Too soon to think about the hardwood?

As most of Terrapin Nation is stewing over what to take from Maryland’s 7-6 victory over FCS member William & Mary, this fan has his eyes on recent developments with the basketball program.

After losing last year’s ACC leading scorer Terrell Stoglin for violating University policy, the team is looking to rebound from a second consecutive season without so much as an NIT berth. With a freshman class led by Shaquille Cleare, Jake Layman and Sam Cassell, Jr., they appear to have a significantly more talented roster than the previous two seasons, and there is a possibility the Terrapins may add an immediate extra contributor.

Dez Wells, the expelled sophomore forward from Xavier University, is preparing to decide whether to transfer to Oregon, Memphis or Maryland in the next couple days. The news of Wells’ expulsion amid sexual assault allegations gained publicity recently when an Ohio grand jury declined to follow up on the case, according to The Washington Post. While the case was not seen as worthy of a trial, Xavier administrators refused to reexamine their own decision. On Saturday, Wells visited Maryland, attending the football game against the Tribe (hopefully not paying too much attention to the action) and was reportedly pleased with the trip, according to The Post.

“I credit Maryland, they really got his spirits up,” the source told The Post. “It was a blessing to me to hear. It started out a rough week for him. He went through Kentucky, Memphis, but Maryland was the first time I heard the excitement back in his voice.”

Adding Wells this late would be an underrated coup for the Terps, who could likely add him to the roster this season. Wells averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman for the Musketeers, making the Atlantic 10’s all-rookie team.

Wells would bring immediate depth to an untested front line, and would be another source for a Terps team currently devoid of proven scoring options. With the football program staring at another less than inspiring season, this news has demonstrated basketball Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s will to constantly improve his roster. While Wells’ decision is by no means guaranteed, Maryland’s opportunistic attempts to woo him to College Park are inspiring. This move shows students, alumni and fans the team is looking not only to build for the future, but to also win right away. And with the NBA prospect Harrison twins’ recruitment attempts on the horizon, it is a promising sign that Maryland has the ability to still put its name in the mix after two subpar seasons.

At least we don’t have to think about only football for the next three months.