COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland basketball legend Steve Francis was back on campus Monday afternoon, as he spent time meeting with head coach Mark Turgeon and Maryland players.

Francis posed for photos with senior guard Anthony Cowan Jr. and sophomore forward Jalen Smith, encouraging the current crop of Terps ahead of the upcoming season.

"Coach Turgeon and I were talking about getting the guys to play together," said Francis. "That would be the best thing for this program. I think he's doing the best job he can. If anyone is doubting that he's not trying to win a championship, they're looking at the wrong guy."

Francis reminisced of his time in College Park, drawing from his memories of playing alongside Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter during their freshmen seasons.

"We want to win a championship No. 1, but the comradery with the older guys and the younger guys is important. Just like Juan Dixon and Lonny [Baxter] were the young guys when I was here, the older guys here now are the ones that set the tone. Not approaching it like, 'These young kids are better than me', but showing them so we can be better as a cohesive unit. I think that's what Coach [Turgeon] is looking to do this year. I'm excited for this season."     

A consensus All-America Second Team selection and finalist for the Naismith and Wooden Awards as the collegiate player of the year, Francis led the Terrapins in scoring (17.0 ppg) and steals (2.8 sgg) during the 1998-99 season. An All-ACC first team and All-ACC Tournament first team selection, Francis was also selected first team All-America and Division I Newcomer of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

He was drafted second overall in the 1999 NBA Draft, and went on to play 11 seasons in the league with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. Francis was named the 1999 Rookie of the Year while with the Rockets.

Francis's No. 23 jersey was honored on February 17, 2002 against Duke at Cole Field house, and his banner can be seen hanging in the XFINITY Center rafters today.

-Terps-