Feb. 15, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former Maryland All-American and current Houston Rockets All-Star Steve Francis will become the 12th former Terrapin player to have his jersey (#23) honored above the Cole Field House playing floor, during pre-game ceremonies on Sunday, Feb. 17 when No. 3-ranked Maryland hosts top-ranked Duke.

Francis, who led the Terps with 17.0 points per game and 2.8 steals while guiding Maryland to the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen in 1999, has followed his Maryland career with three years of all-star recognition in the National Basketball Association.

"Steve was a very big part of our record-setting 28-win season. He was a spectacular player in college and his team play was outstanding," said Terp head coach Gary Williams. "Steve has gone on to represent the University of Maryland in the NBA at a very high level and we are proud to honor him with this distinction."

After leading the Terps to a 28-6 record in 1999 and the most single-season wins in school history, Francis is certainly one of the most spectacular players in Maryland history. Now one of the most exciting players in the NBA, he was named the league's Co-Rookie of the Year in 2000, and has been a two-time all-star including a starting spot - as voted upon by league fans - in last week's NBA All-Star Game. Francis has been a competitor in the NBA's All-Star Weekend slam dunk competition in two of the last three seasons, and was the runner-up in 2000.

Francis, who resides in nearby Takoma Park, has made a long-lasting and far-reaching impact on the Maryland program despite playing for the Terps for just one season. Francis has attended classes at Maryland during the off-season, he has conducted his own local summer basketball camps, and he has assisted with Williams' annual youth camps at Cole Field House.

Last September when the College Park campus was jolted by a rare tornado, Francis hosted a dinner for nearly 200 students whose housing at the University Courtyards was displaced due to storm damage.

Eleven former Maryland players currently have jersey numbers honored (though not retired) atop the Cole Field House arena. They are: Keith Booth (22), Joe Smith (32), Walt Williams (42), Len Bias (34), Albert King (55), Buck Williams (52), John Lucas (15), Tom McMillen (54), Len Elmore (41), Gene Shue (25), Bosey Berger (6).