Maryland sophomore guard Rodney Rice is entering the transfer portal following a season in which he finished third on the team with 13.8 points per game while shooting 37.4% from three-point range.
After a freshman year with limited playing time at Virginia Tech, the sophomore had more success on the way to the team’s first Sweet 16 since 2016. Here are five potential landing spots for the Maryland native.
Top Transfer Portal Landing Spots for Rodney Rice
Maryland Terrapins
The Terrapins have experienced a mass exodus following coach Kevin Willard’s hasty departure to Villanova.
However, of all the players who have entered the transfer portal, Rice is the most likely to return to College Park, which is just a half-hour from his hometown of Clinton. It will depend on who the next Maryland coach is and when he is hired.
Villanova Wildcats
Willard will most likely look to bring a Terrapin or two with him to Philadelphia. Both Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Rice should be on that list, as Willard will want experienced guards to come in and run his system in the Big East next season.
Georgetown Hoyas
Coach Ed Cooley has not gotten the Hoyas over the hump since he came to Washington, D.C., two years ago. However, the team improved from 9-23 to 17-15 under Cooley’s guidance.
He led Providence to the NCAA Tournament in his third year and would love to replicate that feat with Rice in the backcourt.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Coach Nate Oats has led the Crimson Tide to the NCAA Tournament five straight years. The school’s first trip to the Final Four was last year, followed by another Elite Eight appearance this season.
He loses All-American Mark Sears from his backcourt, and Rice could help fill his role in the Oats’ high-scoring offense in Tuscaloosa.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers just hired a new coach, Ryan Odom, from VCU. He led the Rams to the NCAA Tournament after previously guiding both Utah State and UMBC to the Big Dance.
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He takes over a program in disarray following Tony Bennett’s shocking retirement ahead of last season. Leading scorer Isaac McKneely has entered the portal. He may choose to return following Odom’s hiring, but if not, Rice could replace his production in the starting lineup.
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