COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland men's basketball head coach Mark Turgeon has announced that All-Big Ten Freshman Team honoree Jalen Smith will return for his sophomore season in 2019-20.
 
Smith is fresh off a spectacular NCAA Tournament performance in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds in the first two rounds. He posted 19 points (8 of 9 shooting) and 12 rebounds in the opening round win against Belmont, before notching 15 points, eight rebounds and five blocks vs. LSU in the Round of 32.
 
"I am proud of Jalen's decision to remain in school and develop his game while continuing his education," Turgeon said. "Jalen did so many great things for our program this season and his potential was on full display in the NCAA Tournament. He has the opportunity to take his game to another level as he works with our strength and coaching staff this offseason. Jalen is a special individual from a great family and we are excited to have him return to College Park."
 
Smith pieced together a fantastic rookie season for the Terps in 2018-19, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week on three occasions and recording the third-most double-doubles (5) for a freshman in program history.
 
"I'm excited to return to Maryland for my sophomore year and advance my education as I continue to develop both on and off the court with my teammates and coaching staff," Smith said. "This past season was an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for our team. I'm appreciative of Coach Turgeon, the staff, my teammates and Terp Nation for all of their support."
 
The Baltimore native started 33 games as a freshman, averaging 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. Smith's 225 total rebounds was the fifth-most in program freshman history. He was particularly formidable on the offensive glass, with 40-percent of his rebounds coming on the offensive end.
 
Smith was part of a sensational freshman class which accounted for 51-percent of the team's minutes and 47-percent of its points in 2018-19.