Nov. 17, 2008

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

Padgett is a 6-foot-8, 212-pound power forward from Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was ranked 54th nationally at power forward by ESPN.com, and 21st in the nation and a four-star prospect at center by Scout.com.

His high school coach, Dwayne Morton, said he hoped Padgett might turn into the "best big man in New York City this year." Morton said he is outstanding with his back to the basket, and ESPN.com called him a "very athletic interior player." He averaged nearly a double-double each game, with 10.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last season as a junior.

"James is a strong, physical player who knows how to play with his back to the basket, while expanding his perimeter game," said Williams, who will begin his 20th season as head coach of his alma mater on Friday night against Bucknell. "He is a winner. His Lincoln High School team won the New York State Class AA Championship last year."

Padgett played AAU ball for the Juice All-Stars and chose Maryland over Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's and Pittsburgh. Lincoln High is the same school that produced Stephon Marbury. Padgett transferred to Lincoln after his sophomore season at Xaverian High.

He becomes the second four-star forward to sign with the Terps in the past week. Jordan Williams, a 6-foot-10 center from Torrington, Conn., signed on Thursday.

"With our quality guards returning, we felt a need to get bigger inside. James and Jordan will allow us to do that," said Gary Williams.