Former Maryland Basketball Star Julian Reese Shines in G-League, Another Terp Returns to DMV

Reese signs Exhibit 10 deal with Toronto Raptors, excels in G-League, while Eric Ayala joins Capital City Go-Go

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Julian Reese, a former standout for the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team, has been making waves in the G-League after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Reese signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Toronto Raptors and has been producing impressive numbers, including a 20-point, 17-rebound performance against Motor City. Meanwhile, another former Terp, Eric Ayala, has joined the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards.

Why it matters

Reese's success in the G-League could open the door for him to earn an NBA contract, while Ayala's return to the DMV area provides an opportunity for the former Maryland guard to showcase his skills close to home. Both players' journeys highlight the challenges faced by undrafted players as they strive to make it to the NBA.

The details

Reese, who finished second in Maryland history with 1,015 career rebounds and joined Len Elmore as the only players in school history to record at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, has been producing impressive numbers in the G-League. Over his last 10 games, he's averaging 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 21.6 minutes. In his last five games, he's averaging 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, including five offensive boards per game. Ayala, a former Maryland guard, has joined the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, and has appeared in four games this season, averaging 3.8 points in 10.1 minutes per game.

  • Reese signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Toronto Raptors in October 2025.
  • Reese delivered a career-high 20 points and 17 rebounds against Motor City earlier this month.

The players

Julian Reese

A former standout for the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft but has been making a name for himself in the G-League with the Toronto Raptors' affiliate.

Eric Ayala

A former Maryland guard who has joined the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, as he continues his professional basketball journey.

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What they’re saying

“Just taking care of business. I feel like that just grows my confidence on the court. Just when you're getting stronger, when you're being able to bump with older guys, it just builds confidence in you and it just takes over a whole different level and gets you tapped into a whole another level of your game.”

— Julian Reese (Raptors Republic)

“The biggest riser is big man Julian Reese, who continued to show off his emerging touch and rebounding ability. On the week, the rookie averaged a double-double to the tune of 12.0 points and 10.7 rebounds, and finished off the week by putting up 20 points and 17 rebounds against Motor City.”

— Coty Wiles, Writer (Raptors Republic)

What’s next

Reese will look to continue his strong play in the G-League as he aims to earn an NBA contract, while Ayala will hope to make an impact with the Capital City Go-Go and potentially earn a call-up to the Wizards.

The takeaway

Reese and Ayala's journeys highlight the perseverance and determination required for undrafted players to make it in the NBA. Their success in the G-League could open doors for them to fulfill their professional basketball dreams.