motion-based offensive system that requires patient ball movement, a shift from prior years’ more isolation-heavy approach. This adjustment led to 14.2 assists per game, up from last season, but turnovers remained a concern at 13.6 per contest.
Roster dynamics played a pivotal role in the team’s performance. Guards Derik Queen and Jamie Kaiser Jr. provided scoring punch, with Queen averaging 11.8 points, while freshmen like Jao Iti and Braden Shrewsberry contributed energy off the bench. Injuries sidelined key players like Myles Rice and Solomon Washington for portions of the schedule, forcing lineup experimentation. Despite these hurdles, Maryland secured notable victories, including a road win over a mid-major rival and a comeback against a Big Ten preseason foe in an exhibition tune-up.
Looking ahead, the Terps prepare for Big Ten play starting in early January 2026. Williams has focused on film study and skill development during the break, aiming to refine shooting mechanics and reduce fouls, which averaged 18.4 per game. The program’s fan base remains optimistic, buoyed by Williams’ track record at previous stops like Virginia Tech, where he led teams to NCAA Tournament appearances.
As Maryland navigates this rebuild, the emphasis on culture and development signals a long-term vision. The 2025 nonconference slate served as a proving ground, revealing strengths in rebounding—where the Terps ranked top-50 nationally with 38.2 boards per game—and areas for improvement like three-point efficiency at 31.7%. With a revamped roster and coaching staff, including new assistants focused on player development, the future holds promise for a competitive run in the conference.
This transitional year underscored the Terps’ work-in-progress status, but incremental gains suggest momentum building toward 2026.