Helena Frye
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has a rich history in college basketball, with a strong legacy of coaches and players. The team has experienced both highs and lows over the years, with their greatest success coming under coach Gary Williams, who led them to two consecutive Final Fours and an NCAA National Championship. The Terrapins have a strong home-court advantage at the Xfinity Center, which has been ranked among the toughest places to play in the ACC. In recent years, the team has shown promise, with early rankings placing them among the top 25 teams in the nation for the 2023-24 season. However, as of 2025, they are still striving to break into the AP Top 25 rankings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team |
| University | University of Maryland |
| Division | National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I |
| Conference | Big Ten Conference |
| Coach | Gary Williams |
| Achievements | Two consecutive Final Fours in 2001 and 2002, 2002 NCAA National Championship, 31 NCAA tournament appearances, 4-time conference tournament winners |
| 2023-24 Rankings | Ranked No. 21 by Sports Illustrated, No. 20 by The Washington Post, among the top 25 teams by other prognosticators |
| 2024-25 Season | Not ranked in AP Top 25 as of January 27, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team is expected to be among the top 25 teams in the nation for the 2023-24 season. The team's success is attributed to several key players and strategic decisions. The retention of star point guard Jahmir Young, who is considered one of the best guards in the Big Ten, and starting centre Julian Reese, who is projected to be a double-double threat, provides a strong foundation for the team. Young's presence was instrumental in Maryland securing a No. 8 seed in the previous season.
The hiring of Mike Jones, the former DeMatha coach and Virginia Tech assistant, adds to the team's momentum and enhances their recruiting capabilities. Kevin Willard, the head coach, is also pursuing a notable assistant coach, which could further strengthen the team's position in the transfer portal and improve their recruiting prospects.
Sports Illustrated ranked Maryland No. 21, acknowledging the impact of having both Young and Reese on the team, as well as expressing optimism about Kevin Willard's first full recruiting class, which includes high-scoring guard DeShawn Harris-Smith and Jamie Kaiser.
The Washington Post ranked Maryland even higher at No. 20. Patrick Stevens emphasised the value of having Young on the team for his fifth year and highlighted the addition of top-60 recruits. Stevens also commended Willard for establishing an interesting identity that sets the team apart from the traditional style of the Big Ten.
The Maryland Terrapins' combination of talented returning players, skilled recruits, and a capable coaching staff sets them up for a promising season and places them among the top-ranked teams in the nation.
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Maryland's ranking in the 2018-2019 season
The 2018–2019 season for the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team was filled with high expectations and strong performances. The team, representing the University of Maryland, College Park, in the NCAA Division I men's basketball season, was led by head coach Mark Turgeon. The Terrapins played their home games at the Xfinity Center, which provides one of the best home-court advantages in the nation due to its layout and enthusiastic fans.
The 2018–2019 Terrapins squad entered the season with returning stars Cowan and Fernando, as well as the addition of a highly touted recruiting class that included consensus five-star player Jalen "Stix" Smith. Despite having a relatively young team, the Terrapins exceeded national expectations and maintained a top-25 ranking throughout the second half of the season. They finished the regular season with an impressive 22–10 record, going 13–7 in the Big Ten Conference.
In the postseason, the Terrapins received a #6 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East region. They defeated Belmont in the first round before falling to LSU in a close contest in the second round. The Terrapins' strong performance in the 2018–2019 season showcased their talent and potential, solidifying their place as a competitive force in college basketball. The team's success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff.
The 2018–2019 season marked a significant chapter in the history of Maryland Terrapins men's basketball, as they rose to the challenge and demonstrated their resilience and skill on the court. Their achievements during this season further enhanced the reputation of the University of Maryland's athletic program and left a lasting impression on the world of college basketball.
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The role of players like Jahmir Young and Julian Reese
The Maryland basketball team has seen some notable players over the years, with guard Jahmir Young and forward Julian Reese being key contributors. Young, in particular, has been a standout player, being recognised as the only active NCAA player with 2,000+ points and 700+ rebounds. His performance in his final year at Maryland was somewhat disappointing, with a 16-17 record. However, he bounced back at the Portsmouth Invitational, a platform for fringe prospects to boost their stock. Young averaged 16.7 points, five assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, earning a spot on the all-tournament team.
Young's performance in the 2022-23 season with the Terps was stellar, helping the team win an NCAA Tournament game. He followed up with an even better individual performance the next season, earning All-Big Ten first-team honours. His scoring prowess and ability to create plays have been highlighted, with Nuggets reporter Ryan Blackburn recognising his impact. Young's contract status, however, has been a topic of discussion, with some commentators suggesting a two-way contract approach.
With Young's departure, Maryland coach Kevin Willard has had to rely on transfer guards like Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Selton Miguel to fill the scoring void. This has led to a more balanced roster, with Willard acknowledging the complementary skills of the players. While Young's absence left a gap, the new lineup has allowed for a more dynamic style of play, where multiple players can step up as playmakers.
