A very disappointing season for Maryland last year. Their problem was offense rather than defense, and specifically a lack of shooting. They've been very active going after shooting guards and wings in the transfer portal, and have got really good shooters and surefire starters in Ja'Kobi Gillespie (PG) and Selton Miguel (SF) so far.

The problem is, they bring back their starting center (Julian Reese) who can't shoot and are bringing in a 5-star center (Derik Queen) who also can't shoot. They will definitely both start, and while I'm sure they'll stagger them a lot, they are both likely too talented to keep off the floor. In any event, the backup power forwards also can't shoot, meaning they'll almost always have at least two non-shooters on the floor.

The current starting SG, Deshawn Harris-Smith, was a freshman this last year. Highly recruited, 4-star but a high 4-star (I believe top 50 in ESPN's rankings). Slasher type and really talented but... can't shoot. Based on the lineup construction, I am sure Maryland would rather have someone who can shoot in that spot, and bring DHS off the bench as a sixth man instead.

Lanier slots into that spot and immediately becomes a 1a guy among a very talented and now suddenly deep roster. Kevin Willard can pitch to him a top role on the team while still playing alongside a ton of talent. He probably turns them into a borderline title contender, depending on how well Queen plays as a freshman and DHS's development.

I'd rather BYU get him before anyone questions my allegiance too much 🙂 but Maryland would be a very nice consolation prize for my interests.