May 8, 2001

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams has announced the addition of former Terrapin player Matt Kovarik to the men's basketball coaching staff. Kovarik, who starred for the Terps from 1994 to 1998, joins Dave Dickerson and Jimmy Patsos as assistant coaches for the 2001-02 season. Dickerson, entering his sixth season at Maryland, and Patsos, who begins his 11th year with the Terps, have been elevated to handle the program's primary off-campus recruiting responsibilities.

Kovarik, who recently completed his first year of law school, will assume the program's role in managing day-to-day schedules with student-athletes and details surrounding the Gary Williams summer basketball camps, in addition to on-the-court coaching. He worked for Xerox in New York City for two years before attending the University of Maryland's law school in Baltimore. With the appointment, Kovarik accepts his first coaching position after concluding his Maryland career in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1998. He played during parts of four seasons at Maryland, graduating in the spring of 1998.

"Matt was the type of player that helped make us a very good basketball team while he was here. He was the type of defensive player that could guard anyone from a point guard to a small forward," commented Williams. "He has a very good knowledge of the game, and will relate well to our players."

He averaged 2.4 points, 2.0 assists and 1.7 rebounds while playing 15 minutes per game during his senior campaign for the Terps. Maryland finished 21-11 during his senior campaign, capping a career which saw Maryland complete five straight winning seasons and five straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The Terrapins were 103-55 during his college career.

Kovarik will begin his coaching post in mid-May.