Door to door, it's about 19 miles from Montrose Christian to the University of Maryland. The bulk of the travel is through the I-495 corridor, a route that has been generous to the Maryland Terrapins.
On Thursday night, Justin Anderson (Montross, Va./Montrose Christian) committed to the Terps after considering an offer from Virginia, his home-state school.
Anderson, a gold medalist with USA Basketball last summer and ESPN's No. 51 prospect in the 2012 class, saw other Montrose standouts travel down the same path. Greivis Vasquez and current Terp Adrian Bowie graduated from Montrose and each lent his opinion.
"I've talked to both of them frequently," Anderson said. "They just tell me it's not about coming there because they went there and went to Montrose. We're a Montrose family and they just wanted me to be happy. They pushed a little for Maryland but at the end of the day they just want me to be happy."
The 6-foot-5 Anderson is a dynamic leaper and explosive athlete. He's made his bones being the ultimate energy giver and team player, and he feels like his game matured this year.
"On the court, everything has changed. I'm shooting it better, putting it down and getting to the basket easier. My defense has gotten even better. It's been a non-stop work ethic since last year. I'm ready to grind it out and have a good summer."
One of the lures for Anderson was the players Maryland will bring in with its 2011 class and what the future looks like.
"With the situation they're in right now, it's a great, great fit for me. They haven't put it all together yet and they have to make a run for the ACC and national championship. I think I could help be that finishing piece alongside a couple more boys that will come in with me.
"I don't have my eye on anyone large. I want a dominant big, a kid like DaJuan Coleman (DeWitt, N.Y./Jamesville-DeWitt) could do everything like Jordan Williams is doing now. I'm not saying we'll get him but a kid like that."