tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32769366.post7861352572943052183..comments2023-10-06T04:49:12.945-04:00Comments on Ryan McGrath: Missed it by *That* MuchRMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079220291482067777noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32769366.post-47970441467774318082011-05-07T13:55:27.888-04:002011-05-07T13:55:27.888-04:00I never did understand the inability of Maryland t...I never did understand the inability of Maryland to recruit top athletes (while Duke and coach K had it down to a science. I guess history speaks volumes, but still...). But, like you said, Gary had the amazing ability to get the best out of his guys when it mattered, although they ended up being outmatched... often. It was so frustrating as a fan to watch them get so close, so often, but come up short. When they finally hit jackpot in 2002 I could not believe it was actually happening. I will never forget staying up way too late in my hotel room the night before a big track meet watching the Maryland-Kansas game that they won to get to the champsionships. Dixon, Blake, Baxter, WIlcox... such an awesome time for maryland basketball.<br /><br />But anyway, Gary has been at it for over 20 years and the level of intensity that he placed into his job has got to have worn on him. I will definitely miss seeing his beat red face spitting god knows what at his players from the sidelines. Like I said, it's all I have known. It was equally as weird to deal with when Phelan retired from Mount St Mary's after being there for 49 years. Although, our team gave us a little less to be excited about except routine front row seats and those two NCAA appearances when we got SMASHED in the first round. But anyway, hopefully whoever MD ends up bringing in can fill Gary's mighty shoes...and then some.Michelle Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10193389825199430350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32769366.post-64514151991565145062011-05-06T23:48:39.846-04:002011-05-06T23:48:39.846-04:00What I loved about Gary was his intensity (obvious...What I loved about Gary was his intensity (obviously) and that he was never satisfied with any performance. While he never really got the "great" high school baller, for the 1999-2002 team he managed to get guys who played great together. But he didn't settle until he won the championship.<br /><br />From there, it should have been easy street. Kids should have been busting down the walls to go to Maryland. But they didn't capitalize on the opportunity. The highlights after 2002 have been few and far between, a couple of wins over Duke do not a season make.<br /><br />So, while I'm a Gary Williams fan through and through, I think it's time. Honestly, I would have left last year, or I would at least have waited until I made the Tournament again. The timing of this announcement seems curious to me.<br /><br />But, with a new president of the school, a new AD, a new football coach, maybe it's time to just start fresh, let someone else build a new team. I hear they have their sights set on the Arizona coach, and he has put their program back on track following Lute Olsen's departure so I'd be cool with that!RMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079220291482067777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32769366.post-50048652083650949962011-05-06T15:14:02.032-04:002011-05-06T15:14:02.032-04:00NICE time!
My world was turned upside down by Wi...NICE time! <br /><br />My world was turned upside down by William's announcement. My life has only known him at the coach of the Terps. I almost went to school there JUST so I could go to basketball games. I must find the strength to go on...Michelle Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10193389825199430350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32769366.post-9359169717916349792011-05-06T11:40:02.618-04:002011-05-06T11:40:02.618-04:00SOO CLOSE.SOO CLOSE.Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11089963891517045896noreply@blogger.com