Maryland lands Alabama grad transfer
Maryland basketball got good news on Tuesday when Alabama grad transfer forward Galin Smith announced his decision to transfer into the program.
“I would like to thank all of the coaches that took out the time to recruit and show interest in me. After many talks with God and my family I’ve been led in the direction to join Coach Turgeon and the Maryland family,” Smith wrote in a tweet.
Smith played sparingly as a junior for the Crimson Tide, tallying just over three points and 2.5 rebounds per game in slightly over 13 minutes a game. In College Park, Smith’s experience will hope to spread to the Terps’ lone returning big men in 7-foot-2, 229-pound Chol Marial, 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward Donta Scott and Boston College transfer Jarius Hamilton.
"I'm really excited and grateful for the opportunity Coach Turgeon has given me to come and make an impact on a team as great as Maryland," Smith said in a press release. "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. I'll bring a positive influence and will represent the campus and community well. I can't wait to experience the atmosphere at Maryland I've heard so much about."
With the departure of Jalen Smith (NBA), Joshua Tomiac (transfer) and Ricky Lindo (GW), Maryland has been looking far and wide to fill the minutes in the frontcourt. Smith’s experience in his 94 games at Alabama gives head coach Mark Turgeon another piece to the puzzle for next season. "We are excited to welcome Galin to College Park," Mark Turgeon said in a press release.
"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. He can score and defend effectively in the low post and has the ability to get out on the break. Most importantly, Galin fits our program's culture in terms of work ethic and personality.”
