University of Maryland Athletics

MARIAL IN THE NEWS

• (1/3/20) The long journey of 7-footer Chol Marial to college basketball

AS A SOPHOMORE (2020-21): Appeared in 18 games (1 start) as reserve center and averaged 6.2 minutes ... knocked down first career 3-pointer at #12 Illinois (1/10) ... made first career start vs. Mount St. Mary’s (11/29) ... scored a career-high seven points in season-opener vs. Old Dominion (11/25).

AS A FRESHMAN (2019-20): Appeared in 12 games after missing first 12 games of season recovering from surgery ... season was cut short (no postseason) due to coronavirus pandemic ... helped lead Maryland to 2020 Big Ten Championship ... totaled 10 points, 19 rebounds and 5 blocks in 68 minutes of action ... had two points and two rebounds against Nebraska (2/11) ... made much anticipated collegiate debut against Bryant (12/29), scoring six points and adding five rebounds in 11 minutes after entering the court to a standing ovation from the Maryland crowd ... dressed for first time vs. Seton Hall (12/19) ... joined the program in August of 2018 and underwent surgery in September that would cause him to miss first 12 games of season.

BEFORE MARYLAND: A four-star recruit via ESPN and Rivals … a three-star recruit via 247Sports … Possesses a 7'8" wingspan ... Rated as the No. 58 player in the country via ESPN … Rated as the No. 2 player in the state of Arizona via ESPN … Rated as the No. 6 player in the state of Arizona via 247Sports … Averaged 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks at AZ Compass Prep ... the cousin of Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker … was originally discovered at the 2013 Basketball Without Borders event in South Africa.

PERSONAL:  Father is Beny Chuar and mother is Yar Gorjok ... father is an elder in hometown village of thousands; some call him a “king” ... cousin of Detroit Pistons center Thon Maker and top prospect Makur Maker ... has 16 brothers and sisters, but he is the only one to come to the United States ... nickname is “Lion” ... grew up on a farm where his family raises its own cattle ... looks up to fellow Sudanese basketball player and former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, who he regularly talks to for advice ... started playing basketball at the age of 12 ... loves playing soccer, especially the striker position ... sports heroes are Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett ... chose Maryland because of the opportunity the school presented to become a better player and person, and to help him achieve his dreams ... major is undeclared.