Maryland picks up big man

Mark Turgeon and Maryland picked up a commitment Tuesday night from an in-state senior. Off the radar to most, the Terps are hoping they've found a sleeper.

Even in his home state of Maryland, Damonte Dodd was a bit of an unknown Tuesday night. Thanks to Dodd's commitment, the 6-foot-9 senior at Centreville (Md.) Queen Anne's County has a lot more people talking about him on Wednesday.

Virtually unknown because of the high school league that he plays in and because he wasn't on the circuit much, Dodd appears to be a classic late bloomer.

As a senior, Dodd has had a growth spurt to give him his 6-foot-9, 230-pound frame. He's also had a growth spurt on the floor as he's nearly doubled his production from his junior season.

Dodd's high school coach, Dale Becraft, broke down his star's game for TerrapinTimes.com.

"He has a tremendous wing span, good timing, good speed, and he'll rebound the ball," said Becraft. "Right now on offense, he basically dunks everything, so polishing up some moves is a priority. His wing span is that of a 7-footer, and he can catch the ball. He's a low post guy, a back-to-the-basket guy, but he has touch. He's a very good free throw shooter.

"It's just a question of time, and making the adjustment to major college ball. It will take him some time, but the Maryland coaches love his upside."

Dodd joins a class that already includes four-star big man Shaquille Cleare, Rivals150 combo forward Jake Layman and three-star shooting guard Seth Allen.