Maryland’s 2018 recruiting class got stronger on Monday when the Terps landed Baltimore native Jalen Smith.
“I felt like they were the best fit for me,” Smith told Rivals. “I felt like Maryland would allow me to get better as a player and as a scholar because if basketball doesn’t pan out, they have the field that I want to study.”
The 6-foot-9 forward picked the Terps over Syracuse, Villanova, Virginia and Miami. Smith, who was named the 2017 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year, made his decision after his visit to College Park over the weekend.
Smith is ranked the second best player from Maryland, and the No. 29 overall player in the 2018 class. Smith will be joining his Mount Saint Joseph teammate Darryl Morsell, who will be playing for the Terps this upcoming season. Smith, and Morsell helped the Gaels to an impressive 35-3 record during the 2017 season.
Smith averaged 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, while receiving Baltimore Catholic League player of the year and defensive player of the year awards.
Smith is playing for Team Takeover in the Nike EYBL this summer. He is averaging 10.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and one block per game.
The Terps believe Smith is the type of player that can produce as soon as he steps on campus.
“They are going to bring me in as a freshman to play but I will have to put in a lot of work to do it,” Smith said. “I can help with their offense with picking and popping, and shooting, along with creating open spaces for other players.”
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