April 21, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland men's basketball team and head coach Gary Williams announced the signing of guard Sterling Ledbetter to a National Letter of Intent to enroll at the University. Ledbetter, who recently completed his second season at Allegany Community College in Cumberland, Md., will join the Terps on the court for the 2004-05 season.

"He is a combination guard that gives us depth in our backcourt and will certainly be a valuable addition to our team," said Williams.

At 6-4, 195 pounds, Ledbetter is a strong, physical player at either the point or shooting guard positions. The "pass-first" guard was a first team all-conference (MD JuCo) selection after leading Allegany to a 31-5 record and the NJCAA Final 16 in 2003-04, while averaging 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.

Ledbetter, who played for legendary coach Bob Kirk at Allegany, is the fourth player since 1998 to join the Terrapins from the junior college. All-American turned NBA All-Star Steve Francis, national championship forward Ryan Randle, and ACC titlewinner Jamar Smith are all recent Allegany transfers who thrived with Williams' Terps.

A local product of Laurel High in Laurel, Md., Ledbetter was a first team All-Prince George's County selection after averaging 15.3 points, 8.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game as a senior.

Ledbetter, who will be a junior in the fall, joins local freshman forward James Gist (Silver Spring, Md./Good Counsel) in comprising the Terrapins' incoming rookie class. Gist, a 6-8 post player with quickness and athleticism, signed a NLI last November during the early signing period.

Ledbetter will be one of five players on the Terps' 2004-05 roster from the state of Maryland. The 2004 ACC Champion Maryland Terrapins will be a year more experienced when Ledbetter and Gist join the Terps, with two seniors, five juniors, five sophomores and one freshman on the roster.

Maryland extended a school record with its 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004 - all under Williams - and furthered an active school record of 20-win seasons to eight. The 2004 ACC Tournament title was the first for the Terrapins since 1984.