COLLEGE PARK -- Obinna Ekezie, a 6-foot-10, 280-pound basketball center from Nigeria, is expected to sign a national letter of intent today with the University of Maryland, sources said yesterday.
Ekezie, who has played the past two seasons at Worcester (Mass.) Academy, apparently chose Maryland over Connecticut, George Washington and Rice.
Maryland coach Gary Williams declined to comment yesterday, as did Tom Blackburn, Ekezie's coach at Worcester Academy.
Today is the last day a player can sign with a school until the next signing period in April.
Ekezie would be the second player to sign with Maryland during the fall period. Laron Profit, a 6-6 guard from Newark, Del., signed last week.
"He's been described as a very raw prospect," said Bob Gibbons, the Lenoir, N.C.-based talent evaluator. "Raw is the key term. He's only been playing three years. But he's big and powerful and he has something that you can't coach -- size. If he signs, I think Maryland's getting a valuable addition."
The Terrapins will play their second and last exhibition game tonight at 8 against Verich Reps. Maryland beat the Ohio-based team last year, 111-87, with Joe Smith leading the way with 38 points and 12 rebounds.