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Maryland Basketball: Samir Doughty could be solid addition

By Chris Bengel

Feb 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard Samir Doughty (2) dribbles as George Washington Colonials guard Jaren Sina (23) looks on during the first half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard Samir Doughty (2) dribbles as George Washington Colonials guard Jaren Sina (23) looks on during the first half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia has had a knack for producing some very talented guards in recent years and Samir Doughty appears to be the latest one.

Doughty visited Maryland over the weekend as he aims to choose his next destination after two years at VCU. According to a report, the former Math Civics and Sciences standout is also slated to visit Connecticut on Thursday.

Auburn, Oregon, Pittsburgh, SMU, and South Carolina are also interested in Doughty’s services.

Doughty just completed his redshirt freshman season with the Rams. The former three-star recruit averaged 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 23.1 minutes.

During his first year at VCU, Doughty was ruled as a partial qualifier and didn’t play during in the 2015-16 season. He was originally a St. John’s pledge before deciding to decommit after coach Steve Lavin stepped down from his post with the Red Storm.

If Doughty does elect to come to College Park, he would have to sit out the 2017-18 season due to NCAA transfer rules. He’d then have two years of eligibility remaining with the Terrapins.

At that time, Doughty could be a very valuable member of Maryland’s guard rotation.

When the 2018-19 season begins, Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter will be juniors assuming they stick around. In addition, Darryl Morsell will be a sophomore and could be coming off a productive freshman campaign.

Dion Wiley will also have one more year of eligibility and could be a factor this coming season if he can stay healthy.

While that seems like a crowded backcourt, there could be some versatility with this group.

Forward Justin Jackson went through the NBA Draft process this offseason, but didn’t hire an agent. In doing so, the Canadian import was able to return to school for his sophomore year.

However, if Jackson has another big year, he could be headed for the NBA. Given his strengths and size, that could be a very likely possibility.

If he so, that would allow Huerter to move up to playing the small forward position. That would ultimately free up a ton of playing time for Doughty.

Even if Jackson doesn’t leave after his sophomore year, the Terps could go with a guard-heavy lineup. Doughty could fit right into the lineup as a slashing guard.

The Philadelphia native is strong and makes his living driving to the basket. While he doesn’t shot very well from the perimeter (28.4 percent from three), Maryland has plenty of capable shooters in Huerter and Wiley.

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Doughty is a very capable scorer that could certainly fit in well with the Terps. Even though coach Mark Turgeon already has a loaded backcourt, you really can’t ever have enough guards.