Wheeler Star Pledges to Maryland

basketball standout Chuck Mitchell is taking his talents to the .

Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 center, announced on his Twitter account earlier this month that he will be heading to the ACC: 

"I just want to say to my twitter family I will being a Maryland uniform next year! #goterps!"

He made the announcement just before the Terrapins took to the floor at Philips Arena two weeks ago in the ACC Tournament. Maryland downed Wake Forest 82-60. They lost to North Carolina the following day, 85-69.

Mitchell, rated as one of the top unsigned players by a number of college scouting services, had been recruited by Tennessee and Memphis among other finalists. 

News of Mitchell's commitment was picked up quickly by the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post, which noted that Mitchell will bolster an already strong recruiting class of low-post players, including the aptly-named prospect Shaquille Cleare.

It's the first class signed by coach Mark Turgeon, who replaced longtime Terrapins coach Gary Williams this season. Said ESPN national recruiting expert Dave Telep of Mitchell: 

“I think he’s a real big part of the depth they’re going to build inside. Mitchell gives them a guy capable of establishing an identity in the paint, being a finisher and rebounding his area."

Mitchell is the latest big name signing out of Wheeler, where coach Doug Lipscomb has produced multiple state championship teams and major college players. 

During Mitchell's career, however, the Wildcats only reached as far as the state quarterfinals, that being last season, where they were eliminated . 

This year Wheeler at home by North Gwinnett. 

Editor's Note: This article has been clarified. Mitchell made the announcement two Thursdays ago, via Twitter, that he would be coming to UMd.