Everything You Need To Know About Maryland Madness

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Field House, At A Glance

The day is upon us when past meshes with present and Maryland hosts its first Maryland Madness event at Cole Field House since the 2001-2002 season. Since then, the university and the basketball program itself have undergone some extreme changes (some good, some bad), but it’s important that all fans remember the road it took to get there. Maryland Madness at Cole Field House does just that.

A place where Elvis Presley sang for the first time in Washington, D.C., the first televised women’s basketball game took place, where an all black team upset an all white team, and of course it’s the reigning champion of most upsets of #1 ranked opponents at a single site. That’s Cole Field House to the outsider. Those are not just simple accomplishments for one venue; it’s darn near a historical monument that ought to be revered.

And if Comcast Center is considered the House That Gary Built, it’s worth noting that Cole Field House is undoubtedly the House That Lefty Built. Dreisell was the man who made the court one of the most menacing places in the country for a basketball team to play in; literally, he added a few thousand seats down courtside to ensure that the atmosphere was sufficiently hostile. Dreisell’s career at Maryland, from 1969 to 1986, was one of the most prolific times for Maryland basketball. He may not have turned the Terps into UCLA or UNC, but he certainly made them a contender and a program that would not be pushed around, ever.

Eight NCAA tournament appearances, two Elite 8’s, three Sweet 16’s, NBA lottery draft picks. All occurred under his tutelage, and all gave Maryland a semblance of credibility. Tonight isn’t about rehashing the bad memories; Maryland Madness is about bridging a gap between the present and a past that is so often brushed over unjustly. Len Bias happened, that one lone tragic incident did in fact occur. But to have one incident negate all the other major accomplishments that took place under one head coach under one building? That line of thinking is the past. Tonight, these two eras share the same Maryland Pride.

Onto the good stuff.

Recruits attending Maryland Madness

This list is pending, but from what I’ve heard all four 2014 commits will be in the building.

1.) Dion Wiley

2.) Romelo Trimble

3.) Jared Nickens

4.) Trayvon Reed

According to Jeff Ermann of IMS, 2016 SG (5) Chris Jones of Paul VI will be in attendance as well along with teammate (6) Aaron Thompson:

I’ve confirmed up that (7) PG Ako Adams of Bishop O’Connell (and DC Assault) will be there, as will (8) PG Anthony Cowan of St. John’s.

(9) PF Joe Hampton of Dematha Catholic will also be there.

Where You Can Watch

If you’re wondering when the doors open up, then you should know there are already people camping out to get in early. The doors open at 5:30 PM though, and the event begins at 6:30 PM.

If you can’t get a ticket, TerpsTV has you covered with a free viewing pass online here.

The Itinerary

5:30 – 6:15: Autograph Session

6:30 : Red-White Alumni Game

7:30 : Intra-squad scrimmage

Eventually: Team introduction and (likely) dunk contest