Maryland Basketball: Robert Carter Jr. is the X-Factor
Mar 12, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Robert Carter, Jr. (4) and Boston College Eagles guard Lonnie Jackson (20) fight for the ball in the first half in the first round at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Carter was a standout as a sophomore with Georgia Tech. Now, he’s with the Maryland Terrapins and his impact will need to be felt now more than ever before. His performance could ultimately make or break the season for the Terps.
The former 5-star recruit out of Thomasville, GA averaged 11.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in his final season with the Yellow Jackets.
Per NCAA transfer rule, Carter had to sit out last season in its entirety. The Terps certainly could have used his services back in March. During that time, Carter got the opportunity to learn the system and get accustomed to life in the Big Ten conference.
More from Maryland Terrapins
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
- Maryland Terrapins: Roundup of Headlines in Maryland Sports
- Where Will Maryland Basketball’s Kevin Huerter Land in 2018 NBA Draft?
- Maryland Terrapins Offensive Lineman Jordan McNair Dies
- Remembering Maryland Basketball’s Cliff Tucker: Top 5 Best Moments
As talented as Carter is, there was never any question that he would be sliding into the starting lineup for Maryland this season, most likely as the four. He won’t be the same player that took the floor for Georgia Tech either. Carter has added a new dimension to his game that will take him to the next level.
At Georgia Tech, Carter loved to take outside shots. The problem with that was he only shot 27.4 percent from deep. He was 6-foot-9, 250 pounds at that time. Carter has since slimmed down to a more manageable 235 pounds. He has also been in the gym working on improving that lowly shooting percentage.
If Carter can knock down outside shots to complement his prowess in the paint, he is going to be a handful for opposing teams to guard. The stretch four position has become more and more prevalent over the years and has been a major asset for some of the country’s best teams, including Maryland.
Carter will be one-third of one of, if not the best frontcourt in the nation. He’ll be joining senior Jake Layman and highly-touted freshman center Diamond Stone. All three are projected to be future NBA players.
Mark Turgeon has something special brewing in College Park and Carter is a major part of the plan. His development could be the difference between the Terps being a good team and them being a national championship team.
Next: 5 Biggest Threats to Terps' National Title Hopes
More from The Baltimore Wire
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29