Bruno Fernando – Maryland, C
The Maryland Terrapins look to bounce back in the NCAA Tournament after losing 3 of their last 4 games to end the season. Many people will mark Maryland as an upset candidate, especially if they have to face an impressive 26-5 Belmont team in the first round. Maryland’s hopes of a Sweet 16 berth rest on their NBA-prospect center, Bruno Fernando.
Maryland’s big man, Bruno Fernando, has continued to polish his game during his sophomore season. Fernando averaged 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks this season and will look to build on that in March. Unfortunately, he has struggled in the latter part of the season and the Terrapins as a whole enter the NCAA tournament with more questions than answers.
Coming off his worst performance of the season against Nebraska, Maryland will need their 6-foot-10 center to dominate the post on both sides of the ball in order for the Terrapins to make a run in the tournament.
Bruno Fernando is projected just outside of the lottery but Minnesota should keep on eye on how the big man stacks up against top talent in the NCAA tournament. With his ability to dominate at the rim on offense and anchor a defense with his supreme shot-blocking, Fernando could be the more physical version of Gorgui Dieng that Minnesota desperately needs as part of their frontcourt rotation.
On the other hand, an early round for Maryland could cause Fernando to fall into the latter part of the first round this summer.
Opening game: vs. Belmont/Temple on Thursday at 2:10 pm CT