NFL
1. Nunu Agara is a piece of the puzzle.
The Stanford transfer made an immediate impression, scoring 20 points against Virginia Tech, then adding 22 points and 11 rebounds against North Carolina. Agara provides Maryland with another scoring option and a strong presence on the boards. Her early production is promising as she integrates into the offense.
2. Oluchi Okananwa will play a key role.
Okananwa demonstrated the leadership and versatility Maryland will rely on. She scored 23 points against Virginia Tech and added nine rebounds and three steals against North Carolina. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas will be valuable as the Terps establish their identity.
3. Returning players could make a difference.
The return of Bri McDaniel and Lea Bartelme is a positive development. Both add experience and depth to the backcourt. McDaniel’s scoring ability gives Maryland another offensive playmaker. How quickly the team settles into roles will be important to monitor.
4. The team shows signs of physicality.
The main takeaway from two exhibitions is that Maryland remains a work in progress. The pieces are in place, but building chemistry, setting rotations, and achieving consistency will take time. The North Carolina game highlighted what still needs work. This is not necessarily a negative. Preseason is for learning what works, identifying areas for improvement, and preparing for upcoming challenges.
Maryland will have an immediate opportunity to assess its progress. The Terps open their season against preseason No. 1 South Carolina in Paris on Nov. 2. This is a significant early test for a team with strong potential but much to prove. Two exhibition wins provide a positive start. Now the real work begins.
