Maryland Lands Top Rebounding Transfer

Terps add New Mexico standout Tomislav Buljan to bolster frontcourt

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of red, black, and gold representing Maryland's colors.Maryland's new transfer addition Tomislav Buljan brings a physical, rebounding presence to the Terps' frontcourt.College Park Today

Maryland basketball has landed a major transfer commitment from New Mexico's Tomislav Buljan, a physically mature forward who was one of the top rebounders in the nation last season. Buljan, a native of Croatia, averaged a double-double of 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds as a freshman, earning second-team All-Mountain West honors. He will join an experienced Maryland frontcourt as the Terps look to build on their success in the Big Ten.

Why it matters

Maryland had a clear need to replace key frontcourt production from last season, and Buljan's elite rebounding ability should help fill that void. His addition gives the Terps an imposing interior presence to complement their backcourt, potentially elevating them as a contender in the Big Ten.

The details

Buljan, a 6-foot-9 forward, arrives in College Park after a standout freshman campaign at New Mexico. He led the Mountain West in rebounding during conference play at 11 boards per game, including 4.5 on the offensive end. Buljan also recorded 10 double-doubles on the season and shot an efficient 54% from the field. His production earned him second-team All-Mountain West honors. Buljan has professional experience in Europe prior to college and has also represented Croatia's national team.

  • Buljan committed to Maryland in April 2026.
  • He averaged 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a freshman at New Mexico in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Tomislav Buljan

A 6-foot-9 forward from Split, Croatia who was one of the top rebounders in the nation last season at New Mexico, earning second-team All-Mountain West honors.

Pharrel Payne

Maryland's starting center who the Terps hope to get back for a fifth season of college basketball with a medical redshirt.

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What’s next

Maryland will look to pair Buljan with Pharrel Payne to form an imposing frontcourt in the Big Ten next season.

The takeaway

The addition of Tomislav Buljan gives Maryland a proven, physical presence in the paint who can immediately address their need for frontcourt production. His elite rebounding skills should make the Terps a tougher team to match up with in the Big Ten.