First Person: Maryland's Last Stand?

Our intern, a Maryland hoops fan, wonders if tonight is the last great stand for the program under Gary Williams.

Getty Images

"They pull me back in."

Sometimes being a Maryland fan is best summed up by Al Pacino. The Terps looked awful in an early loss to Georgetown, and I mentally prepared myself for a season of Gary Williams practicing his high kick. Then they won seven straight, and I convinced myself that Landon Milbourne was a legit option and Greivis Vasquez could lead a team in the ACC. (Note to self: you're wrong.)

The Terps were cringe-inducingly bad in an 85-44 loss to Duke two weeks ago, and Gary's job may or may not be on the line this season (though he finally got a show of support from Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow today). So I'm not exactly guaranteeing an upset.

But Pacino never lies. They looked pretty bad last year before their trip to the Dean E. Smith Center, and they were able to come away with the W. And say what you will about Williams' recruiting (or lack thereof, really), he always gets his team pumped for big games. And if Milbourne can get a few of these tonight, who knows what could happen?

Print Article . Email Article. Subscribe to The Magazine