Maryland men’s basketball retained just four players from its disappointing 2025-26 season.
Despite the roster turnover, it showed a glimpse of what’s to come this season.
Maryland dominated Georgia Tech, 85-70, in Sunday’s exhibition game at Chesapeake Employers Arena, home of UMBC.
Here are some takeaways from the win.
Kaden House will be a big piece of the rotation
As just a freshman, it’s hard to earn playing time if you aren’t a blue-chip prospect.
But House’s development has been hard to ignore.
The four-star freshman posted 14 points in just 14 minutes, shot 4-of-7 from the field and knocked down both of his three-point attempts.
House’s defense shined. In addition to his offensive outburst. He had two steals, a block and was a pesky on-ball defender.
House prides himself on his defense.
“It’s really important to me because I feel like that’s how I’ll stay on the floor, and I’m really just a defensive-minded guard,” House said postgame. “If I could go out and try to slow down their best player, I think that’ll give us a good chance.
Overall, House had an impressive debut. His development could earn him a rotation spot, and he will certainly contend for a starting job as head coach Buzz Williams figures out his rotation.
‘Buzz ball’ has fully made its way to College Park
Instilling a new system in year one was always going to be a tall task for Williams.
But in year two, “Buzz ball” looks to have taken full effect.
The Terps played aggressively: pressuring the ball handler, creating fast-break opportunities and dominating the boards.
Maryland recorded 13 steals and scored 22 points off turnovers. That defensive aggression is key in Williams’ system.
“Some of the things that we’re trying to accomplish in the first 10 seconds of the possession led to a lot of the numbers,” Williams said.
The Terps had 15 fastbreak points and held Georgia Tech to zero.
The Terps’ hostile defense and fast-paced offense on Sunday embraced the Williams system – a sign of connectedness and progress for Maryland.
Pharrel Payne looks healthy and dominant
One of the few bright spots of the Terps’ season last year was Pharrel Payne
. The big man averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds through 10 games before an injury that cost him the rest of the season.
But the Terps’ big man is back and healthy.
Payne led the Terps with 16 points and nine rebounds, looking dominant as ever.
Although sitting out a majority of the season was tough, Payne took it as a chance to find his voice.
“I always talk to Coach about just sitting out,” Payne said. “I took it as a rep to be able to help the guys, be more vocal, and try to lead in that way to help.”
His senior leadership will be crucial for a Maryland team that boasts multiple freshmen expected to be in the everyday rotation.
Sunday was still an important benchmark for the Terps, even though Georgia Tech projects as a low-level ACC team. Maryland showed flashes of potential, with a clear identity, an aggressive defensive approach and contributions from new players and returners.
