It's become apparent who Maryland basketball's top guy is​

The latest from the Terps basketball beat.​

Maryland basketball strength and conditioning coach Kevin Tarp said Ja'Kobi Gillespie is one of the smoothest athletes he's ever coached. Kevin Willard says he's "always going." Gillespie's played more than 35 minutes in each of the past four games.

And the Terps needed all 36 of his minutes to secure a victory on Sunday in a must-win game over Nebraska. Gillespie scored the game-winning basket with 40 seconds remaining to give Maryland a 69-66 win. He also secured a key milestone, surpassing 1,000 points scored in his collegiate career.

The junior point guard scored 22 points on 8-15 shooting. He made five triples and dished out five assists to only two turnovers. Gillespie also ripped away a season-high four steals, helping generate 13 points off Nebraska turnovers.

"It's just crazy that I finally hit 1,000 [points], but I didn't even know that I hit 1,000 in the moment," Gillespie said.

Derik Queen was crowned as Maryland's best player early in the seasons. Julian Reese is the veteran post presence and former all-conference choice. Rodney Rice is the microwave scorer. But Gillespie has become the Terps' most dependable and arguably best player. Analytics site Evan Miya's metric ranks him as the fourth-best player in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally, and KenPom's adjusted efficiency numbers love the Belmont transfer as well.

After he struggled on Maryland's trip to Washington and Oregon, Gillespie's started to figure out the Big Ten. He's averaging 19.5 points per game over the Terps' last four contests on 47% shooting. Willard has loved how Gillespie's played but wants him to realize the importance of conserving energy.

"But he's wired to score a little bit, he's wired to go. A guy that size that plays as hard as he does on both ends, he's been really, really productive and he's wired that way," Willard said. "He wants to do it. I think the biggest thing for us is trying to get him to realize when you're playing 38 minutes, there's got to be sometimes where you got to chill out a little bit," Willard said.

Maryland Basketball Recruiting Scoop: Is there a chance for a big addition?

It hasn't affected Gillespie late in games, though. His three-pointer with six minutes remaining gave Maryland a nine-point lead and then his right-handed scoop layup gave the Terps the lead in the final minute.

Willard's play call was telling. The look was designed to get Gillespie downhill to his right hand, the same way he scored late against Northwestern earlier this week.

"I know I just needed to get downhill," Gillespie said.

Willard preached to Gillespie all season the importance of adjusting to the Big Ten. It's a massive jump from the Missouri Valley Conference to one of the best leagues in the country. He's struggled occasionally, but overall, his play has been as good or better than anyone hoped.

"Ja'Kobi's really going through this league for the first time." Willard said. You gotta make sure that they are learning that they are staying positive and that they are understanding that there are going to be some setbacks in this league. You're going to play bad. This league is, if not the best basketball league, one of the best basketball leagues in the country.

While other players like Queen and Selton Miguel struggle, the Terps might need to rely on Gillespie more and more. If recent performances hold true, he's up for the task.

Maryland Basketball Recruiting Scoop: Is there a chance for a big addition?​

Kevin Willard's recruiting efforts have largely been focused on the transfer portal, with few 2025 names still floating around. The Terps have one commitment in the senior class, but is there a real chance they could add another player to Maryland basketball's 2025 recruiting class?​

Kevin Willard's recruiting efforts have largely been focused on the transfer portal, with few 2025 names still floating around. The Terps have one commitment in the senior class in Christian Jeffrey, who's enjoying a strong senior season, but is there a real chance they could add another player to Maryland basketball's 2025 recruiting class?

Seemingly the only 2025 recruit on their list, Mallory has been on campus this weekend for his official visit. The No. 56 player and seventh-ranked point guard in 247Sports 2025 basketball recruit rankings, Mallory de-committed from Virginia after Tony Bennett abruptly stepped down. He's the highest-rated uncommitted point guard in the country and played for Team Thrill, the Baltimore-based Under Armour grassroots program that produced Derik Queen and is run by Mookie Dobbins.

Those connections are helpful, but they won't be the deciding factors in his recruitment, overseen by his father, Joe Mallory's father. I'm told it'll be largely based on opportunity, location and like most big-name recruitments, compensation. He's visited Tennessee, a big-money program with playing time available at point guard, and Miami. The Hurricanes are still a wildcard, but their chances likely have decreased because of uncertainty about their next coach after Jim Larranaga retired abruptly like Bennett.

Mallory, a 5-9 senior at St. Anne's and his family have been tight-lipped lately about his recruitment. But I spoke to a few sources with knowledge of his situation, and it sounds like Maryland has a legitimate chance.

"They're right there," a source said. "He prefers closer to home. Likes the freedom [Kevin Willard gives his guards,]."

Ja'Kobi Gillespie has been one of Maryland's best players and is expected to return next year, so they'll need to convince Mallory he can play a real role as a freshman before becoming a starter as a sophomore, perhaps alongside Jeffrey.

Mallory doesn't have any other known visits set, so a decision could come before long. As always, we'll keep you updated.

247Sports' Chance Mallory scouting report (Adam Finkelstein)

"Mallory may be undersized and play under the rim, but there are few more reliable true point guards in the national class. His skill level with the ball is truly elite. He has complete command of his handle and a pure release on his jumper. He not only shoots it with deep range but is equally comfortable off the catch or the dribble, and has the effortless quick release to get it off despite his lack of size. Mallory can stop quickly for mid-range pull-ups with deceptive lift and also has a deep bag of floaters and runners that he can utilize without breaking his stride inside a crowded lane. While he only played seven games in the UAA this season, his 45/38/90 shooting splits are indicative of what we have come to expect.

"Simultaneously, Mallory is also exceptionally reliable with the ball in his hands. He's extremely strong with the ball, rarely rattled by pressure, a very good passer, and a pinpoint lob thrower (4.2 assists vs. 1.7 turnovers). He's even starting to show more creativity and playmaking with the ball in his hands, all without limiting his efficiency. Mallory is also a diligent defender who can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, fight over ball screens, has good hands (1.6 steals in the 2024 UAA and 2.1 in 2023), and will dig out long rebounds. While there are likely to be some moments at the next level where his size will limit him on that end of the floor, it won't be due to a lack of fight or intellect.

"Mallory's value is also magnified by his wealth of intangibles and true leadership skills. He's not only a throwback true point guard, but one of the most skilled players in the class, with the ideal mental make-up to compensate for whatever he may be lacking in terms of physical measurables."

I follow the women team also watching them this season Sellers and especially poppen are the most no defense playing starters i have seen at Maryland in a while