Men's Basketball Has Strong Start To Early Signing Period
11/9/2005 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 9, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland men's basketball program got the early signing period off to a strong start by inking point guard Eric Hayes of Potomac (Va.) High School and Jerome Burney from Westlake High in Atlanta to national letters of intent, head coach Gary Williams announced on Wednesday. The Terps expect to complete what is being tabbed as a Top-20 recruiting class on Thursday.
"With us graduating four seniors, it is very important to replace them with quality players," said Williams, who is preparing for his 17th season as the Terps' head coach. "We have recruited a versatile group of players, each of whom adds something different to the program."
Hayes averaged 18.9 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.75 steals last season for his father, Kendall, at Potomac High. The 6-foot-3 point guard helped lead the Panthers to a 28-1 record as Potomac lost in the quarterfinals of the Virginia State Tournament after winning the Cedar Run District and Northwestern Region titles. He also shot 85 percent from the free throw line and 57 percent from the field en route to Virginia Class 3-A First-Team All-State honors. Hayes, who is the 9th-ranked point guard in the country by Rivals.com, chose Maryland over Georgetown, NC State, Miami, Boston College and Ohio State.
"Eric is a talented point guard and excellent shooter," said Williams. "He has a chance to be an outstanding point guard in our program."
"I am exited about being part of the Maryland tradition," said Hayes. "I really like the coaching staff and look forward to playing in front of a great fan base at Maryland."
Burney averaged 12.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 6.5 blocks per game for coach Darren Rogers at Westlake High School last season. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound power forward helped lead the Lions to a 27-4 mark and the Elite Eight of the Georgia State High School Tournament as a junior. Burney, who chose Maryland over Alabama, Clemson and UAB, had five triple-doubles last season, including single-game bests of 15 blocks and 19 rebounds.
"Jerome is a big man who can run the floor well and has great offensive upside," said Williams. "His timing and instincts as a shot blocker will really add another dimension to the defense."
The Terps' 2005-06 roster features 10 upperclassmen, including seniors Nik Caner-Medley, Chris McCray, Travis Garrison and Sterling Ledbetter.
2005 Maryland Basketball Signees
Ht. Wt. Pos. Hometown (High School)
Jerome Burney 6-9 220 F Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake HS)
Eric Hayes 6-3 175 G Dunfries, Va. (Potomac HS)
