One Angry Man starts Terrapins on their way
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- It's unlikely anyone will confuse Gary Williams with Tony Dungy.
The University of Maryland is one of the most dangerous teams in the NCAA Tournament, and it's led by one of the angriest men in the sport.
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| Gary Williams' screaming is working for the Terrapins. (Getty Images) |
If you are not familiar with Williams, think Bobby Knight in a bad mood. On the sideline against Davidson in the opening round of the Midwest Regional, Williams screamed at his players throughout, and then screamed at them some more.
Then he yelled something at the scorer's table several times. They just shook their head and chuckled. They must have been thinking: What the hell is he yelling at us for?
Then he screamed at the refs. Few breaths were taken between belches of anger. He must have Lance Armstrong-like lung capacity.
When Williams goes all Captain Belligerent, everyone rolls their eyes. Then he screams some more. The veins expand, the eyes bulge and censors are needed.
The only person who would not blush in a Gary Williams huddle is Redd Foxx.
Something is working though. Because after a brief absence from the NCAA Tournament, it's Terrapins fans who have something to scream about.
Maryland survived a major scare from a seriously underrated Davidson team Thursday, winning 82-70 at the HSBC Arena. The Terrapins will play Butler on Saturday.
If the rest of the tournament is like Maryland-Davidson, this will be one hell of a March, as the Terrapins game was the best of the opening afternoon.
Maryland survived despite allowing 30 points by guard Stephen Curry, who made five 3-point baskets and all seven of his free throws. Curry is a player you will hear plenty about in the coming years. The NBA is in his future.
With the vocals and souped-up gyrations of Williams in the background, the Terrapins will be difficult to beat, their close game against a No. 13 seed notwithstanding.
