Less than a week after its season came to a disappointing end in the NCAA tournament’s round of 32, the University of Maryland received a commitment that could springboard the Terps into the national title discussion for 2016. Five-star big man Diamond Stone announced his intentions to attend Maryland on Friday night, which suddenly transforms a frontcourt that was the Terps’ biggest weakness this season into a major strength. The 6-foot-10 center out of Dominican High School in Milwaukee will combine with Georgia Tech transfer Robert Carter to form an imposing twosome. Stone took an official visit to Maryland back in October and had narrowed his choices down to the Terps, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Oklahoma State. His arrival coupled with the return of freshman sensation Melo Trimble will arguably give Maryland its most talented team since the 2002 national championship squad. A McDonald’s All-American this past season, Stone averaged 24.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. Maryland’s strong ties with Kevin Plank and Under Armour likely helped in his recruitment as the shoe and apparel company sponsored Stone’s AAU team.
