ESPN Analyst Ranks Two Terrapins in Top 100
ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo debuted his initial 2027 NBA Draft Big Board, ranking the top 100 prospects eligible for the upcoming draft cycle. Maryland basketball has earned national recognition on the professional evaluation stage, with two Terrapins named among the elite consensus prospects.
Freshman wing Baba Oladotun was ranked at No. 37 on the board. Senior center Pharrel Payne was listed at No. 82. The inclusion of multiple players from the same program highlights the talent influx under head coach Buzz Williams in his second season in College Park.
As NBA front offices begin their multi-month scouting evaluations across the Big Ten, Maryland's roster presents a mix of high-upside youth and experienced interior presence. Oladotun stands 6-foot-10 and is considered one of the youngest players featured on ESPN’s top 100 board.
Oladotun’s Path from National No. 1 to College Park
Oladotun’s trajectory has drawn significant attention since his high school days. He is a five-star wing from James Hubert Blake High School in Rockville who was originally rated the No. 1 player in the Class of 2027 before reclassifying.
His recruitment process was highly competitive, with Oladotun ultimately choosing the Terrapins over Arkansas, Georgetown, and Kentucky. At the time of his commitment, he was rated the No. 10 overall recruit in the country, becoming Maryland's third five-star signee.
Now on the court, Oladotun has already made an early impression during Maryland's season-opening 96–67 victory over Bucknell. In that contest, he recorded seven points, four rebounds, and a late-game rim rejection, showcasing the defensive versatility that contributes to his high draft stock.
Payne’s Resilience and Statistical Impact
While Oladotun represents the program's newest high-profile addition, senior center Pharrel Payne provides a foundation of production and durability concerns that scouts are closely monitoring. Payne started all 10 games he played during the 2025-26 season before injuries sidelined him for 23 contests.
Despite the shortened campaign, Payne’s efficiency was notable. In the 2025-26 season, Payne averaged 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 26.9 minutes per outing while shooting 62.4 percent from the field.
Payne’s ranking at No. 82 reflects both his proven scoring ability as an interior presence and the questions surrounding his availability. For Maryland, having two players on ESPN’s board underscores the depth of talent currently in College Park, bridging the gap between established production and future potential.