Amanda Knapp
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has had a rich history, with notable coaches such as Bud Millikan and Charles Lefty Driesell, who laid the foundation for the program's success. However, it was in 2002 that Maryland basketball truly made its mark by winning the National Championship. Led by coach Gary Williams, the Terrapins defeated Indiana 64-52 to claim their first national title, capping off a remarkable season that saw them overcome challenges and rise to the top of NCAA Division I men's basketball. This triumph solidified the team's place in the sport's history and brought pride to the University of Maryland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
| Date | April 1 |
| Opponent | Indiana Hoosiers |
| Score | 64-52 |
| Coach | Gary Williams |
| Player | Juan Dixon |
| Tournament | NCAA Division I |
| Tournament Appearances | 1958, 1973, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1983 - 1986, 1994 - 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021 |
| Conference Champions | 1932, 1975, 1980, 1995, 2002, 2010, 2020 |
| Conference Tournament Champions | 1931, 1958, 1984, 2004 |
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What You'll Learn
Maryland Terrapins' 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament win
The Maryland Terrapins' 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament win was a significant moment in the team's history. It marked the first national championship for the school and the only men's basketball national championship for coach Gary Williams. The Terrapins had set their sights on the title a year earlier and were determined to make it happen in 2002.
The 2002 tournament, which began on March 12 and concluded with the championship game on April 1, featured 65 schools competing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. The Maryland Terrapins, making their second consecutive appearance in the Final Four, faced off against the Indiana Hoosiers in the championship game.
The Terrapins dominated the game, leading for most of the match. Despite a brief moment when Indiana took a 44-42 lead, Maryland quickly regained control and finished with a strong 22-8 run. The final score was 64-52, securing the victory for the Terrapins. Senior Juan Dixon, who led the scoring with 33 points, was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player (MOP).
This win was particularly sweet for the Maryland Terrapins as it helped them move past previous heartaches and bitter losses. It marked a turning point, reshaping the team's identity from one defined by past disappointments to champions. The victory also added to the impressive legacy of coach Gary Williams, who had already led the team to eight NCAA tournament appearances, a National Invitation Tournament championship, and two Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championships.
The 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament win by the Maryland Terrapins will forever be etched in the team's history, serving as a testament to their determination, resilience, and outstanding athletic achievements.
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The Terrapins' 1972 National Invitation Tournament championship
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has had a rich history, with many notable achievements. One of their standout moments was the 1972 National Invitation Tournament championship victory.
In 1969, Charles "Lefty" Driesell was hired by the University of Maryland, and he set out ambitious goals for the program, including achieving "national prominence", "national ranking", and "a national championship". And it was in 1972 that Driesell's vision came to fruition. The Terrapins, representing the University of Maryland, stormed to victory in the National Invitation Tournament, solidifying their place in college basketball history.
On March 25, 1972, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, the Terrapins faced off against Niagara in the championship game. It was a dominant performance by Maryland, as they blew out their opponents with a staggering final score of 100-69. This victory not only fulfilled Driesell's goals but also marked a significant milestone for the team, as it was their first NIT championship.
The 1972 NIT championship was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. Driesell's leadership played a pivotal role in elevating the program to new heights, and his impact extended beyond the basketball court. In July 1973, he even rescued at least ten children from burning buildings in Bethany Beach, Delaware, further solidifying his heroic status in the eyes of many.
The 1972 National Invitation Tournament championship was a defining moment for the Maryland Terrapins, setting a precedent for future success. The team would go on to achieve even greater glory, most notably in 2002, when they won the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, claiming their first national championship.
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The team's coach, Gary Williams
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team won the National Championship in 2002 under the leadership of head coach Gary Williams. Williams, a former college basketball player himself, had a decorated coaching career spanning several decades and institutions.
Gary Bruce Williams was born on March 4, 1945, and attended the University of Maryland, where he played as the starting point guard under coach Bud Millikan. After graduating with a B.S. in marketing in 1968, Williams embarked on a coaching career, first at the high school level and then at the collegiate level. He served as an assistant coach at Lafayette College and Boston College before landing his first head coaching position at American University in 1978.
Williams returned to his alma mater, the University of Maryland, in 1989, taking on the role of head coach for the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team. The program was facing challenges at the time due to the death of star player Len Bias in 1986 and struggles under the previous coach, Bob Wade. Williams worked diligently to rebuild the program, despite facing recruiting challenges due to sanctions imposed by the NCAA in 1990.
