Maryland basketball: 3 starting lineup options for 2020-2021 season

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Maryland basketball (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Middle-of-the-road scenario

Point Guard: Eric Ayala
Guard: Aaron Wiggins
Guard: Darryl Morsell
Forward: Donta Scott
Center: Chol Marial

In all three scenarios (spoiler alert) for the Maryland starting lineup next season, the Terrapins are going to have the backcourt of Ayala, Wiggins and Morsell leading the charge. Where the variations come from is how things will shake out in the frontcourt. And that starts with Hamilton and what happens with his status for the 2020-21 season as a transfer.

While he could be granted a waiver to be able to play next year, there’s a chance that also doesn’t happen for the Boston College transfer and he’s forced to sit out. If that happens, Turgeon would likely turn to Donta Scott, who started the final 20 games for the Terrapins at power forward last season.

As a freshman, Scott put up 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season and showed increasing confidence as the year went on. He has a strong, sturdy frame that makes him a plus rebounder and he showcased a burgeoning ability to stretch the floor at the power forward spot, which would be a nice asset to have.

The big question is Marial. If we’re talking about Maryland getting a good break, it’s the 7-foot-2 center. He came to College Park as an exceptionally raw player and, frankly, isn’t being helped by not getting into the gym while the COVID-19 outbreak has shut down training facilities. But if he’s able to make a big leap and put on muscle, he has the raw talent to be a breakout force on the interior, albeit with a learning curve still ahead.