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Kevin Willard on Maryland freshman DeShawn Harris-Smith “As long as he keeps working hard, the sky is the limit”

COLLEGE PARK — DeShawn Harris-Smith is built like a fullback even though he’s a combo guard.

At 6-4 and over 200 pounds, the talented lefty is a perfect blend of burliness, skill, and basketball IQ.

All of those attributes are why he has a chance to be a major piece to Maryland’s puzzle next season in his first year of college basketball.

“I have high expectations for him, but he’s still going to be a freshman in the Big Ten,” Maryland head coach Kevin Willard told College Hoops Today about Harris-Smith on Tuesday after an afternoon practice in College Park. “He’s shown a great work ethic and a great ability to pick up schemes. As long as he keeps working hard, the sky is the limit.”

A consensus four-star recruit by 247Sports, Harris-Smith has the requisites to be one of the most productive freshmen in college basketball next season. During Tuesday’s practice, he regularly displayed confidence running an offense while also squaring up and knocking down shots from all over the floor.

Willard plans to use Harris-Smith on and off the ball next season alongside veteran guard Jahmir Young (15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists), who led the Terps in both scoring and assists last season.

“I think they’re blending great,” Willard said of Harris-Smith and Young. “They complement each other well. It’s added to our defensive length. I think it’s going to take a lot of pressure off Jahmir (Young) that he doesn’t have to create all the time. I think he’s going to get a lot more open shots.”

With Harris-Smith and Young solidifying the backcourt and veterans Julian Reese and Donta Scott anchoring the frontcourt, the Terps have a foundation in place to finish at the top of the Big Ten next season along with Purdue and Michigan State. Freshman Jamie Kaiser and Indiana transfer Jordan Geronimo also figure to in the mix as potential starters.

Maryland — who is currently ranked 25th in the ROTHSTEIN 45 — has a quality blend of experience and youth, which is highlighted by Harris-Smith.

His progress when the Terps take a foreign tour to Italy next month will be closely monitored.

“He has a level of toughness that most freshmen don’t get until they’re sophomores,” Willard said of Harris-Smith. “He’s got that mentality that he wants to be great.”

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