COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland legends Lefty Driesell and Len Elmore returned to College Park for the fourth-ranked Maryland men's basketball's game against No. 18 Purdue Saturday.

The pair of Terp greats spoke before the game to an audience at Maryland's “Legends Chat” and Dreisell touched on how Maryland impacted his storied career.

“It's a great university,” Driesell said. “I had wonderful players and we had wonderful fans. I had a great time here.”

In his 17 seasons at Maryland, Driesell compiled 348 wins, won one ACC title and led the Terps to eight NCAA Tournament appearances. In total, Driesell accumulated 786 wins in his 40-plus years as a head coach.

Elmore credited Driesell with creating a culture of winning that still carries on at Maryland today.

“It was a great experience. Not only did we win, but we built a camaraderie between the team and we are all still friends today,” Elmore said. “That's a tribute to what Lefty taught us.”

Elmore was a three-time All-ACC honoree and an All-American in 1974. He is Maryland's all-time leading rebounder in both total rebounds and rebounding average. He went on to play eight years in the NBA.

He received a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1987 and began his law career as a prosecutor, serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York. Elmore has served as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and CBS Sports.

Driesell was recognized as an honorary captain during the game. He spoke to the team at practice Friday and was excited by head coach Mark Turgeon and the Terps' prospects for the remainder of the season.

“I love them. I think they can win it all. I just told they've got two months left in the season. Get in the best shape they've ever been in and they'll have a great chance to win. I told them they've got to love each other and play together.”

Driesell is a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame. Driesell has coached two Rhodes scholars, a U.S. Congressmen, a Harvard lawyer and TV announcer, a president of the NBA players union, an NBA general manager and head coach, doctors, businessmen and college athletics directors.

– Terps –