Maryland’s court-naming ceremony at Comcast Center to honor former basketball coach Gary Williams is certain to draw a large crowd —- about 17,950 plus a national television audience.
The school announced Tuesday the ceremony to honor Williams will be held Jan. 25 —- the night of the Terrapins’ annual home game against Duke —- rather than Dec. 9 (when no game will be played).
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The change permits the ceremony to be part of ESPN’s broadcast. It also assures Williams will be honored on a night when the Terps play one of the few opponents that consistently attract sellout crowds in College Park.
Ultimately, it’s the right thing for Maryland to do —- not just for Williams, but for the fans who filled Cole Field House and Comcast Center for more than two decades.
Williams, who retired in May, coached 22 seasons at Maryland, leading the Terps to 14 NCAA tournaments, two Final Fours and the 2002 national championship. While Williams undoubtedly doesn’t want to interfere with or cast a shadow over successor Mark Turgeon, this particular part of Williams’ retirement should be shared with as many people as possible.
—- Patrick Stevens
