Aug. 21, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the area team has signed a multi-year deal with former Maryland point guard and all-time assists leader Steve Blake. Per Wizards team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I am happy to officially be a Washington Wizard, and I look forward to a great season," said Blake. "I'm excited because I get to stay close to the area, and I know I'll have some of the same fans that supported me at Maryland."

Said Grunfeld, "Steve is a proven winner from a terrific college program and he played well for us during summer league. He showed the ability to lead a team, make plays for his teammates and defend at the pro level."

Blake was selected in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. He played with the Wizards in the Reebok Pro Summer League in Boston, averaging 6.8 assists per game to lead Washington and finish second in the league. He also averaged 6.3 points per game while playing alongside former Terp teammate and current Washington Wizard Juan Dixon.

A four-year starter, Blake totaled 972 assists in his career and finished fifth all-time in NCAA history. He led the ACC in assists as a sophomore, junior and senior, and became the only player in ACC history with more than 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds and 200 steals. Additionally, Blake set Maryland records for games started (136) and minutes played (4,312), and he is one of only 15 Terrapins all-time to have his jersey number honored in the rafters of Maryland's home arena.

As a senior, Blake was an AP honorable mention All-American, a first team All-ACC selection, a first team NABC all-district honoree, and a USBWA all-district team member. He was named the ACC's Player of the Week on Feb. 17, and along with backcourt partner Drew Nicholas, was selected as Maryland Basketball's Co-Player of the Year at the team's honors banquet on April 17.

Blake ran the point for the Terps in each of Maryland's 103 victories over the past four seasons, which included wins in 75 percent of the Terps' games, four NCAA tournament berths, three Sweet 16 appearances, two trips to the Final Four and the national championship in 2002. Maryland finished in the ACC's Top 3 in each of the past four seasons, including the regular season championship in 2002. The Terps have achieved a final Top 10 ranking in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll in each of the past three years, all with Blake at the helm.

"No point guard in the country was responsible for more wins or more success than Steve Blake," said Maryland head coach Gary Williams upon Blake's selection in the 2003 NBA draft, giving Williams and the Terps eight draft choices in the past five years. "He is an outstanding lead guard with the ability to push the ball upcourt and get it to the people who can score. There is definitely a place for Steve in the NBA."