. >>> in a conference that already had dean smith and mike shashesky when he got there gary williamstoo. 22 years of building a program. loyalty and dash of madness. he took maryland basketball from ruins to greatness. today they all gathered to honor their leader as the coach stepped away after two decades chanting his name as they did every night at comcast center. he addressed the crowd and had to stop several times to hold back the tears. >> i would just like to thank first of all -- [ applause ] >> better hold that, that might not be the last time that happens. i have seen coaches where they just stayed too long. and so if you leave a little early it is better than leaving late. it really is. >> williams first came to maryland as a student in 1964. he was the point guard and captain on bud milligan's team that won the sugar bowl tournament in 1967. dozens of the friends he made along the way came out to honor gary including past players. >> i like him leaving on his own terms. nothing more he could do for maryland. he is a great guy. still going to be around. i'm just really hap