Basketball
Related Photos
-
Associated Press
Tools
Terps get going with understated Maryland Madness
COLLEGE PARK — There was no fancy introduction for coach Gary Williams at Maryland Madness this year. Just a walk through a gantlet of cheerleaders under a single spotlight.
The annual event went old school Friday night. The Terrapins were coming off a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament and expect even better things this year, so the focus turned primarily to basketball.
“We want high expectations. Bring it on,” Williams told the crowd, which nearly filled the Comcast Center even though the rainy weather outside made for an awful drive or an uncomfortable walk across the campus.
Over the years, Williams arrived in a race car, on a motorcycle, in a limousine and in an armored vehicle.
This time, his initial appearance was understated — as was that of the team, which also trotted onto the court under a spotlight. Unlike the recent past, there were no laser lights, no fireworks and no dancing routines (complete with sunglasses and tuxedos).
“We had no choice in it. I think they’re trying to get back with the basic Midnight Madness, the way they used to do it back in the day,” guard Eric Hayes said. “Some of the guys were upset we’re not doing some of the things we did in the past, but they’ll get over it quickly.”
For freshmen forwards Jordan Williams and James Padgett, it was a venue in which to say hello to the fans. For seniors such as Hayes, it was a farewell of sorts.
“It’s sad it’s my last one,” Hayes said. “I can remember, before I was here, coming to Cole (Field House). It’s an exciting thing to kick off the season.”
Hayes, who spent much of the past few weeks recuperating from a turf toe injury, timed his recovery perfectly.
“I’m participating in the scrimmage and doing everything,” he said. “I’m doing fine.”
The night began with a Maryland-Florida State volleyball match and included a gymnastics show. Byron Mouton, a starting forward for the 2002 national championship team, and current assistant coach Keith Booth were those in the alumni basketball game.
Shortly after 9 p.m., the women’s team was introduced.
“It’s going to be a special season for both teams,” coach Brenda Frese told the crowd.
After a short scrimmage, the school’s marching band took the court, a first for this event.
Then the lights went out, and the men’s team came out. After Williams and senior guard Greivis Vasquez addressed the crowd, Vasquez began the brief scrimmage with a resounding dunk.
It’s now called Maryland Madness, but there was a time when the annual celebration was held at midnight of the first official day college basketball teams were allowed to practice. A few years ago, however, the traditional starting time was moved up to allow a younger crowd to enjoy the festivities.
The change also enabled the players get more sleep before the first real workout of the season on Saturday morning.
“I think if it was at midnight it would be a lot better. It would be a little more exciting,” Hayes said. “I know a lot of students would come at midnight. But we have a morning practice and it’s a pretty important practice for us.”
The first Midnight Madness didn’t attract any fans and wasn’t even held on a basketball court. Midnight Madness was created in 1970, when at midnight former Terps coach Lefty Driesell had his players take laps around the track that used to encircle the field at Byrd Stadium.
- Basketball
-
-
Maryland beats Houston 89-77 in first round
Freshman Jordan Williams set career highs with 21 points and 17 rebounds, and Maryland beat Houston 89-77 on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA tournament’s Midwest Regional.
-
DeMatha overcomes Benedictine for spot in final
Add nine more three-point goals and six more dunks to the running totals for the DeMatha Stags.
-
A new day has begun
Joe Gallagher, the lovable Irishman (yes, that is redundant) from St. John’s of Washington, D.C. didn’t mind being interrupted at the buffet line when the person greeting him said, “Coach, don’t know that I’ve seen you since the ’85 championship game.”
-
Free throws help Judge pull away from BW
Will Whitt had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Judge Memorial cashed in from the free-throw line in the second half to turn back scrappy Bishop Walsh, 49-31, in their ACIT consolation semifinal Friday afternoon.
-
St. Frances spurts stop Cathedral
Greg Lewis, Jr., Wayne Sparrow and Shakir Brown all scored in double figures as St. Frances used offensive bursts to pull away from Cathedral and win 77-52 in the second game of the second day of the 50th ACIT at Frostburg State University.
-
Gonzaga wins
The Gonzaga Eagles will be going after their third straight championship when they face Washington Catholic Athletic Conference rival DeMatha in the final game of the 50th edition of the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament today at 8:15 p.m. at Frostburg State’s Bobcat Arena.
-
WVU survives slow start to rout Morgan St.
The way West Virginia was missing one shot after another, the thought actually crossed forward Kevin Jones’ mind whether the Mountaineers would ever hit a basket.
-
A beautiful friendship, indeed
In many ways what the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament stands for and has become embodies a lot of the same characteristics and qualities that define what Jim Yerkovich stands for and is.
-
Efficient Gonzaga beats BW, 84-43
Gonzaga concentrated on the simple things and made life awfully difficult for Bishop Walsh in Thursday’s opener of the 50th Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament.
-
Davis’ 29 sends Benedictine to 72-56 win over St. Frances
Trey Davis scorched St. Frances from the foul line, going 9-for-10 over the final 5:18, as St. Benedictine scored 49 points in the second half to beat the Panthers 72-56 in the second game of the 50th ACIT.
- More Basketball Headlines
-
