There's little question that Maryland is in need of a point guard in the 2011 class; with the roster experiencing huge turnover in the backcourt the next two years, it's unrealistic to expect 2010 signee Terrell Stoglin to handle the entire load at the point as a freshman. One of the prime targets in the coaching staff's search for another lead guard is junior Sterling Gibbs of Seton Hall Prep (N.J.). And it seems Gibbs could be making a decision in the not-very-distant future.

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"I'm going to cut down my list soon and probably make a decision at the end of my season," said Gibbs, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound lead guard who has offers from Maryland, Seton Hall, Pitt, Rutgers, Indiana and DePaul, along with interest from Georgetown, Villanova and Virginia."I just want to get it out of the way so I can focus on my senior season without any distractions. The process has been fun so far but now I kind of feel like it's time ot get it over with.

"I'm very interested in Maryland. They've been recruiting me since last year. I was able to take an unofficial visit to Maryland and talk to coach Gary Williams. He was very down to earth, along with the whole coaching staff. So Maryland is high on my list," he said. "The campus was big and I would definitely get the full college experience if I went there. And the academic advisor, she stays on top of academics very heavily."

Early in his recruitment, some speculated the Gibbs would be bound for Pittsburgh because that's where his brother, sophomore guard Ashton Gibbs, is spending his college career. But Pitt seems to hold no special advantage because of the family ties.

"We would really only be there together one year. That wouldn't be a reason why I would go there. It's a plus, but that doesn't mean I would definitely do well there," he said.

Gibbs is regarded as a natural point guard who also looks to score. While playing for the talent-laden New York Panthers AAU program, he serves as more of a traditional, pass-first lead guard. But since his high school team needs scoring from him, he takes a more aggressive role in-season; after averaging 16.5 points and five assists as a sophomore, he's burst out of the gates this season, posting 26 points and six assists per games in Seton Hall Prep's first four games -- highlighted by a career-high 38, including six 3-pointers -- last week against Point Pleasant Beach (N.J.).

Recruiters like "my ability to score and at the same time, to be a pure point guard," he said.

In terms of how his abilities would fit in Maryland's up-tempo system, he said, "I definitely fit into their style of play. They like to push the ball and get up and down, so I definitely fit into their style."

Gibbs is certainly one to keep a close eye on as the potential 2011 recruiting class comes more into focus, and as always, Inside Maryland Sports will bring you the latest news that can't be found elsewhere.