Williams' hard work paid off, and he went on to enjoy a highly successful coaching career at Maryland. In addition to the National Championship in 2002, Williams led the Terrapins to numerous other accomplishments, including seven Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours, three ACC regular-season titles, and an ACC tournament title. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, becoming the first coach to be honoured by both institutions in the same year.
Williams retired from coaching in 2011 but remained connected to the University of Maryland, serving in various administrative and fundraising roles within the athletic department. He was honoured by the university in 2012 when they renamed the playing surface at the XFINITY Center "Gary Williams Court."
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The Terrapins' 1958 Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championship
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has a long and storied history, with many notable achievements over the years. One of their earliest successes came in the 1958 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament.
The 1958 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, at Reynolds Coliseum from March 6-8, 1958. This tournament marked a significant milestone for the Maryland Terrapins, as they claimed their first-ever ACC championship title. Led by head coach Bud Millikan, the team had been building towards this victory since he took over in 1950, emphasising defence and fundamentals that became the hallmarks of the program. Millikan's leadership resulted in Maryland achieving seven straight winning seasons.
The Terrapins' road to the 1958 ACC championship was not easy, but they demonstrated their skill and determination throughout the tournament. In the final game, Maryland faced off against North Carolina, a formidable opponent. The Terrapins rose to the challenge and clinched the victory with a final score of 86-74. This win was especially significant as it made Maryland the first school outside of North Carolina to claim the ACC title, showcasing their talent and competitiveness within the conference.
The 1958 ACC championship was a pivotal moment for the Maryland Terrapins, setting the tone for future successes. Nick Davis, a standout player on the team, was recognised as the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP), solidifying his contribution to the historic win. This victory also propelled the team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament that same year, further establishing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has continued to thrive and build upon the foundation laid by Bud Millikan and the 1958 championship team. Over the years, they have accumulated numerous accolades, including appearances in 30 NCAA tournaments and multiple conference tournament championships. The program reached new heights in 2002 when, under the leadership of coach Gary Williams, they secured their first NCAA National Championship title.
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![Maryland's March - The Official 2002 NCAA Championship Video [VHS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WQHRB990L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The team's greatest players, including Len Bias and Gene Shue
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team won the National Championship in 2002. The team has seen several talented players over the years, with Len Bias and Gene Shue being notable mentions.
Len Bias
Born in 1963, Leonard Kevin Bias, also known as Len Bias, was an American college basketball player for the Maryland Terrapins. Bias played for the University of Maryland from 1982 to 1986 and was considered one of the team's greatest players and one of the best college basketball players of all time. In his freshman year, Bias was seen as "raw and undisciplined", but he soon developed into an impressive All-American player with amazing leaping abilities, a formidable physical stature, and a talent for creating plays. In 1984, Bias, along with coach Driesell, led the team to their second ACC tournament championship. Bias's talent caught the eye of the Boston Celtics, who selected him as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. Unfortunately, Bias passed away from a cocaine overdose just two days after being drafted by the Celtics. His tragic death had a significant impact on the university's athletics program and contributed to the enactment of the "Len Bias Law," which imposes stringent penalties for drug distribution resulting in death or serious injury.
Gene Shue
Eugene William Shue, born in 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, was a star player for the University of Maryland and went on to have a successful career in the NBA as a player and coach. Shue attended the university from 1950 to 1954 and played under coach Bud Millikan. Despite not initially receiving a scholarship, Shue worked hard and earned a spot on the team, eventually becoming its star player and a high-profile NBA prospect. During his time with the Terrapins, Shue helped the team achieve significant milestones, including their first 20-plus win regular season, their first appearance in national rankings, and entrance into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Shue was an All-American and named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1953 Southern Conference Tournament. After his playing career, Shue transitioned into coaching and became known for turning struggling teams into competitive contenders. He had a long and successful coaching career, winning NBA Coach of the Year twice and being one of only twelve coaches to receive multiple Coach of the Year awards. Shue was also an influential figure in the development of early NBA basketball, known for his dynamic guard play and innovative moves like the "spin move."
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Maryland won its first National Championship in 2002.
Maryland defeated Indiana 64-52 to win the National Championship.
Gary Williams was the coach when Maryland won the National Championship in 2002.
