ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I LEARNED IS TO TAKE CARE OF MY BODY BEFORE AND AF TER I PLAY. THE WAY I RECOVER FROM WORKOUTS IS SOMETHING THAT HELPED ME OUT A LOT. IT WAS AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE GOING THROUGH THAT PROCESS. IT GIVES YOU A LOT OF CONFIDENCE. The arrival of Rhode Island transfer Fatts Russell, an excellent point guard, could help the 6-foot-5, 200-pound Ayala raise his profile. Ayala could be in line for FirstTeam All-Big Ten honors or even All-American consideration. There’s no doubt he is a player on the rise. “He led us in scoring last year, but he is going to have to do it again,” Turgeon says. “And I think he will. Fatts will take a lot of pressure off Eric and he can just concentrate on scoring.”
TOWNE INTERVIEW
Eric Ayala Maryland Terrapins Star Basketball Guard
By Tom Worgo Photography courtesy University of Maryland
U
niversity of Maryland guard Eric Ayala had a decision to make. He could return for his senior year or remain in the 2021 NBA draft and, thus, begin life as a professional. Surprise—Ayala decided the NBA could wait.
“Coming back for an extra year will help me develop,” Ayala explains. “I feel I will be ready to make that jump next year.” Maryland Coach Mark Turgeon is glad Ayala returned. Two of Ayala’s teammates for three seasons are gone. Second leading scorer Aaron Wiggins left for the NBA and standout Darryl Morsell transferred to Marquette. 50
What’s Up? Annapolis | November 2021 | whatsupmag.com
Ayala averaged 15.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last year and was named a 2021 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. Of course, the expectation is for him to boost those numbers. What’s Up? Media recently talked to the 22-year-old Ayala about his role as a leader, what he learned going
through the NBA draft process, and the lofty expectations for the Terps. Since you are the only returning senior, do you feel you have to take on more of a leadership role? Leadership kind of comes natural for me. I watched a lot of guys that came before me at Maryland closely. I just try to be the best leader that I can be. I have to make great decisions. Being a veteran on the team, I have been through everything. The guys respond to me, and I have a good relationship with them. Why did you decide to declare for the NBA Draft? It was a great opportunity for me to get some feedback from the NBA guys. I am glad I took that journey and I learned a lot. I felt I had built a great resume to at least to get a look from the NBA people. I look forward to taking