Published: October 16, 2009 11:30 pm      

Terps get going with understated Maryland Madness

COLLEGE PARK — There was no fancy introduction for coach Gary Williams at Maryland Madness this year. Just a walk through a gantlet of cheerleaders under a single spotlight.

The annual event went old school Friday night. The Terrapins were coming off a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament and expect even better things this year, so the focus turned primarily to basketball.

“We want high expectations. Bring it on,” Williams told the crowd, which nearly filled the Comcast Center even though the rainy weather outside made for an awful drive or an uncomfortable walk across the campus.

Over the years, Williams arrived in a race car, on a motorcycle, in a limousine and in an armored vehicle.

This time, his initial appearance was understated — as was that of the team, which also trotted onto the court under a spotlight. Unlike the recent past, there were no laser lights, no fireworks and no dancing routines (complete with sunglasses and tuxedos).

“We had no choice in it. I think they’re trying to get back with the basic Midnight Madness, the way they used to do it back in the day,” guard Eric Hayes said. “Some of the guys were upset we’re not doing some of the things we did in the past, but they’ll get over it quickly.”

For freshmen forwards Jordan Williams and James Padgett, it was a venue in which to say hello to the fans. For seniors such as Hayes, it was a farewell of sorts.

“It’s sad it’s my last one,” Hayes said. “I can remember, before I was here, coming to Cole (Field House). It’s an exciting thing to kick off the season.”

Hayes, who spent much of the past few weeks recuperating from a turf toe injury, timed his recovery perfectly.

“I’m participating in the scrimmage and doing everything,” he said. “I’m doing fine.”

The night began with a Maryland-Florida State volleyball match and included a gymnastics show. Byron Mouton, a starting forward for the 2002 national championship team, and current assistant coach Keith Booth were those in the alumni basketball game.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the women’s team was introduced.

“It’s going to be a special season for both teams,” coach Brenda Frese told the crowd.

After a short scrimmage, the school’s marching band took the court, a first for this event.

Then the lights went out, and the men’s team came out. After Williams and senior guard Greivis Vasquez addressed the crowd, Vasquez began the brief scrimmage with a resounding dunk.

It’s now called Maryland Madness, but there was a time when the annual celebration was held at midnight of the first official day college basketball teams were allowed to practice. A few years ago, however, the traditional starting time was moved up to allow a younger crowd to enjoy the festivities.

The change also enabled the players get more sleep before the first real workout of the season on Saturday morning.

“I think if it was at midnight it would be a lot better. It would be a little more exciting,” Hayes said. “I know a lot of students would come at midnight. But we have a morning practice and it’s a pretty important practice for us.”

The first Midnight Madness didn’t attract any fans and wasn’t even held on a basketball court. Midnight Madness was created in 1970, when at midnight former Terps coach Lefty Driesell had his players take laps around the track that used to encircle the field at Byrd Stadium.