Maryland basketball's sophomore star has declared for the Draft and is expected to keep his name in the pool, ending a stellar two-year stay in College Park. The 6-foot-10 Baltimore native, projected by most as a first-round pick, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a third-team AP All-American this season after averaging 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
"I am thankful and grateful for the opportunity to consult with my family and coaches in reaching the decision that the time is right for me to move forward to the next phase in my basketball career and declare for the NBA draft," Smith Tweeted.
"Thank you to my brothers who donned the Terrapin uniform with me at the Xfinity Center. Together we battled inside the NCAAs most competitive conference, the Big Ten. We made history fellas and it cannot be altered! Thank you to Terp Nation. We were 16-1 at home due to your support and energy you guys brought every game. I'll cherish forever celebrating the Big Ten championship with you. Feat the Turtle!"
Smith caught fire in mid-January, helping lead Maryland to a nine-game winning streak and recording double-doubles in 13 of the final 14 matches.
During Big Ten play, he ranked fifth in the conference in scoring, second in rebounding, first in field goal percentage, sixth in 3-point shooting and first in blocks. His campaign was one of the best by any Maryland big man in decades, and his versatility as an inside-outside scorer and shot-blocker makes him an intriguing NBA prospect.
Smith's exit leaves a big hole in the middle for Turgeon, who hasn't signed any frontcourt players for next campaign but is working to close on transfers. The Terps also lost reserve forward Ricky Lindo to transfer, so they'll need reinforcements and are hoping 7-foot-2 freshman Chol Marial takes a step forward as a sophomore.
With Smith leaving and fellow all-conference selection Anthony Cowan graduating, they'll lose their top two scorers, leader in rebounds and blocks (Smith) and leader in assists and steals (Cowan).
