A four-year started with the basketball team, Maxwell was a part of Fordham's all-star scoring list with 1,278 career points. His name was also a part of the Fordham record book as his 416 career assists and 217 career steals ranked third best on the all-time lists.
 
As a sophomore in 1980-81, he was named All-American as he led the Rams to a 19-9 record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament, Fordham's first postseason bid in 12 years. The following year (1981-82), Maxwell was an All-MAAC pick, leading the Rams to their second NIT bid and as a senior, he again was an All-MAAC selection and led the Rams to their first ever MAAC Championship and their third straight NIT appearance. After his senior year, Maxwell was a ninth round pick by the NBA's San Diego Clippers.