It wasn’t easy when school president Dr. Wallace Loh announced, to whoops of approval, that he would recommend that Comcast Center be named for Williams. It wasn’t easy when a video montage, cued to Bob Seger’s, “Like a Rock,” played overhead. It wasn’t easy when radio announcer Johnny Holliday said, “Welcome to the house that Gary built.” Most of all, it wasn’t easy when Williams paused long and hard before thanking the students of his alma mater.

“Our fans, our alumni, have been just incredible,” Williams, 66, said.

And it wasn’t easy when they answered with a chant, “Thank you, Gary. Thank you, Gary.”

It was a day for Maryland to thank Williams for, not only resurecting the basketball program, but advancing the university.

“We have risen dramatically over the last 20 years to national prominence and impact,” Loh said. “And the key factor in the rise of the University of Maryland is Gary.”

Williams was grateful, but brief with his prepared remarks, which lasted little more than five minutes. During a question and answer period, he was more expansive, alternatively humble, emotional, and self-effacing. There was no hint of the combativeness that helped him build a 668-380 record, including 461-252 at Maryland.

Williams shed several tears, but little additional light on why he was stepping down now. He said that the decision on Wednesday of his best player, Jordan Williams, to enter the NBA Draft was not a factor.

“This is my decision, but it’s not a quick decision,” Williams said. “It’s been a decision I’ve thought about for a while.”

Williams said that he admired former Marquette coach Al McGuire for retiring after he won the NCAA championship in 1977, and considered doing the same when he won the title in 2002. But then he joked that he reconsidered after checking his bank account.  

“I feel like I still could coach,” Williams said. “At the same time you realize, there’s other things out there.”

Williams paused long and hard again when he talked of playing basketball at age 5.

“It’s what you’ve done your whole life,” Williams said. “I’ve seen coaches where they stayed too long. If you leave a little early, it’s better than leaving late.”

After the press conference, athletic director Kevin Anderson revealed that Williams first discussed his idea to retire when they met on Friday, April 29. The final decision came six days later.

During the Q&A, when Anderson was asked about Williams’ successor, he refused to answer, saying the day was about honoring Williams. Afterward, Anderson remained true to his words. When asked if he has received many calls about the job. Anderson hurriedly shook hands with reporters and said on his way out, “I don’t have a cell phone.”

Many former and current players were at Comcast on Friday, as well as several former and current associates. Ex-Maryland assistant Billy Hahn showed emotion when Williams spoke of Hahn’s assistance in helping resurect the program in the early 1990s.

Former Terp guard Eric Hayes, now playing in Spain, was among those in the crowd. He was there as, not only a former player, but as a fan.

“I wouldn’t have missed this,” Hayes said. “Growing up, watching him coach, watching his teams, it was my dream school to come to. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

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