When Brooklyn, N.Y., power forward James Padgett committed to Maryland in September, the reaction to his choice was surprisingly mixed.

“Some people congratulated me, but there were also haters saying it wasn’t a good idea,” Padgett said. “The ACC is probably the best conference and the ACC is a big-man conference. That’s every night. So they said I probably wouldn’t be able to handle that.”

Padgett, who picked the Terps over offers from Pittsburgh, Providence, St. John’s and West Virginia, said those who doubt his ability to make an impact in College Park just serve as motivation.

“People are going to criticize you no matter how far you go,” Padgett said. “You just have to take it. Even pros get criticized. ... It’s motivation to prove people wrong.”

Padgett said he’ll likely sign his letter of intent this week during a ceremony at his high school. He keeps in touch with UM assistants Chuck Driesell and Robert Ehsan on a regular basis. Both coaches gave Padgett simple instructions for his senior year.

“Just work hard and I’ll be able to contribute [next year],” Padgett said. “They can see me constantly improving.”

Here’s an introduction to Padgett.

Name: James Padgett
Birthdate: 4/21/91
Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Nicknames: Padge
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220
Position: Power forward
High School: Lincoln (N.Y.) High School
Junior statistics: Approximately 11 points, 10 rebounds per game, according to Lincoln coach Dwayne "Tiny" Morton
Rankings: Scout.com -- Four stars, No. 21 center. Rivals.com -- Three stars.
Runner-up: Pittsburgh
Favorite NBA player: LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul
Favorite music: Ne-Yo, 2Pac, Chris Brown
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Favorite movie: Repos starring Master P
Favorite TV show: Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Favorite food: Fried chicken
Favorite high school class: Math
Favorite thing about College Park: “It’s like it’s own little city.”
Hobbies: “Basketball, basketball and basketball”
Intended major: Accounting
Something that not many people know about you: “I’m a good guy.”
Best basketball moment: “[Winning the] state championship [last season].”
Role model: “Myself.”
Why Maryland? “It’s in the ACC so there’s a lot of exposure. And I feel like I’ll be able to contribute and play soon. I’ve just got to work hard.”

Click here for Morton's take on Padgett's commitment to Maryland.