Terps to name court after G. Williams

Four short months after his abrupt retirement, former Maryland men's basketball head coach Gary Williams is having the court at the Comcast Center named after him.

It's a move that should surprise no one -- despite happening so quickly. Williams' 668 wins ranked fifth-best among active head coaches at the time of his retirement, and his accomplishments were impressive, particularly after inheriting a team facing harsh NCAA sanctions.

"I'm honored and humbled to receive this recognition. It's important to remember that the success we achieved at Maryland was a team effort and all the coaches, student-athletes and staff who were here are a big part of this," Williams said in a statement.

The two-time ACC Coach of the Year took the Terps to a pair of Final Fours and one National Championship in his 22 years at Maryland. His 192 ACC wins rank third all-time behind North Carolina's Dean Smith and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.

His coaching tree includes Texas' Rick Barnes, Temple's Fran Dunphy, Loyola (Md.)'s Jimmy Patsos, George Washington's Mike Lonergan, The Citadel's Chuck Driesell and several other assistants.

"Gary has been a faithful alumnus, a highly successful and iconic figure in men's college basketball across the nation, a fierce competitor, and a tireless fundraiser on behalf of student scholarships. ... I can think of no better way to recognize his success and his contributions to the University of Maryland than by naming the floor of the basketball court in Comcast Center in his honor," said school president Wallace Loh.

Though Williams will be honored on December 9, the first game held on Gary Williams Court will be a December 14 showdown against the Isiah Thomas-coached Florida International Panthers.