Former Maryland standout Steve Blake yesterday signed a two-year contract with the Washington Wizards, who selected him in the second round of this summer's draft, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

Blake, a 6-foot-3 point guard who is expected to back up free agent signee Gilbert Arenas, will earn the rookie minimum of $367,000 this season. The second year of his contract is not fully guaranteed unless he makes the roster.

Blake impressed coaches with his play-making ability in the summer league and is the only true point guard on the roster.

The Wizards are expected to sign first-round draft pick Jarvis Hayes, a small forward from Georgia, in the coming days. Hayes is slotted to earn a guaranteed $5.7 million over three years by virtue of being chosen with the No. 10 pick in the first round.