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CNN Live Today

University of Maryland Wins First Men's National Basketball Title

Aired April 02, 2002 - 13:45   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Maryland beat Indiana last night to win the men's NCAA basketball championship. But the fans' response in College Park, Maryland turned ugly last night. They started bonfires and threw bottles and clashed with police. There was also some looting reported. Police arrested 10 people. Now, a similar scene in Bloomington, Indiana. Forty people were treated for injuries in unrest after the game.

But, on the court, it was a big night for basketball fans. In their ninth straight NCAA appearance, Maryland finally goes the distance. With me now is Seth Davis from "Sports Illustrated." We're getting to -- we are really bonding here, Seth.

SETH DAVIS, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": Yes, really, we are hanging out.

LIN: What an amazing game. I mean, did you check for a pulse afterwards?

DAVIS: Right. Well, it was really -- it was very tense. And I think a lot of maybe basketball purists didn't like the lack of scoring in the game, maybe the casual fan doesn't like that, but to me it was a very competitive game, Carol. Indiana was the clear underdog. It was their strategy to impose their style on Maryland, slowing them down to a half-court game.

And you have to give Maryland credit because in beating Kansas and Indiana, they won with two different styles. Kansas loves to run, get up and down the floor. Maryland was able to do that. When Indiana tried to slow them down into a half-court game, Maryland was able to pull away. But it was a very tough Indiana team. Maryland definitely earned this championship.

LIN: We know what we're talking about today, but what is the story that is going to be told and retold years to come about last night?

DAVIS: Well, I think there are two things come to mind, Carol. First of all, obviously, Mike Davis and Indiana, a terrific story, a very humble guy. You know, at one point, he winked and he smiled at the reporters on press row when he was trying to argue with the referees. Somehow, can't imagine Bob Knight winking at sportswriters during a national championship game. LIN: No. Maybe reaching for their throat.

DAVIS: Exactly. And, you know, the second thing is Juan Dixon at Maryland, who really is one of the favorite players that I have ever seen. Probably the smartest player that I have ever seen play. It's one thing when a guy scores a lot of points, but when he is scoring points in difficult situations, and he hit every big shot for Maryland, wonderful character, plays with great daring, and he was a very worthy most outstanding player award winner.

LIN: Where do you think he is going to go now?

DAVIS: Well, he's going to the NBA. You know, people say he is too small, he's too this and that. I'm thinking, you've got to watch the guy play. I mean, he's a basketball player. And the thing about Juan Dixon, you know, he weighed 140 pounds in high school and worked his way up to 165, which he is now. He has a terrific work ethic. And as I said, he plays the game with great artistry and great intelligence. He will be a very successful professional player. And some day, he is going to be a great basketball coach.

LIN: Awesome! Well, speaking of coaches, Gary Williams. Boy, what a night for him. He used to play for Maryland. And here he is making history with a team taking them to their first NCAA national title.

DAVIS: And, you know, this is the first team since the McDonald's High School All-American team was created in 1978, this is the first college team to win a championship without a single McDonald's High School All-American.

And Gary Williams came to Maryland at a time, they were reeling in the wake of the death of Len Bias. For a couple of years, not only were they on probation, but they were not allowed to play on television. They were not allowed to play in the postseason. It was a really difficult time for him. So for him to build the team the way he has, the way that he respects the game, the coaching profession, how hard he works. I know people see the guy, you know, sweating and spitting and yelling at his players. He's a man of great character. Otherwise, his teams would not win.

LIN: Yes. This is a team that rebuilt itself back from scandal, isn't it?

DAVIS: Absolutely. And the fact that he did it at his alma mater, he cares so much for the university. You know, he makes real good money. But there are coaches out there who make more than he does, and he really likes the fact that the university and the basketball program is getting the respect now that it's won a national championship, although I think for Gary Williams, in his own mind, he never needed a national championship to validate the way he feels about himself as a coach. One of his greatest memories still is the high school championship in New Jersey that he won more than two decades ago. He is a pure coach. The college game is lucky that Gary Williams is on the mountaintop.

LIN: Think he gets a raise?

DAVIS: He should. If he doesn't get a raise this year, he needs a new attorney. So, he's a good man. I'm real happy for him.

LIN: All right. Well, thank you so much, Seth.

DAVIS: Thanks, Carol. It's good to see you.

LIN: I'm happy for you. You get to go home, see your wife.

DAVIS: Next year in New Orleans. Man, tell my wife, Melissa, I'm coming home.

LIN: All right. Melissa, he's coming home!

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