It started out as a whisper in the spring of 1997 about this
guy at a JUCO in Texas that had "Iverson" type talent and wanted to go to
Maryland. Through out that summer after playing in the Kenner league, the
talk about how good he was got louder and louder. After transferring to
Allegany Community College and flirting with the NBA, Stevie Franchise was a
Terp.
Although he rubbed some fans the wrong way by leaving for the NBA
after one year, after being "99% sure he would return" Francis brought a new
attitude and excitement to Maryland basketball. The Terps were 28-5 and
were ranked as high as two in country during the "Francis season". Led by
Francis they were an explosive team which won a majority of its games by
large margins. However, a disappointing loss to St Johns in the sweet
sixteen ended the season earlier than most had expected. Francis started at
the two guard, but also played some point. The Terps had a three guard
rotation with Francis, Terrell Stokes and Juan Dixon.
Steve Franchise has
gone on to be a perennial all star with the Houston Rockets, but remains
close to the Maryland basketball program. Francis sponsored a dinner for
victims of the tornado that hit College Park in the fall of 2001 . Stevie's
number 23 was honored before the 2002 Duke game and Francis was on the bench
and in the middle of the celebration after the Terp's blew out the top
ranked Blue Devils.
