As first reported by Inside MD Sports today, the University of Maryland has announced that Ukrainian Olexiy “Alex” Len has enrolled, and will be joining the team for this 2011-12 year. Listed at 7’1, 225 lbs – Len gives Maryland 9 scholarship players for this year, and adds to a Front-court that has been the biggest question among Terps fans entering this coming season.

In the 2010 U18 European Championship, Len averaged 16ppg, 11.4 boards, 4.3 blocks. While that level of post scoring would be tremendous, Maryland will be significantly helped if Len can just be an immediate factor defensively and on the boards.

2011-2012 Roster as of Today:
Guards:
Stoglin, Howard, Faust
Wings: Mosley, Parker
Bigs: Len, Padgett, Weijs, Pankey

Prior to the addition of Len, Pankey had mentioned on Twitter that he was perfectly healthy and believed that the trio of himself, Padgett, and Weijs was collectively capable of combining for than 10-12 points, 15 boards, and 3 blocks per game. If those three have that level of production, and Len adds to that mix; than this coming year will be very interesting.

Coach Turgeon has spent much of the Summer talking about using a 4 guard alignment to maximize the talents of the existing roster. With Len, you wonder if that changes?

The Terps obviously lose Mosley, and Weijs after this season. We spoke last week about the 2012 verbal of Shaq Cleare.

2012-2013 Roster as of Today:
Guards:
Stoglin (Jr), Howard (Jr), Faust (Soph), Allen (Freshman)
SF: Parker (Jr)
Bigs: Padgett (Sr), Pankey (Jr),  Len (Soph), Cleare (Freshman)

The Terps now have the ability to add as many as 4 additional players to the Class of ’12, but again are unlikely use each of those scholarships. While Len’s addition obviously improves the outlook of the ’11-’12 team, it will remain to be seen how his arrival impacts the recruitment of ’12 bigs like Mitch McGary, Robert Carter, and Robert Upshaw.

YouTube Clip of Len:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCdWrR_mkqg

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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