Maryland basketball have added Bishop Boswell from the transfer portal. The Tennessee guard is Buzz Williams’ third portal addition of the offseason. He may be their starting point guard next season.
Boswell’s Stats and Strengths
Boswell, a 6-foot-4 guard with two years of eligibility remaining, is arriving in College Park after a productive season with the Volunteers. He started 33 of 34 games and played a key role on a team that advanced to the Elite Eight. Boswell averaged 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He also shot 38.5% from three-point range.
His ability to impact the game in multiple areas made him a valuable piece in Tennessee’s deep postseason run. This includes his abilities as a secondary ball handler and perimeter defender. He averaged 3.1 assists per game on a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
That is a vast improvement for a Maryland team that ranked 344th out of 365 teams and last among power conference teams nationally in that stat (0.84 to 1). He recorded 17 assists and one turnover during one two-game span in the NCAA Tournament. During this time he handled point guard duties often to free former Maryland star Ja’Kobi Gillespie off the ball.
Praise from Tennessee’s Coach
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said during the season, “We’re watching Bishop just get better and better every day, and I want him to become really one of the best players in the country. And I think he’s got the ability to do it.”
Barnes added, “He’s worked hard … I had great respect for the way he came in here as a freshman behind players that he knew were going to play, but yet he was willing to learn… and this year, being thrust into a situation where he’s not afraid to take on any challenge that we give him.”
Defensive Prowess
Boswell’s defensive presence stood out on the national stage. Following Tennessee’s Sweet 16 win over Iowa State, Cyclones sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic pointed to Boswell’s ability to disrupt rhythm. Momcilovic also noted how Boswell made life difficult for him, highlighting the versatility and intensity he brings on that end of the floor.
“He made my life hard today. He completely won the matchup today,” Momcilovic said. “He’s a really good defender. He was chasing through all the screens … So you have to give a lot of credit to him. One heck of a defender.”
Recruiting and Fit
Maryland maintained the lead throughout the process. Sources indicated the Terps never relinquished their lead over N.C. State and others for the Charlotte native. A significant NIL package combined with the fit in Williams’ system also played a role.
Boswell’s defensive skills and improved assist numbers will be welcome additions to the Maryland squad.