Maryland vs. North Carolina: Logan Aronhalt made the most of his one year with the Terps

But Aronhalt needed more physical therapy than he received at Albany, and he found the school’s master’s education program lacking. “A miserable experience,” he says. He needed a change.

He found Maryland.

‘A smart kid’

Aronhalt never officially visited Maryland before deciding to transfer, unless you count the 83-72 loss the Terps dealt Albany on Dec. 28, 2011, in his junior season. But his brothers — Drake and Jordan — lived nearby. And he spoke with Turgeon and assistant coach Scott Spinelli, hearing about their vision for the program, Aronhalt’s expected role and the sports medicine staff that would help Aronhalt heal.

“I remember thinking, next year could go 1,000 ways,” said Aronhalt, who was allowed to transfer without sitting out a year because he had earned his bachelor’s degree at Albany, and because Maryland offered a graduate program — exercise physiology — that Albany did not. “I could go, hate it and not play. Or I could go, play and be a part of something great. I had no idea. It’s a huge risk to take.”

Instead, it wound up being No. 1,001. Entering Wednesday’s Senior Night against North Carolina, one last home hurrah for him and fellow senior James Padgett, Aronhalt has handled an up-and-down season with a resolve that perhaps his younger self couldn’t have mustered. “So many things you worry about that aren’t in your control,” Aronhalt says now, waving his hand like he’s shooing away a bad thought.

Two weeks ago, Aronhalt scored a season-high 26 points against Boston College, looking ever the high-flying guard who left Zanesville as its all-time leading scorer. He also played fewer than 10 minutes in six games, but is still Maryland’s third-leading scorer in ACC play and by far the team’s best three-point threat. And, save the moments his muscles groan after extended time on the bench, he has remained healthy.

But before Aronhalt dives into the sweaty, post-graduate world of adult-league hoops — Drake and Jordan want to reunite the “Blood Brothers,” a name they chanted before workouts growing up — he hopes to play overseas.

“Logan’s a smart kid,” Scott said. “He’ll do well. He’s done his homework. When basketball’s over, he’s going to have a career. But gosh, if he could go play for a couple years and still be a kid for a while, that would be awesome.”

Back at the pop-a-shot machine, Aronhalt wrapped up another blistering round before venturing into the prize room. Scanning the walls of video games and household appliances, he happened across a bin of stuffed Testudos, mini versions of Maryland’s mascot. The perfect reward.

Except not even a plastic cup overflowing with tickets could purchase the plush turtle. So Logan Aronhalt, wise Old Man Basketball, instead went home clutching two strips of candy and one pink rubber whoopee cushion.