Maryland Basketball Scoop: Chance Mallory's decision and the Terps' future backcourt
Maryland's lone high school prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, Chance Mallory, is close to making his decision. Where do things stand with Mallory and the Terps, and what are the moving parts in their future backcourt? Here's the scoop.
Maryland's lone high school prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, Chance Mallory, is close to making his decision. Where do things stand with Mallory and the Terps, and what are the moving parts in their future backcourt? Here's the scoop:
Chance Mallory, the No. 54 player and top uncommitted point guard in 247Sports 2025 class rankings, told 247Sports on Thursday that he'll announce his decision in two weeks and is down to five schools: Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt.
"His family would like for him to stay home, if possible," a source close to Mallory told IMS.
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Mallory has remained high on Virginia after his de-commitment. I'm told that if he gets early word on the likely choice for their next head coach and likes the hire, he could go back to his original commitment. But Maryland remains a contender. I'd guess we'll know more before long.
Point guard isn't a pressing need for Maryland with Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice expected to return. Gillespie has handled the point all season and thrived, becoming one of the Big Ten's best guards upon arrival from Belmont. And Rice has shown more playmaking ability than most expected, likely earning more opportunities with the ball in his hands next season.
And Maryland's lone current commitment, Chris Jeffrey, has put together as impressive a senior year as possible. Jeffrey led Mt Zion Academy (Md.) to the Elite Prep School title while winning player of the year and championship MVP honors.
Then there's Jahari Long. Long won't play this season but has mostly recovered from that knee injury suffered at the end of last season. If fully healthy, he could be an upgrade over Maryland's current reserve guards, but a source said he hasn't had discussions with the staff yet about his plans for next year. He could look to find somewhere he can be a starter and full-time player or return and give Maryland experience and depth in the backcourt. No one would be surprised if DeShawn Harris-Smith transfers, but he doesn't factor into the point guard equation regardless.
So, Maryland probably doesn't desperately need Mallory for point guard depth but would love to have him and would give him minutes early. We should know before long where things stand.
