By ADAM ZAGORIA
Jahari Long is going to a new school to play for his old coach.
The 6-foot-5 sophomore point guard will transfer to Maryland from Seton Hall and will play for his old coach Kevin Willard, he told ZAGSBLOG ahead of his public announcement Friday.
He also considered Tulane and North Texas.
“I appreciate [Coach] Willard recruiting me knowing my history with freshman year COVID being an issue and sophomore year knee injury causing me to sit out,” he said.
“I think it shows the trust and belief that he has in me. It has pushed me more to continue to improve my game in order to give people what they deserve to see. I’m ready to perform and show why I can be a top guard in the country.”
Long played 19 games as a freshman at Seton Hall during the 2020-21 season, and then just five this past season after undergoing surgery on his right knee on Dec. 20.
“Day by day, I feel better and better,” he said.
Long was never able to live up to his potential at Seton Hall, but clearly Willard and his staff believe the best is still ahead of him.
“I bring the ability to pass and get everyone involved while also being able to score from all three levels and [I bring] rebounding to be more efficient in transition,” he said. “And I can defend whoever I am needed to. I do whatever it takes to win games and show I can compete with anyone on Earth.”
Long joins Georgetown transfer Don Carey and Charlotte transfer Jahmir Young at Maryland.
“Jahari is a great kid and will add a lot to our team here at Maryland,” said Willard in a statement on June 13. “He has exceptional ball-handling skills and passes the ball at an elite level. He’s an unselfish player who will look to create for his teammates. He can also score the ball when the opportunities arise and be a force on the defensive end. We are happy to welcome him to Maryland.”
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