By JACOB POLACHECK
Maryland has landed a commitment from Alabama transfer Galin Smith, the school announced Tuesday.
Smith, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward, will have one year of eligibility remaining, effective immediately.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity Coach [Mark] Turgeon has given me to come and make an impact on a team as great as Maryland,” Smith said in a press release Tuesday. “The plan he has laid out for me on and off the court is going to help both me and the team have success. Maryland fans can expect to see hunger, passion and effort from me every time I step foot on the court.”
Smith appeared in 94 games over the last three seasons at Alabama.
“I’ll bring a positive influence and will represent the campus and community well,” Smith said. “I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at Maryland I’ve heard so much about.”
Smith averaged 3.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 31 games played as junior during the 2019-20 season.
“We are excited to welcome Galin to College Park,” Turgeon said. “Galin is exactly what we were looking for in a veteran 5-man with great strength and size. He is an experienced post player who will help us right away.”
Smith helped lead Alabama to three winning seasons, including an NCAA Second Round appearance as a freshman in 2017-18. He reached double-figures on three occasions as a junior last season, all against SEC opponents: Mississippi State, LSU and Missouri.
“He can score and defend effectively in the low post and has the ability to get out on the break,” Turgeon said. “Most importantly, Galin fits our program’s culture in terms of work ethic and personality.”
Smith joins Marcus Dockery, Aquan Smart and Boston College transfer Jairus Hamilton as the fourth commit in the Terrapins’ 2020 class.
Maryland will also return key players such as All-Big Ten honoree Darryl Morsell, Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Aaron Wiggins and sophomore guard Eric Ayala.
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