Xavier sophomore forward Dezmine Wells announced yesterday via Twitter that he is transferring to the university to join men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon and the Terps. Xavier expelled Wells for allegations of sexual assault, which an Ohio grand jury dismissed. 

Mark Turgeon understands developing a national contender sometimes means being opportunistic.

That’s why the Terrapins men’s basketball coach nabbed former Michigan forward Evan Smotrycz days after he decided he needed a change in April. That’s why he signed former Albany guard Logan Aronhalt a month later to help replace the departed Terrell Stoglin. And that’s why he made a dogged effort to land former Xavier standout Dez Wells after he was expelled amid allegations of sexual assault last month.

“When it’s this late in the game, if there is a good player available, you have to do it and go after him,” Turgeon said in an interview with ESPN.com. “This is a situation where we needed to add talent.”

Mission accomplished. After visiting four colleges in five days, Wells announced yesterday morning his intentions to transfer to the university. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound wing averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in his lone campaign with the Xavier Musketeers and would’ve been the team’s returning leading scorer this season.

“After careful consideration with my family,” Wells said via Twitter, “I’ve decided to attend the University of Maryland.”

Xavier expelled Wells last month for a “serious violation of the Code of Student Conduct.” But last week, a Hamilton County, Ohio, court declined to charge him. When Hamilton County prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the grand jury’s decision, he encouraged Xavier to give Wells another hearing.

“There is something seriously flawed with a procedure where a young man and his accuser appear before a group of people,” Deters said in a radio interview. “There’s just something wrong with that.”

Xavier was unwilling to allow Wells to return, though, forcing the Atlantic 10 Rookie Team member to consider other options.

He visited Kentucky, Memphis, Maryland and Oregon before flying home to Raleigh, N.C., on Sunday to discuss his decision with family members. Given the start of fall classes, it was an expedited process.

Although Wells has committed to the Terps, it remains unclear when he’ll be able to play. College transfers normally have to sit out a year, but the Terps reportedly plan to apply for an exemption on Wells’ behalf.

If the NCAA allows him to play this season, it will set a precedent. No expelled player has ever been allowed to suit up for another school without sitting out.

Whenever Wells is eligible to play for the Terps — be it this season or next — he should be a key contributor at the shooting guard and small forward positions. The forward shot 50.4 percent from the field last season, and is widely considered an NBA prospect.

“I know how much ability he has,” said Terps football linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield, who grew up near Wells. “I just want our basketball team to succeed, and I think he’ll be able to help them.”

letourneau@umdbk.com