In theory, the recruitment of Nick Faust should have ended Oct. 28 when the four-star shooting guard committed to Maryland during a live broadcast on ESPNU.
In reality, that very-public commitment didn't stop several schools from continuing to pursue the City senior.
"Nothing really has changed [since the commitment]," Faust said. "I don't get less calls. They still call me all the time, check up on me and see how I'm doing, things like that."
After Monday, attention from other colleges will finally cease. Before a crowd of friends, family, teammates, coaches, local politicians and members of the media at City's library, Faust signed his national letter of intent to attend Maryland.
"You know, it's a great feeling," Faust said. "I feel like I've accomplished something over my whole life. It just paid off. … I've just been wanting to get it over with and get it done and finally be an official Terp."Among those in attendance Monday were state senator Joan Carter Conway and Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, both family friends of the Fausts. Young said he knows Faust is "going pro," but academics should be a top priority for the 3.5 student in College Park.
"… You have the work ethic and you have the desire to excel," Young said. "… So go down there, do the right thing. Don't party too much, make sure you stay in study hall and study and just do well. I'm so happy for you."
Faust's top priority for his senior season is guiding the Knights to their third straight Class 2A state championship, but he's also paying close attention to his future Terps teammates. Faust was at Comcast Center for Maryland's buzzer-beating win over College of Charleston last week. It's easy for Faust to envision how he'll contribute next year.
"I think I can fit in very good," Faust said. "They need a scorer slash shooter. I'm also good on defense, I can get to the rim, dish the ball off to my teammates, things like that. That's what they're missing, I think."
Monday's signing ceremony brought relief to Anthony Faust, Nick's father. He completely supported his son's decision to spend the next four years in College Park, and was happy to see him put pen to paper and make everything official.
"Calls were still coming in slowly but surely, but it's a done deal with Maryland," Anthony Faust said. "I think Gary Williams is going to be a great coach for his college career. He's got a great staff down there in Keith Booth and Bino [Ranson]. And I think he'll help them get to the next level. He's an athlete. He's got the grades. I'm not worried about that part. I know he's going to do well in the classes. And I trust Gary Williams."
Photo caption: After signing his letter of intent to Maryland, Nick Faust poses for pictures with (clockwise from left) his uncle, Martin Young, Bernard C. "Jack" Young, his father, Anthony Faust, and his mother, Lisa Faust.