Evans, Maryland part ways

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By Patrick Stevens

Maryland released Tyree Evans from his letter of intent yesterday, ending the basketball vagabond's brief stint in the Terrapins' program.

Evans signed with Maryland on April 16, a decision that appeared to land him in Division I after a circuitous career featuring multiple arrests and stops at two junior colleges.

But Evans' past — which included a charge of statutory rape and ultimately a plea to a lesser charge as well as a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession — ensured he would face a review from Maryland's admissions department before he was permitted to attend the school.

Maryland senior associate athletic director Kathleen Worthington said Evans asked for the release.

"His admission hadn't been reviewed yet," Worthington said.

Had the junior college transfer squeezed through admissions, he likely would have emerged as a significant part of the Terps' backcourt rotation.

"After much thought, Tyree felt Maryland was not the best fit for him at this time, and I support his decision," Maryland coach Gary Williams said in a statement released by the school. "We wish him well in the future."

Evans originally committed to Cincinnati. But the Bearcats released Evans from a letter of intent after the statutory rape charge was leveled in 2005 in connection with an incident that occurred while the Richmond native was attending the Winchendon School in Massachusetts.

He spent a season at Butler County (Kan.) Community College and was kicked off the team, then spent last year at Motlow State Community College in Tennessee.

Evans' appeal to the Terps was clear. He averaged 21.1 points last season and shot 44 percent on 3-pointers, a facet Maryland lacked throughout last season. The Terps ranked 282nd of 328 Division I teams in 3-pointers made last season.

Evans' release leaves Maryland with 11 scholarship players for next season.