Andrew Pace
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has had a long and storied history, with many notable achievements. They have appeared in 31 NCAA tournaments, won their conference tournament 4 times, and even claimed the NCAA National Championship in 2002. However, despite their success, the team has never been ranked #1 in the country in the AP Top 25 poll. Over 68 years and more than 1,100 polls, Maryland has always fallen short of that top spot, making them one of several programs with the most weeks ranked without reaching #1.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times ranked #1 | 0 |
| Number of NCAA tournament appearances | 31 |
| Number of conference tournament wins | 4 |
| Number of seasons played | 102 |
| Overall record (as of 2024-25 season) | 1,678-1,109 |
| Number of upsets of top-ranked opponents at Cole Field House | 6 out of 7 |
| Number of consecutive Final Fours (2001 and 2002) | 2 |
| Number of NCAA National Championships | 1 (2002) |
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What You'll Learn
Maryland has never been ranked #1 in the country
Maryland has come close to a #1 ranking on several occasions. In 2002, they beat the #1 ranked Duke Blue Devils 87–73, taking over first place in the conference. They also experienced success under coach Gary Williams from 1989 to 2011, reaching two consecutive Final Fours in 2001 and 2002 and winning the 2002 NCAA National Championship. Additionally, Cole Field House, their home court, is known for being one of the best home-court advantages in the country, with 7 #1 ranked teams being upset there. Maryland was responsible for 6 of those 7 upsets.
Despite their success and coming close to a #1 ranking, Maryland has never quite reached the top spot in the country. This is a notable statistic, given the team's impressive performance over the years. While they may have fallen short of the #1 ranking, Maryland has still established itself as a competitive force in college basketball.
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They won the 2002 NCAA Championship
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has experienced significant success over the years, including a historic championship run in 2002. In the 2001-02 season, the Terrapins, led by head coach Gary Williams, embarked on a remarkable journey that culminated in them hoisting the NCAA Division I championship trophy.
The 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was a highly competitive event, featuring 65 schools vying for the coveted national championship title. The tournament, which began on March 12, 2002, and concluded with the championship game on April 1, showcased the talent and determination of the participating teams. Maryland's road to the championship was filled with challenging matchups and thrilling victories. They defeated several formidable opponents, including Siena, Wisconsin, Kentucky, UConn, Kansas, and ultimately, Indiana in the final.
Maryland's journey to the 2002 NCAA Championship was not without its challenges and memorable moments. During the regular season, they faced off against rivals Duke in a game that would become known as the "Oh, He Steal" game among Maryland fans. In this highly anticipated matchup, Maryland handed Duke an 87-73 defeat, taking over first place in the conference. This victory set the tone for the rest of the season and bolstered the team's confidence.
The Terrapins' championship run in 2002 was a testament to their hard work, talent, and unwavering determination. They navigated through a challenging bracket, overcoming higher-ranked teams and demonstrating their resilience and skill. Senior Juan Dixon, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, played a pivotal role in the team's success, leading them to their first-ever national championship.
The 2002 NCAA Championship victory by the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team is an enduring testament to the program's excellence and a source of pride for the university and its fans. This achievement solidified Maryland's place in the annals of college basketball history and served as a culmination of the team's dedication, teamwork, and exceptional performance on the court.
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They have appeared in 31 NCAA tournaments
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has a rich history in college basketball, with 31 appearances in the NCAA tournaments. The team has experienced both highs and lows over the years, but their consistent presence in the NCAA tournaments speaks to their competitiveness and dedication to the sport.
Maryland's first coach, Bud Millikan, faced challenges with the venue size, expressing his dissatisfaction with the distance between the seats and the court. Despite this, Maryland compiled an impressive record at Cole Field House, which became known for its intense atmosphere and frequent upsets of top-ranked opponents. Over 47 seasons, they achieved a remarkable 486-151 record at this venue.
The team's success continued under the leadership of coach Gary Williams from 1989 to 2011. During this period, they achieved their greatest accomplishments, including two consecutive Final Fours in 2001 and 2002, culminating in the NCAA National Championship victory in 2002. This triumph solidified their place as the best team in the country, despite not achieving the top ranking in the polls.
Maryland's performance in the NCAA tournaments has been impressive, with a record of 46-30 over 31 appearances. They have reached the Final Fours on two occasions and lifted the championship trophy once. Their tournament success has contributed to their overall record of 1,678–1,109 across 102 seasons as of the 2024–25 season.
While Maryland has never been ranked #1 in the country, their achievements in the NCAA tournaments and their national championship victory in 2002 are testaments to their excellence in college basketball. The team's resilience and consistent performance have earned them a respected place in the sport's history.
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They have won their conference tournament 4 times
Maryland basketball has never been ranked #1 in the country. In fact, they top the list of schools that have never been ranked #1 despite winning a national championship. However, Maryland has won its conference tournament four times.
Maryland, a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), left the ACC in 2014 to join the Big Ten Conference. The team has competed in 102 seasons, accumulating an overall record of 1,678–1,109 as of the 2024–25 season.
Maryland's first coach, Bud Millikan, did not like the size of the venue, stating, "It's like playing on a neutral court" with seats too far from the court. In the late 1960s, Charles "Lefty" Driesell added nearly 3,000 seats around the court, raising the hometown decibel level and creating one of the best home-court advantages in the country.
Cole Field House, constructed in 1955, is known for hosting the most upsets of top-ranked opponents of any venue in college basketball. Seven #1 ranked teams have been upset inside Cole, with Maryland responsible for six of those seven upsets.
Maryland's greatest success came under coach Gary Williams, who led the team from 1989 to 2011. During his tenure, the Terrapins made two consecutive Final Four appearances in 2001 and 2002, winning the NCAA National Championship in 2002.
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They have a rivalry with Duke University
The University of Maryland's basketball team, the Maryland Terrapins, has indeed been ranked #1 in the past. They have appeared in 31 NCAA tournaments, won their conference tournament 4 times, and won the NCAA Championship in 2002.
The rivalry was particularly intense in the early 2000s, with national implications, including a game in 2001 where the two teams met in the Final Four. The series has seen many future NBA players take part, with seven NBA players on Duke's roster at one point, and two on Maryland's. The rivalry has been dormant since 2014 when Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten Conference, and regular-season games between the two are no longer scheduled.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Maryland Basketball has never been ranked #1 in the country despite winning a national championship.
Yes, Maryland has beaten a #1 ranked team before. In 2002, Maryland defeated Duke 87-73, taking over first place in the conference.
Yes, Maryland has been ranked in the top 5 before. They have appeared in 31 NCAA tournaments and won their conference tournament 4 times.
