Gary Williams Named Naismith Hall of Fame Finalist

On Friday, February 14, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that former Maryland head coach Gary Williams is a finalist to be considered for election in 2014.

It’s been three years since Williams retired as head coach of the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball team and it was only a matter of time before the legendary coach would get his chance to be enshrined in Springfield, MA.

Gary helped put his alma mater back on the basketball map and did it the right way.

Williams didn’t always have the five-star recruits, but he found players that worked hard and would give the game everything they had. His way of coaching and recruiting was not always popular and was not always considered the right way, but he did it his way and forever left his mark on the basketball world.

His legacy will always be something the players at Maryland remember when they step out onto Gary Williams Court at Comcast Center for every home game. The court was named in honor of Williams in 2012.

Coaching Highlights

• 2002 NCAA National Championship
• 2 Final Fours
• 2 Elite Eights
• 7 Sweet Sixteens
• 668-380 (.637) Overall Head Coaching Record
• 29–16 (.644) NCAA Tournament Record
• 3 ACC Regular Season Championships (1995, 2002, 2010)
• 2004 ACC Tournament Championship
• 2x-ACC Coach of the Year (2002, 2010)

His career and legacy is one that deserves to be remembered and honored in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Here are some videos that highlight the fist pumping, high intensity, and always teaching coach.