June 26, 2002

NEW YORK, N,Y. - For the first time since 1981 and just the third time in history, the University of Maryland has had two players selected in the first round of the National Basketball Association draft, as chosen from Madison Square Garden. Maryland's Chris Wilcox and Juan Dixon, who helped the Terps to a 32-4 record and an NCAA title last season, were chosen by the LA Clippers and the Washington Wizards, respectively, with the eighth and 17th overall selections.

The Wilcox and Dixon first-round draft duo joins Buck Williams (#3, New Jersey) and Albert King (#10, New Jersey) in 1981, and Tom McMillen (#9, Buffalo) and Len Elmore (#13, Washington) in 1974, as the only Maryland tandems ever to be chosen in the first round.

Wilcox, a 6-10 power forward with sensational athletic skills and seemingly unlimited potential, became just the fifth NBA lottery pick in Terrapin history. An All-ACC third team selection and a member of the all-tournament team at the NCAA Final Four, he joins former Terps Steve Francis (2nd pick in 1999), Joe Smith (1st in 1995), Walt Williams (7th in 1992) and Len Bias (2nd in 1986) as the only lottery picks in Maryland history.

Wilcox averaged 12.0 points and 7.1 rebounds through 36 games and 26 starts during his sophomore season at Maryland. He averaged 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds through 16 games in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He is the sixth player coached by Gary Williams ever to be chosen in the NBA draft lottery.

Dixon, meanwhile, concluded a four-year career at Maryland by becoming the winningest player in school history while playing a part in 110 victories since 1999. Also the all-time scoring leader in Terrapin history, Dixon joins Wilcox by becoming the 15th and 16th first round picks in school history.

Dixon was chosen as the Most Outstanding Player at the 2002 NCAA Final Four, a first team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year. He is the first player since former Terrapin and current Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas to earn first-team All-ACC accolades in three consecutive seasons. He led the Terps to the national title by averaging 20.4 points and ranking among national steals leaders with 2.6. He is the first player in college basketball history with over 2,000 points, 300 steals and 200 3-point field goals.