Terps' Locker Room Buzz: Music, Mayhem, and MVP Picks

As the Maryland men's basketball team heads into coach Buzz Williams' second season, the locker room is buzzing with more than just game plans. Center Pharrel Payne has taken on an unofficial DJ role, with his eclectic mix of music sparking debates among teammates. Guard Bishop Boswell notes the variety, while forward George Turkson Jr. credits Payne for introducing him to country music.

The Terps, who had a 12-21 record last season, are showing renewed promise after exhibition wins against Georgia Tech and West Virginia. Ahead of their Nov. 2 opener against Bucknell, players have highlighted key teammates. Andre Mills and Kaden House are considered breakout candidates. Mills demonstrated his scoring prowess with 27 points in a recent overtime win, while freshman House showed flashes of potential with 14 points in limited minutes.

Austin Brown is identified as an underrated player, with teammates like Boswell praising his shooting ability. The competition for best shooter is fierce between Boston University transfer Mike McNair Jr., who set a school record for 3-pointers last season, and Brown. Kaden House has earned recognition as the team's best defender due to his tenacious full-court pressure.

Veteran guard DJ Wagner, a former five-star recruit, is seen as the top passer, bringing significant experience from previous stints at Kentucky and Arkansas. The team also features several humorous personalities, with Alex K'Medehouto and Adama Tambedou being frequently cited as the funniest teammates. For energy, Andre Mills and Adama Tambedou are notable, with Boswell also contributing energy as 'Juice.' Style is also a point of discussion, with Payne, Turkson, and Mills considered the best dressed.