The University of Maryland Athletic Department has just announced officially that head basketball coach Gary Williams will retire. I, for one, am in a state of shock. We all knew this day would come, but I don't think anyone expected this to happen now and seemingly out of no where. Apparently, this has been planned for at least a little while, because Gary is going to stay on as an Assistant AD, per the UMTerps.com press release:
Williams will stay on with Maryland as Assistant Athletic Director and Special Assistant to Kevin Anderson, where he will continue to serve as scholarship campaign co-chair, work with the Terrapin Club to fundraise for athletics, and serve as an ambassador for the University.
Could this be why Jordan Williams decided to stay in the draft? Or could Jordan's decision to stay in by why Gary decided now was the right time? Maybe we'll find out the answer to that soon, but you have to think, at least on the surface, that one of those relates to the other.
There will be a press conference tomorrow at 1:00, which the public is encouraged to attend. I might be one of them. Could they possibly unveil Gary's name on the court at Comcast at that time? I guess we'll find out soon. If they don't do it tomorrow, it better damn well be soon after...
If Gary announcing his retirement the day after Jordan announces he's staying in the draft wasn't bad enough, I'm afraid there is more bad news...
According to Adam Zagoria, both Gibbs and Faust are now re-opening their commitments and will be granted releases from their LOI and are seeking releases from their LOI from Maryland. I can't begin to describe how big of a blow that will be to Maryland if we can't retain them for next season. I suppose, depending on who we hire, that they could ultimately decide to stay at Maryland, but the fact that they're instantly seeking that release is...not good.
Ben B., Ben G. and I will have more about this as the evening goes on. Until then, discuss. While there are some who obviously weren't happy with Gary's performance as a coach recently, I ask that the comments be respectful and reflect back on Gary's successes while at Maryland. This is a really hard time for a lot of Maryland fans, myself included. I really can't picture Maryland basketball without Gary Williams...
For now, enjoy this...
Good bye, Garyland...we'll miss you and you'll always hold a special place in my heart...