COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland basketball great Steve Blake returned to College Park and attended practice Wednesday at XFINITY Center. Blake, who helped lead Maryland to its 2002 National Championship, was in town for his annual basketball camp in Germantown, Md.

Blake, a 13-year NBA veteran, played last season with the Detroit Pistons. A four-year starter at Maryland, Blake was the first ACC player to ever record 1,000 points, 800 assists and 200 steals for a career. A veteran of four NCAA tournaments, the Florida native was excited about the Terps' run through last year's Big Dance, which culminated with an appearance in the Sweet 16.

“It was fun to watch them,” Blake said. “I love the style of play that Coach [Turgeon] has employed and they competed. Seeing them make that run in the tournament was really special. I was proud of them.”

The owner of Maryland's all-time assists record (972), Blake and his son, Nicholas, went through practice with the 2016-17 Terps. The elder Blake liked what he saw from head coach Mark Turgeon's squad

“I know they are really talented,” Blake said. “Kevin [Huerter] looks like a guy that could be special, and then the guys they have coming back; it could be another great year. I know Coach [Turgeon] will put them in the best position to succeed. Watching them today was fun.”

Following practice, Blake stayed to speak with the team and shared some of the keys to his success in his basketball career.

“We really enjoyed having Steve come back to College Park,” said Turgeon. “He is a great person, player and mentor. He shared the importance of hard work, toughness and working together to reach your goals. Steve's message today after practice really resonated with our team.”