Jan. 3, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former Maryland coach and current Georgia State coach Lefty Driesell announced his retirement from coaching, it was announced today. Driesell coached Maryland's men's basketball team to a 348-159 record during 17 seasons from 1969-70 to 1985-86. Driesell was inducted into the Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame in summer 2002.

Click here for the ESPN story about Driesell's retirement. Click here for Dick Vitale's commentary on Driesell's retirement.

Following are comments from current Maryland coach and alum Gary Williams, another member of the Terps' Hall of Fame, who played at Maryland just prior to Driesell's arrival in College Park in 1969-70.

"I had heard that this may be his last year, but I was surprised that it was today. I hope he is healthy."

"I played here in 1968 and Lefty came in 1970, and so I knew what it was here when he arrived at Maryland. When you look at guys with influence during that time, he was right there with Red Auerbach, John Thompson and Morgan Wootten, in getting this to be a basketball area. Lefty is one of those people who have become a very well known figure in college basketball, historically. If you say the name, 'Lefty," people know who you're talking about."

"He was a great promoter, which needed to be done at Maryland. He was the reason the seats got moved to the floor of Cole Field House, he was the reason that Midnight Madness got started, nationally. It was his idea. I don't think anybody ever out-worked Lefty. If he had to stay on the job 18 hours a day, he would. He has been a great competitor no matter where he's been."

"It's unfortunate, but it might have taken retirement for people to realize the magnitude of his career. His numbers sometimes get overlooked, but he's really had a great career. He has built a winner everywhere he has ever been."