Serrel Smith Jr. decides to leave Maryland

Maryland guard Serrel Smith Jr., a former standout at St. Petersburg, has entered the transfer portal. He is the third Terrapins player who has decided to transfer this offseason.

During his two seasons at Maryland, Smith Jr. played sparingly, averaging 10 minutes and 2.6 points per game. (featured photo above from Maryland Athletics).

He was a star throughout his high school at St. Petersburg. As a senior, Smith Jr. was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 8A state player of the year after averaging 29. 3 points per game and helping the Green Devils reach the state semifinals for the third time in his four seasons with the program.

Those performances helped him become a coveted recruit. Smith Jr. was a four-star prospect who initially signed with Mississippi. That changed in February of 2018 when Andy Kennedy announced he would be stepping down as the Rebels coach after 12 seasons.

Smith Jr. mulled over backing out of signing before deciding to do so. Mississippi eventually granted his release.

There were several suitors once Smith went back on the market. He ended his prolonged recruiting process a month later by signing with the Terrapins.

Now, Smith Jr. is starting the process again.

He is the third former St. Petersburg standout to enter the transfer portal this offseason, joining Darius Banks (James Madison/UT Chattanooga) and Travis Bianco (Eckerd/Valdosta State).

RELATED: James Madison’s Darius Banks transfers to UT Chattanooga

Green Devils coach Chris Blackwell said he already has fielded calls from several assistants at the Division I-A level inquiring about Smith Jr.