May 15, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams has had a busy off-season, not unlike any other year when he mixes recruiting, speaking engagements, sponsor obligations, conference meetings, coaching clinics and day-to-day head coaching responsibilities with very limited "time off".

However, this year Williams' cluttered calendar is being dominated by an even more deserving cause - the spirit and support of American troops in the Gulf War. Williams is one of 12 NCAA basketball coaches and sports personalities who will tour the Persian Gulf region May 23-29, 2006, as part of "Operation Hardwood II", a goodwill tour sponsored by the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE).

During the tour, the participants will coach basketball teams featuring the best military players who will compete in a championship tournament. Fox Sports broadcaster Leeann Tweeden is also accompanying "Operation Hardwood" on her 8th USA/AFE tour. Support for Operation Harwood II is being provided by Nike.

The tour participants include:

Gary Williams, Maryland

Six of the participants - Gottfried, Odom, Lutz, Izzo, Sampson and Bilas - are veterans of Operation Hardwood I and were inspired to become involved again on this year's tour.

Williams helped jumpstart the original tour, but was not able to attend because of a prior engagement. Rick Kell, who is the executive producer of the Gary Williams TV Show, is credited with developing the idea and bringing all the pieces together.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes and sports-related events to troops serving far from home. Last year, NBA Legends Artis Gilmore and Darryl Dawkins visited military personnel serving in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.