Jan. 3, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland men's basketball program has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most valuable college basketball program's in the nation. The Terps ranked 17th of 20 teams with a value of $13.1 million. Teams were listed by an index developed by the magazine which measured programs based on four beneficiaries: their university, athletic department, conference and local communities.

Maryland was one of just two schools on the top-20 list that are from major metropolitan areas, joining UCLA (14th).The 20 teams listed are from seven different conferences and boast a minimum value of $10.7 million (Xavier, 20th).

The Terrapins are 8-6 on the season and face the University of Charlotte Saturday (January 5) at noon. The game will be broadcast on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network and will be televised by ESPNU.

Forbes' Most Valuable College Basketball Programs
School - Value
1. North Carolina - $26.0 million
2. Kentucky - $24.9
3. Louisville -$24.4
4. Arizona - $22.7
5. Duke - $22.6
6. Indiana - $19.4
7. Illinois - $19.9
8. Kansas - $16.0
9. Wisconsin - $15.7
10. Ohio St. - 15.3
11. Texas - $15.0
12. Missouri - $14.5
13. NC State - $13.6
14. UCLA - $13.6
15. Oklahoma State - $13.5
16. Michigan State - $13.4
17. Maryland - $13.1
18. Syracuse - $12.7
19. Arkansas - $12.6
20. Xavier - $10.7