Former Georgia Tech men's basketball forward Tafala Ngapare confirmed Thursday that he will transfer to Maryland.
Gapare's decision was first reported by Jeff Ermann. InsideMD Sports.
Gapare, who has two years of eligibility remaining, becomes the fourth player and first forward to commit to Maryland this offseason. The Terps previously added three guards: Rodney Rice (Virginia Tech), Jacobi Gillespie (Belmont) and Selton Miguel (South Florida).
Head coach Kevin Willard currently has only one open scholarship remaining for next season.
Ngapare, a native of New Zealand, played basketball at South Kent School in Connecticut during his senior year and was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports' composite industry rankings. He was scouted by the University of Maryland out of high school, but chose to begin his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts before transferring to Georgia Tech during his sophomore season.
Gappre, a sophomore, started 15 games for the Yellow Jackets and averaged 5.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. His efficiency left a lot to be desired, as he shot just 34.7 percent from the field and just 16.9 percent from three-point range. However, he finished the season on a strong note, averaging 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds on 41.7 percent shooting in the team's final seven games.
Combined with his 6-foot-9, 206-pound frame, Ngapare's natural athleticism gave him signs of potential. His addition appears to be Willard's response to the departure of Maddie Traore, who struggled to stay on the court during her one season with the Terps.
Gaparet brings depth and edge to Maryland's frontcourt, but his path to immediate entry will be difficult. The Terps will welcome back All-Big Ten forward Julian Reese, five-star freshman Derrick Queen, and return forward Jordan Geronimo to the team after a season in which he started 26 games.
