Area native Gary Williams retires from Maryland- Fan reaction _443

Gary Williams announced his surprising retirement after 22 years at the University of Maryland. Williams brought the Terps to a new level of glory,tottenham football shirt, winning several ACC titles and a national championship in 2002. More importantly, he made the team a viable threat in a conference dominated by Duke and North Carolina. Williams, who was born in Collingswood, New Jersey, comes from an area rich in basketball tradition. His departure leaves a huge void in the NCAA coaching ranks

Williams was born in 1945 in Collingswood, a suburb just outside of Philadelphia. His first coaching stint began in Camden when he coached at Woodrow Wilson High School. While there,kits shop, he led the team to state basketball championship. His first coaching experience at the collegiate level also happened locally,arsenal shopping, when he went on to become an assistant coach at Lafayette in Easton,newcastle united away shirt, Pennsylvania. From there, he ascended the coaching ranks with stops at American, Boston College, and Ohio State before arriving at Maryland, his alma mater, in 1989. Williams picked up 668 wins during his coaching career, which was highlighted when Maryland won the 2002 NCAA championship.

The Philadelphia area has a rich basketball tradition, particularly at the collegiate level. While Williams gained fame out of the area, he kept his ties to the area by bringing in several recruits during his time at Maryland. Philadelphians are always proud of those from the area, and Williams is no exception. I rooted hard for him during his time at Maryland, especially during the great rivalry games against Duke. Maryland will have a tough time replacing Williams, who may go on to a career as an analyst. Williams will be missed on the floor, but I look forward to hearing his expertise on television if that is the case.

* – I am a Philadelphia native and avid fan of local college basketball.

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