CHICAGO - The Maryland men's basketball team participated in its first Big Ten Conference Media Day Thursday at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Head coach Mark Turgeon and student-athletes Evan Smotrycz and Dez Wells fielded questions from a heavy media contingent late Thursday morning in advance of the Terps' inaugural season in the Big Ten.

“It's arguably been the best conference in the country over the past few years,” Turgeon said. “We have watched a lot of film over the summer to study and learn the new teams we will be competing against. The Big Ten Conference gave us a great home schedule with powerful programs to get our fans very excited about the season.”

Evan Smotrycz, a transfer from the University of Michigan, drew on his familiarity with the conference from his days as a Wolverine.

“I am familiar with the conference so I am hopeful that I can instill some knowledge with my experience,” Smotrycz, a senior forward, said. “There are so many great venues in the Big Ten which make it a challenge with any trip we take.”

Wells, a senior guard, is anticipating an exciting to finish to his Terrapin career.

“We are very humble and determined. We have a very passionate group,” Wells said. “I don't have any individual goals. My goals are focused strictly on our team success.”

The Terps kick off the season with Super B1G Maryland Madness Friday at 8 p.m. at the XFINITY Center.