Legendary Md. Coach Gets His Name On The Court
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- One final fist pump for Maryland. Legendary Terps basketball coach Gary Williams got the ultimate honor at Wednesday night's big game against Duke: his name on the court.
Kai Jackson reports Williams took center stage Wednesday night.
A high honor for former Maryland basketball Coach Gary Williams as the court is named after him. Many call it The House That Gary Built.
Comcast Center roared with cheers for retired coach Williams. It was a historic night, as the university named the court after him.
"It's a huge deal. He means so much to this university," said student Glenn Licker.
His name appears in two places on the court.
Life has come full circle for Williams. He graduated from Maryland in 1968 and played basketball for the Terps.
"It's something that I hope everybody feels a part of that's ever been connected to basketball at the University of Maryland. I think that's important," Williams said.
Here, Williams became the men's basketball coach in 1989 and retired in 2011. With 461 wins and 252 losses, he has the most wins of any Maryland's men basektball coach. He brought the school its only national championship in 2002.
"I think he's done a lot of great things for our basketball team," said one student.
In classic Williams style, he was humbled by the honor and measured in his words. Yet students spoke up and said things he did not.
"I think it's a good idea. He brought us a national championship," said Devin Turk.
"This is something special to me. This is a big thrill," Williams said.
Williams said he's made it a point to stay away to give the new coach room to grow the program. He said his only advice was to stay off the Capital Beltway.
