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."
