In what can only be described as a basketball program’s version of extreme makeover, Buzz Williams has orchestrated perhaps the most dramatic roster overhaul in recent college basketball memory at Maryland. After Kevin Willard’s departure to Villanova triggered a mass exodus of players, Williams stepped into a vacant roster situation that would have paralyzed many coaches.
The newly appointed Terrapins head coach hasn’t just accepted the challenge; instead, he’s attacked it with remarkable efficiency. In less than a month, Williams has transformed an empty locker room into a competitive Big Ten roster through aggressive transfer portal maneuvers and coaching staff restructuring, earning praise from national analysts impressed by the speed and quality of his rebuild.
Adams Commitment Signals Recruiting Momentum Beyond Portal Success
Darius Adams, the 2025 class’s No. 26 overall recruit and McDonald’s All-American, has committed to the Terrapins, a stunning development that has energized the Maryland fanbase. Adams, who had previously signed with basketball powerhouse UConn, represents Williams’ first major high school recruiting victory and adds star power to the rebuilt roster.
Palpable Buzz Williams has done an incredible job flipping the roster in The Spring Break capital of the Northeast.
This is ONLY April. https://t.co/aoJQDWFXa6
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 29, 2025
This high-profile commitment proves Williams isn’t solely focused on transfer portal success. Adams brings elite scoring potential and playmaking ability that complement the experienced transfers, giving Maryland a blend of proven talent and future star power as they look to maintain their competitive standing in the loaded Big Ten.
The coaching infrastructure supporting this talent infusion is equally impressive. Williams has assembled a new staff, bringing trusted lieutenants who understand his system. Devin Johnson, who has worked with Williams since his Marquette days, steps in as Associate Head Coach alongside assistants Lyle Wolf, Steve Roccaforte, and Wabissa Bede.
From Zero to Competitive: The Great Maryland Rebuild
When Williams arrived in College Park in early April, he inherited a program stripped bare. Every player from Maryland’s 2024-25 Sweet 16 team had departed, including Julian Reese and Selton Miguel to graduation, Derik Queen to the NBA draft, and others like Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Rodney Rice to the transfer portal.
Maryland’s lone 2025 high school recruit, Chris Jeffrey, followed Willard to Villanova, leaving Williams with a blank canvas. This unprecedented situation presented a tremendous challenge and a unique opportunity for the veteran coach to build a team in his exact vision.
Williams immediately leveraged his deep recruiting connections, landing commitments from eight transfer players before the NCAA portal deadline. Four key transfers followed him from Texas A&M, including impactful big man Pharrel Payne and versatile forward Solomon Washington.
The transfer haul includes guards Myles Rice from Indiana, Elijah Saunders, and David Coit from Kansas. “Palpable Buzz Williams has done an incredible job flipping the roster in the Spring Break capital of the Northeast. This is ONLY April” tweeted CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, who has already placed Maryland at No. 32 in his early 2025-26 rankings.
While the roster rebuild continues, Williams and his staff are pursuing additional pieces, including 6’10” center Ramon Soyoye, who recently visited campus. In just weeks, Maryland has transformed from a program in crisis to one of the most intriguing teams to watch heading into the 2025-26 season.
KEEP READING: ‘Starting to Like Him Already’ — Terps Fans Rally Behind Derik Queen’s Unexpected Praise for Buzz Williams
As April draws to a close, the program that seemed in disarray weeks ago has become one of college basketball’s most fascinating rebuild stories, with a blend of proven transfers and elite freshman talent poised to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
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