Julian Reese, a forward, has also been a crucial member of the Maryland Terrapins. While specific details of his role are scarce, he has been featured in game highlights, showcasing his powerful slam dunk abilities. Reese's presence on the court, alongside players like Young, has likely contributed to the team's success and provided a strong foundation for future seasons.
In conclusion, players like Jahmir Young and Julian Reese have undoubtedly played pivotal roles in the Maryland basketball team's performance. Young's scoring abilities and Reese's powerful presence on the court have been instrumental in the team's wins and overall standing. Their contributions have left a mark on the program, and their impact will likely be felt in the seasons to come.
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The impact of Xfinity Center as their home court
The Xfinity Center, located in College Park, Maryland, serves as the home court for the University of Maryland Terrapins men's and women's basketball teams. The indoor arena, which opened in 2002, boasts a capacity of nearly 18,000 and provides one of the best home-court advantages in the nation. The Xfinity Center's layout is a key contributor to this advantage, with students occupying the first ten rows surrounding the court and "The Wall," a 35-degree inclined section at one end of the court where opposing players shoot free throws in the second half. This intimate configuration has earned the arena a reputation as a challenging place to play, with several former ACC opponents citing it as the toughest in the conference.
The Xfinity Center replaced the Cole Field House as the Terrapins' home court, which had served the team since 1955. The new arena significantly enhanced the home-court advantage, addressing former coach Bud Millikan's concerns about the distance between seats and the court in the previous venue. The Xfinity Center's design, with its additional seating and closer proximity to the court, elevated the noise levels and intensified the atmosphere. This transformation aligned with the strategy employed by Lefty Driesell, who added nearly 3,000 seats around the court in the late 1960s, setting the stage for Xfinity Center's raucous environment.
The Xfinity Center has been the site of numerous memorable victories for the Maryland Terrapins. In 2005, the arena hosted first- and second-round games for the NCAA women's basketball tournament, where the Terps defeated Wisconsin–Green Bay, advancing to the next round. In 2009, the Maryland men's team mounted a thrilling comeback against #3 North Carolina, winning 88–85 in overtime and triggering a court rush by ecstatic Maryland fans. The Xfinity Center also witnessed a historic victory against #4 Duke in 2010, with the Terps claiming a 79–72 triumph led by first-team All-American point guard Greivis Vasquez.
Beyond its role as a basketball arena, the Xfinity Center serves as a hub for various events and activities. It hosts concerts, graduation ceremonies, state high school basketball tournaments, and special events, accommodating nearly 19,000 people for concerts. Additionally, the facility includes a separate gymnasium for volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling, as well as an academic support center for student-athletes. The Xfinity Center also showcases the Terrapin Walk of Fame and History, celebrating the achievements of Maryland athletics, including the display of the 2002 men's and 2006 women's national championship trophies.
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The legacy of coach Gary Williams
Gary Bruce Williams, born on March 4, 1945, is a former college basketball coach and American university administrator. He played point guard at the University of Maryland under coach Bud Millikan and was named the Terrapins' team captain in 1967. Williams' first coaching job was at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, New Jersey, where he coached under long-time NCAA head coach Tom Davis. In 1972, he won a New Jersey State Title as head coach.
Williams held three head coaching positions prior to Maryland. In 1978, he took on his first head coaching role at American University, leading them to two NITs in four seasons. He then returned to Boston College in 1982, where he led the Eagles to two NCAA tournament appearances and one NIT appearance in four seasons. In 1986, he took over at Ohio State University, leading the Buckeyes to an NCAA Tournament and two NIT berths in three years.
In 1989, Williams became the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, a position he held for 22 seasons until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure, he led the Terrapins to back-to-back Final Fours in 2001 and 2002, winning the NCAA National Championship in 2002. He took the team to 14 NCAA Tournaments and 4 NITs and coached 28 players who were drafted into the NBA, four of whom were lottery picks. Williams' overall record at Maryland was 447-240, making him the school's winningest coach.
Williams' legacy at Maryland is that of a transformative coach who led the basketball program through a period of difficulty following the death of basketball star Len Bias in 1986 and struggles under the previous coach. Despite the challenges of harsh NCAA sanctions imposed in 1990, which included a ban from postseason play and a reduction in scholarships, Williams persevered and rebuilt the program. His accomplishments were recognized with inductions into both the National Collegiate and Naismith Memorial Basketball Halls of Fame in 2014.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 27 January 2025, Maryland Basketball is not ranked in the AP Top 25, despite winning two massive road games against Illinois and Indiana.
Yes, Maryland Basketball has been ranked in the past. In the 2018-2019 season, the team maintained a top-25 ranking throughout the second half of the season. In 2023, most early prognosticators ranked the Terrapins among the top 25 teams in the nation.
The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team has competed in 102 seasons, accumulating an overall record of 1,678–1,109 as of the 2024–25 season.
