Terps' News

Coach Williams Responds to Graduation Rates

On October 4, information was released on federal graduation rates for student-athletes who entered college from 1997 – 2000. Maryland's student athletes from this four-year cohort reached the final four in 2001 and won the NCAA National Championship in 2002. They also were a big part of the reason we were able to build the Comcast Center and generate a tremendous amount of additional funds through seat licensing. Immediately after the 2002 season, applications to the University went up by close to 25 percent.

The recent articles claim that we had a "zero" graduation rate. However, three players from that group have graduated. Financially, all of the players who played during that time have been successful playing basketball in the NBA or internationally, and have earned a far greater income then the ‘average' college graduate.

Last year, four of our six seniors graduated. This year, all three of our seniors are on schedule to graduate in four years.

Keith Booth, my assistant coach from Dunbar High School in Baltimore, played professionally with the Chicago Bulls. While with the Bulls he helped them win an NBA Championship. Keith returned to Maryland and received his degree. However, because he did not get his degree within the NCAA's six-year window, Maryland was not credited, even though he completed his degree.

Our staff works very hard with the academic support staff to provide our student athletes the best opportunity to be successful. Below is a list of players—including Keith Booth—who have all graduated with their degrees. However, because these student athletes did not graduate within the six year requirement, they are not factored into Maryland's graduation rate.

Keith Booth
Evers Burns
Matthew Downing
Eric Kjome
Cedric Lewis
Kevin McClinton
Laron Profit
Duane Simpkins
Terrel Stokes
Tahj Holden

Also please visit the following link—and the blog entry below the Maryland Madness write up—from the Baltimore Sun about this issue:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/maryland_terps/blog/