Maryland Terrapins Add Transfer Portal Sniper to Bolster Frontcourt

Maryland men’s basketball has added Croatian forward Tomislav Buljan from the transfer portal, marking the program’s first commitment for the 2026-27 season as head coach Buzz Williams continues to reshape the frontcourt.

Buljan, a 23-year-old freshman from New Mexico, averaged a double-double last season with 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, becoming the only player in the Mountain West Conference to achieve that feat. He also led the conference with four offensive rebounds per game and earned second-team All-Mountain West honors.

Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 250 pounds, Buljan brings significant size and physicality to Maryland’s frontcourt. His commitment comes after a successful stint in Croatian professional basketball, where he led the Premijer liga in rebounding during the 2024-25 season while playing for KK Cedevita Junior.

The addition addresses a key need for the Terrapins following the departures of Isaiah Watts, Nick Blake, Aleks Alston, and Jaziah Harper through the transfer portal. Buljan is expected to start alongside Pharrel Payne, forming what the program describes as one of the most physically daunting big man duos in the Big Ten Conference.

Williams has prioritized frontcourt reinforcements early in the offseason, having also secured a commitment from Oklahoma State transfer Robert Jennings, who possesses a similar 6-foot-7, 230-pound frame. These moves reflect a strategic focus on adding size and rebounding capability to compete in an increasingly physical Big Ten landscape.

For Buljan, the transfer to Maryland represents an opportunity to continue his development in a high-major program after producing solid numbers at the mid-major level. His experience in European professional basketball prior to joining New Mexico provides additional maturity and international perspective to the Terrapins’ roster.

As Maryland prepares for the 2026-27 season, the coaching staff is actively utilizing the transfer portal to address roster needs created by multiple departures. The frontcourt additions signal a clear intent to strengthen interior defense and rebounding while maintaining offensive versatility through players capable of scoring in the post and stretching the floor.