Galin Smith, graduate transfer from Alabama, joins Maryland basketball

Alabama graduate transfer forward Galin Smith committed to Maryland on Tuesday, bolstering the Terrapins’ depth at the position for the 2020-21 season.

Smith played 94 games over three seasons at Alabama, starting 20 and averaging 56.4% shooting from the floor. He averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 rebounds last season when primarily coming off the bench. 

“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity Coach (Mark) Turgeon has given me to come and make an impact on a team as great as Maryland,” Smith said in a statement. “The plan he has laid out for me on and off the court is going to help both me and the team have success. Maryland fans can expect to see hunger, passion and effort from me every time I step foot on the court. I’ll bring a positive influence and will represent the campus and community well. I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at Maryland I’ve heard so much about.”

Smith chose Maryland over VCU and Arizona State.

“We are excited to welcome Galin to College Park,” Turgeon said. “Galin is exactly what we were looking for in a veteran 5-man with great strength and size. He is an experienced post player who will help us right away. He can score and defend effectively in the low post and has the ability to get out on the break. Most importantly, Galin fits our program’s culture in terms of work ethic and personality.”

Though Maryland is losing Jalen Smith to the NBA draft and Anthony Cowan to graduation, the program has added Boston College transfer guard Jairus Hamilton in addition to Galin Smith.