Hard work got Levent a spot on the roster
When Ersin Levent pulls off his warm-up jersey, a ripple of recognition goes through Comcast Center and builds as he walks to the scorers’ table. When he gets the ball, fans urge him to “shoot.”
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Levent is the 13th man on the roster, a walk-on from Landon School, and like many of his end-of-the-bench predecessors, a College Park favorite. It’s a role that’s been filled by players such as David Pearman, Gini Chukura, Earl Badu, Matt Hahn and Matt Raydo.
| Up next |
| Longwood at Maryland |
| When » Wednesday, 8 p.m. |
| Where » Comcast Center, College Park |
| Radio » 570 AM |
“I remember in high school when the fans would do that for the guys who didn’t play much, I thought it was kind of silly. I do get that vibe,” Levent said. “But for me, it just feels special to have this jersey on and be out there any time.”
Levent, a 6-foot-7, 190-pound junior, hit the first 3-pointer of his career Saturday in the final minute of Maryland’s 91-70 victory over Wake Forest. He could see more playing time Wednesday night as Maryland (15-8) faces independent Longwood (8-18).
“It’s just special for me to be part of a program like this,” Levent said. “I want to improve. In the weight room, I want to work as hard as anyone else, maybe harder. If I ever were to move up a notch or two, that’s where it’s got to come from.”
Coach Gary Williams doesn’t discount Levent’s ability to emerge.
“He’s going to be a contributor for us. He just needs some strength,” Williams said. “His biggest problem is when he gets a rebound, when he gets bumped at all, he’ll walk. That’s got to be corrected. But the stronger you get, the less that happens.”
Coming out of Landon, Levent was recruited only by Division III Catholic University and had no intention of walking-on at Maryland.
“It was totally not the plan,” Levent said. “If anything I thought I might play college golf.”
But Levent, then a scratch golfer, discovered that he’d rather be in the gym than at his home course, Bretton Woods. Levent dedicated the summer before his sophomore year to weight lifting and spending as much time as possible at Comcast Center. Before fall practice, Levent was told he had a spot on the team.
These days, an appearance by Levent means the Terps are enjoying a blowout victory. One Maryland fan Web site said Levent is to Williams what the victory cigar was to legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
In games Levent has appeared in during his two seasons, Maryland is 17-0 with none of the wins coming by fewer than 18 points.
During pre-game introductions, Levent is the designated chest-bumper, greeting each of the starters with a leap and chest-thump. It was Pearman’s role last year, passed on this season to Levent.
“I understand how it goes,” Levent said. “I view myself as a guy who can really help us in practice. If I push hard and I’m the last guy on the team, it makes the other guys have to work harder.”
