March 29, 2002

ATLANTA - Three words can be used to describe the Maryland Terrapins' third day in Atlanta: busy, busy, busy.

As the excitment builds on the day before the first big games of the weekend, the Terps' team hotel was buzzing. Mary fans, boosters and families of the players arrived in town on Friday, adding electricity to a day already jam packed with activities for the Terps. As early as when the players came down for breakfast, they were greeted by well-wishers seeking autographs or just hoping to pass on words of encouragement.

After the morning team meal, the Terps jumped on the bus and headed back to Phillips Arena for another closed practice session. Both the red and black teams drilled with intensity and emotion as the Terps' second national semifinal game in as many years is now on the very immediate horizon.

While the squad practiced, Director of Basketball Operations Troy Wainwright attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) luncheon. Wainwright accepted a plaque on the team's behalf at the event, in which the NABC honors conference champions from around the country.

The team regrouped after practice and made an appearance at the Georgia Dome, the site of the 2002 Final Four, for the first time this weekend. The players and coaches first sat in on a seminar in which NCAA and FBI representatives informed the Terps of the dangers of sports wagering.

Next, the Terps answered questions from hundreds of media members that are on hand for championship weekend. Interview topics ranged far and wide, including the Terps' attitude heading into the weekend and their feelings regarding their match-up with Kansas.

When it was Maryland's turn, Coach Williams led the squad out to the arena floor for an open shootaround. Thousands of screaming Terp fans, along with much of the media contingent, were delighted as the Terrapins showed off some dazzling dunks and launched a barrage of half-court shots. For the record, junior guard Drew Nicholas was Thursday's leader with at least four made long-range bombs.

After a busy morning, the team finally had some "down time" after lunch and was able to catch up with family and friends that had arrived on Friday. Later in the evening the Terps departed for a tremendous dinner at Morton's Steakhouse, before returning to the hotel for a film session in Coach Williams' room, prepared by video coordinator Pat Shannon.

We'll check in with you later, after the game! Be sure to cheer on the Terps!

"Postcards From Atlanta" will be posted every evening as the Terps travel down the road toward the national championship. Be sure to log on to umterps.com for tomorrow's postcard!