Maryland has told former basketball players Ernest Graham and Johnny Rhodes that they will soon join 16 other Terps whose names and numbers appear on banners hanging from the Comcast Center rafters.
Maryland does not retire basketball numbers. Instead, the school hangs mock jerseys from the roof and holds ceremonies for players. The latest to be cited was guard Greivis Vasquez last February, joining Juan Dixon, Len Bias, Steve Francis and other former Terps stars.
The inclusion of some players over others almost always generates debate among Terps fans. Some fans have been advocating for former Olympian Steve Sheppard, guard Brad Davis and swingman Adrian Branch.
The school has not made an announcement about Rhodes or Graham (Dunbar) — apparently because it is still finalizing its plans. Both players said they had received word directly from the athletic department. Other Maryland insiders had heard the news as well.
“It’s indescribable, really,” said Rhodes, who played for Gary Williams and set Maryland’s single-season record for steals in 1996. “I’m just definitely thrilled and honored to be part of the guys who are up there and have had these great careers.”
Rhodes, Maryland’s career steals leader and the No. 10 player on the school’s all-time assists list, said he expects to be honored Feb. 21, which coincides with the Terps’ game against Miami at Comcast Center.
No comments have been posted yet, be the first!
Post a comment by filling out the form below.
