Terps' Open Practice A Hit With Students
10/27/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 27, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Almost 1,000 students filed into Comcast Center on Wednesday evening to take part in an open practice hosted by head coach Gary Williams and the Terrapin men's basketball team. The sizeable crowd was treated to a full 40-minute scrimmage featuring the 2004-05 Terrapins, who have been ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation this preseason.
"It was great to see 1,000 students come out on a World Series game night. There were many familiar faces that I recognized from coming to our games, and it was great to see a lot of freshmen as well," said Williams, now in his 16th season. "It makes a difference in how our players play when there are people to watch them scrimmage."
The Terps will host another scrimmage, open to fans of all ages, at noon on Saturday at Comcast Center.
After the scrimmage, Williams introduced the members of his squad, which returns 11 letterwinners and boasts four returning starters in ACC MVP John Gilchrist, powerful big man Travis Garrison, inside-outside threat Nik Caner-Medley and defensive demon Chris McCray. Williams also introduced his new-look coaching staff, which features associate head coach Dave Dickerson and new assistants Mike Lonergan and Keith Booth.
The coach addressed the crowd and discussed topics such as the upcoming season, players he expects to play well, this season's arduous ACC schedule and winning the ACC championship. In discussing the topic of sportsmanship at games, Williams thanked the students for their consistent support, and emphasized "representing the University the right way."
Before taking a tour of the team's locker room and training facilities, the students had the opportunity to ask Williams questions, and many took advantage.
"I liked the Q&A session with Coach Williams," said junior biology major Kim Walker. "You could ask him anything and get real answers."
"Basketball has been a huge part of my four years here," said senior economics major Selim Akizler. "We won the national championship when I was a freshman, and I go to as many games as I can."
Each student in attendance took home a new GARYLAND t-shirt, and many got the head coach to autograph it. Williams easily signed more than 800 items for those in attendance.
The Terps were mixed into interchangeable Red and Black teams across the 40 minutes of scrimmage time. Gilchrist was an astounding 12-of-13 from the field, scoring 34 points, dishing seven assists and making seven steals. Caner-Medley posted a double-double with 24 points and 11 boards, while McCray and Mike Jones each scored 22 and made three 3-pointers. Ekene Ibekwe put forth a solid effort with 13 points, nine boards and six rejections.
The Terps open their exhibition season on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. when NCAA Division II powerhouse Bryant visits Comcast Center.
