COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Recognized as the heart and soul of Maryland basketball during three standout seasons with the Terps, Dez Wells returned to College Park this week to reconnect with head coach Mark Turgeon and the program.

Wells spent the past year in Italy playing professionally for Scandone AV. He helped the club finish fourth in the Serie A league, as Scandone went 20-10 during the 2017-18 campaign.

"It was a great experience having the opportunity to play ball in a beautiful country like Italy, and improve my game against high level competition," said Wells, who averaged 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 22.6 minutes per game last season.

Wells won't be the only Terp to hit the hardwood in Italy this year, as the Maryland basketball team preps for its summer tour of the country in August.

Wells, who turned 26 this past April, had some Italian cuisine recommendations for the Terps before they begin their 10-day excursion into the European nation in the coming weeks.

"Definitely eat at Burger bar, find some gelato, strawberry fragola, and the lamb chops are amazing – ask for Costolette d'Agnello (crispy lamb chops)."

Wells will be spending the month of July working out with current and former Terps in College Park. He confidently shared that he has elevated his shooting and decision-making this past season. Additionally, he hopes to pursue an opportunity with a NBA team this fall.

Though there is a six-hour time difference while abroad in Italy, Wells followed his Terps on social media throughout the year. The 6-5, 210 pound small forward smiled when asked about his recent visit with Turgeon.

"It was really great to see him," said Wells. "When I walked in the door he said, 'There's one of my has-beens!' [laughs] - A term of endearment Turgeon uses to refer to his former players. "We talked all about the team and caught up about how I was doing both professionally and personally."  

Asked about if it was exciting to be back at XFINITY Center, the place where Wells led Maryland to an 18-1 mark at home as a senior, Wells was happy to see a former teammate's plaque across from his.  

"It's really cool seeing Melo [Trimble] up here," said Wells, referring to the Legends of the Court that grace the walls of Heise Hallway prior to entering the Terps locker room. "It's always fun to come back and be around the guys. I'm looking forward to watching them again this season."

-Terps-