Former Virginia Tech guard Rodney Rice commits to Big Ten school

In October, Virginia Tech men's basketball guard Rodney Rice made the rather surprising decision to leave the Hokies basketball program. It was an odd decision right before the season was scheduled to get underway and the timing certainly raised some eyebrows.

Last week, Rice officially entered the transfer portal and it didn't take him long to commit for the 2024-25 season, landing in the Big Ten.

Rodney Rice commits to Maryland

Sunday morning, Rice committed to the University of Maryland and head coach Kevin Willard. The former four-star guard will return to his home state and play for the Terrapins. Rice said the following to On3 Sports after announcing his decision,

“I chose Maryland because I feel like I can be myself on the court and the way coach Willard plays his guards, my full game will unleash,” Rice said. “It’s great to be back home as well playing in front of friends and family. I’ve always wanted to be a Terp since watching the Melo Trimble and Ant Cowan days so I’m glad I’m being able to fulfill that.''

Read into the quote any way you would like, but during his time with the Hokies, Rice played sparingly for Mike Young and was 13-for-39 from behind the arc while averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds a game.

Rice left Virginia Tech at an odd time and some could consider him "quitting'' on the team by leaving so late. There is no doubt that he has Division 1 talent on the court, but we'll see if his game translates at Maryland the way it was expected to at Virginia Tech.