Nov. 13, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland added an outstanding front-line prospect on Thursday when Jordan Williams signed a National Letter of Intent to play men's basketball at the university, head coach Gary Williams announced.

Williams, a 6-foot-10, 245-pound center from Torrington (Conn.) High School, will come to Maryland after being ranked as the 16th center in the nation and a four-star recruit by Scout.com. The Red Raiders, coached by Tony Turina, won the state title in his freshman season and followed that with a berth in the state semifinals. A two-time Class LL All-State pick, Williams averaged 28 points and 16 rebounds per game, leading Torrington to a division title as a junior.

Turina told the BaltimoreSun.com that Williams gained attention as "a very mature kid who runs the court extremely well... He's a 6-10 player that can get out of on the break and finish."

"At 6-10, Jordan is one of those rare players who can run the court very well, while being a traditional inside player," said Gary Williams, whose Terrapins open the 2008-09 season on Friday at home against Bucknell. "Jordan has great hands in rebounding and catching the basketball. He showed tremendous improvement over the past summer."

Jordan Williams chose the Terrapins over St. John's, Providence, Georgetown, Indiana, Marquette and Notre Dame, among others. He played AAU ball for the New England Playaz program.

The signing period for National Letters of Intent continues through November 19th.