[ad_1]
Maryland men’s basketball picked up another key piece of their 2021 recruiting class with little Wisconsin four-star forward James Graham announcing his engagement on Wednesday.
The Terps broke through with Graham on the first big program to offer in May. Wisconsin Playground Warriors AAU Executive Director Duane “Ike” Wilson is close to Maryland Assistant Orlando “Bino” Ranson and connected the two this spring.
“I used to send a lot of clips to Coach Bino and he liked me a lot,” Graham told the Testudo Times in May. “They didn’t know I could be a handler so I sent a lot of clips of me handling the ball one-on-one and that’s where it felt really good. Coach Turgeon then saw my clips and called me. Then, after a good 15 minute conversation, he offered me the scholarship.
That initial offer was just the start for Graham, who saw his recruiting explode as he received offers from 23 Division I programs. He ultimately picked the Terps out of a top four that included Auburn, Memphis and Wisconsin.
At 6’8, 205 pounds, Graham is providing a growing frame that adapts well to all three positions and he has the ability to become a stretch-four at the college level. It performs well in the midrange and post, but also shows smooth handling and ball passing to accommodate a versatile role.
“I’m proud of my post-game game, especially my ISO,” Graham said. “I’m often called ‘baby Melo’ so I love being in a high position.”
“[The Maryland staff] were telling me how much they love my versatility – how I can manage, shoot, make decisions, ”Graham said. “Coach Turgeon is high on me because I’m only 16, and he thinks if I can get to 6’10 I could be a four-star or even a five-star.
Graham, who is ranked No. 151 in the 24/7 Sports Composite, joins a busy 2021 Maryland class that already includes two four-star rookies in power forward Julian Reese and shooting goaltender Ike Cornish. The trio ranked the Terps as the No. 8 class in the country and No. 3 in the Big Ten.
[ad_2]
Source link