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Former Maryland basketball head coach Gary Williams has been named a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame, David Aldrige of TNT is reporting.
HOF Finalists: Tim Hardaway, Spencer Haywood, Kevin Johnson, Harley Redin, Mitch Richmond, Nolan Richardson, Eddie Sutton, Gary Williams,
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 14, 2014
(con't) Immaculata University (team) and Alonzo Mourning.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 14, 2014
Gary needs 18 votes from 24-member Honors Committee for enshrinement. Announcement usually made at Final Four in April.
— Terrapins Insider (@TerpsInsider) February 14, 2014
Williams played point guard at Maryland from 1964-67, before starting his coaching career at Woodrow Wilson High School. After time as an assistant Lafayette (where he also was the head coach of the soccer team) and Boston College, Williams accepted his first collegiate head coaching job, at American University.
After posting a 72-42 record over four seasons and leading the Eagles to two straight NIT appearances, Williams moved on to Boston College and then Ohio State, making a combined three NCAA tournaments over his seven years with the two schools.
In 1989, Williams was hired back by his alma mater as the head coach. The Maryland program was in a very bad state following the death of Len Bias and harsh NCAA sanctions that took the Terps out of the postseason in 1991 and '92 and off television for the 1990-91 season, but the new coach found a way to succeed in the long-term. After struggles in his first four seasons, Williams took the Terrapins to 11 straight NCAA tournaments, winning it all in 2002.
Williams retired after the 2010-11 season with a 461-252 record at Maryland, and a 668-380 record overall.
The Naismith Hall of Fame serves as the Hall of Fame for both collegiate and professional basketball.
