By: Josh Schmidt

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland Athletic Department welcomed back players from the 1958 ACC Championship team for an anniversary celebration, including a “Legends Chat” with Johnny Holliday and an appearance at half-court during the first half.

Former players from the 1958 team included John Nacincik, Tom Young, Gene Danko, Jerry Bechtle, Julian Weingarten and Pete Krukar. They are also joined by manager Bob Cutter.

The Terps finished 22-7 that season, advancing to the NCAA East Regional and finishing the season ranked No. 6 in the nation via the AP and UPI Polls.

The season included victories over eventual champion Kentucky along with North Carolina, Duke, and University of Virginia.

After becoming the first team outside of North Carolina to win the ACC title, the Terps entered the 28-team NCAA Tournament. The team defeated Boston College and Manhattan before falling to Temple in their third game. 

By succeeding on the national stage, the team “put the Terps on the map,” Holiday said. The players agreed that they team's success over national powers helped set the school on a path of basketball success.

The team discussed the intense defense, which held opponents to 35 percent shooting, and how coach Bud Milliken instilled a blue collar attitude in the team.

“It was good old fashioned hard work,” Krukar said. “I myself was grateful for what coach Milliken taught us.”

Throughout the chat the group discussed fond memories of seeing Cole Field House for the first time, celebrating their ACC championship and the camaraderie built by the group.

The former players still have close connections with each other and their families have built those relationships as well. Numerous former players visited XFINITY Center with their wives, children and even some grandchildren.

“The fun and camaraderie is just unforgettable every time,” Cutter said. “Our reunions are full of memories.”

-Terps-