Four-star IMG Academy (FL.) center Bruno Fernando verbally committed to Maryland on Sunday.
Fernando, who is 6-foot-10 and 235-pounds, is ranked the No. 7 player in Florida and the No. 71 overall player in the nation. The former Montverde player held offers from UCF, SMU, South Carolina, Florida State, Marquette, LSU and Auburn.
Fernando committed to SMU during the Dick’s National Championship Tournament on April 1, but decided to reopen recruiting on May 16. Fernando decided to become a Terp after his official visit at College Park on Friday.
“It came quick,” IMG Academy head coach John Mahoney told Scout. “They came down to see him. Coach Turgeon was very impressed with him. He was impressed with how he worked out and more impressed with what kind of person he was. That expedited everything.”
Fernando is known more as a physical big man. He has the size, and strength to go against any of the top center’s in the country. Fernando is a solid rebounder, but will need to work on his post moves and expanding his shooting range.
Maryland’s front court took a big hit when Diamond Stone went to the NBA. It will take an even bigger hit after this season as Damonte Dodd is playing in his final year of eligibility. Adding Fernando is a good start for head coach Mark Turgeon in developing the Terps future front line.
The Terps also are hoping to bring in other top 2017 recruits such as five-star point guard Trevon DuVal and power forward Billy Preston.
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