Signing Day: Maryland signs a top-20 class
Kevin Willard has already wrapped up Maryland’s highest-rated recruiting class since 2018.
The Terrapins’ three-man class currently ranks 20th in the 2023 On3 Team Rankings. Their 93.13 class score ranks them fourth in the Big 10.
**It is probably worth noting that Maryland might not be done with their 2023 class.
Maryland’s class
Four-star SF Jamie Kaiser
Height/Weight: 6-5/210
School: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 50
IMG Academy coach Sean McAloon is a big fan of Jamie Kaiser. “He’s been really great. The kid just puts in effort non-stop,” McAloon said. “Obviously, he shoots the cover off the ball, but he has great toughness, obviously with his football background, and his defense is always there. He’s strong and tenacious. He’s willing to fight through screens and doesn’t take the soft route. He is not afraid to body guys.” Before moving to IMG Academy, Kaiser played at Bishop Ireton High in Alexandria, Virginia.
Kaiser is a long-armed, strong-framed wing. His jump shot is textbook, and he takes it with deep range and confidence. The lateral mobility will be a question, but his strength and motor allow him to be a good defender. Kaiser knows his game and his spots and plays an efficient basketball brand. He was a high major football player with multiple P6 offers. Recently has said he will focus solely on basketball. Kaiser’s dad played football at Slippery Rock, and his cousin, Eric Hicks, played in the NFL for 13 years. Simply put, Kaiser produces.
Four-star SF Deshawn Harris-Smith
Height/Weight: 6-5/205
High School: Fairfax (VA) Paul VI
2023 On3 Consensus: No. 51
DeShawn Harris-Smith was named the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I State player of the year as a junior when he averaged 14.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game for Paul VI. He emerged on the national radar during the summer of 2022 with his play for Team Takeover. Harris-Smith was named first-team all-tournament at Peach Jam, the summer’s biggest AAU event, where he averaged 12.3 points, eight rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Harris-Smith is a productive player who gets things done across the board. Offensively, he is an excellent passer and a confident secondary ball handler. While his jumper is more of a set shot, he made over 40% on the EYBL this summer. DHS is a noted winner, something that seems to follow him around. He uses his length and toughness to be a multi-positional defender. He is a tough rebounder at 6-foot-5 and a strong finisher going left. While he may not stand out in any one category, he has no real holes in his game. Versatility and competitiveness describe his game well.
Three-star SG Jahnathan Lamothe
Height/Weight: 6-4/180
High School: Baltimore (MD) St. Frances
On3 Consensus: No. 143
Jahnathan Lamothe is a strong-framed wing with long arms. He has a reputation as a good defender, especially off the ball, getting in the passing lanes. Lamothe is a good passer on offense, and he is a downhill wing on the perimeter. He is a streaky shooter and will need to improve in that area. He absorbs contact in the paint but lacks the quick first step to consistently get past his man. Lamothe goes through long stretches with little production, but he is a nice complimentary player, a connective piece on both ends.