As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, the Maryland Terps are positioning themselves as a serious contender, bolstered by returning frontcourt stalwarts Pharrel Payne and Tomislav Buljan and a mix of experienced transfers and fresh talent.
Frontcourt Promise
Payne and Buljan are widely regarded as among the Big Ten’s most physical big men, delivering relentless offensive rebounding and interior presence that align with coach Buzz Williams’s emphasis on gritty, rebounding‑driven play. Their combination gives Maryland a high floor, according to analysts Kyle Tucker and Isaac Trotter, who have placed the program in the conference’s bubble tier alongside Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon.
Guard Questions
Veteran Andre Mills, who averaged 12.2 points and 4.2 rebounds last season, and defensive specialist Bishop Boswell provide additional depth, while five‑star freshman Baba Oladotun adds a high‑upside spark that could tip the balance. However, the analysts caution that the guards must elevate their game if Maryland hopes to move beyond the bubble and secure an NCAA tournament berth.
With Buzz Williams under pressure after a disappointing first season, the team’s ability to blend its dominant interior with reliable guard play will determine whether the Terps can translate preseason optimism into postseason success.