In a thrilling matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Maryland Terrapins triumphed over Colorado State 72-71 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, thanks in large part to the standout performance of senior big man Julian Reese. With 11 rebounds in the game, Reese surpassed the 1,000-rebound milestone, becoming just the second player in Maryland history to achieve this feat, joining the legendary Len Elmore, who recorded 1,053 rebounds during his time with the Terps from 1971 to 1974.
Reese's achievement is a testament to his dedication and resilience, qualities that have defined his college career. In an interview on Glenn Clark Radio on March 26, 2025, Elmore expressed pride in Reese's commitment to staying at Maryland for four years, stating, "I’m proud of the fact that he did stay for four years. He is a Terp through and through. He’s been a tremendous player. We played in different eras, but you take nothing away from the accomplishment — 1,000 rebounds is not bad. You have to be committed to do your job. I think Juju has been that way throughout his career."
This season, the 6-foot-9, 252-pound forward has averaged 13.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, helping lead the Terps to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. Maryland is set to face off against the top-seeded Florida Gators in San Francisco on March 27, 2025, with hopes of advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2002.
Reese's journey has not been without challenges. After Mark Turgeon, the coach who recruited him, stepped down just eight games into the 2021-22 season, the Terps struggled through a 16-17 season in 2023-24, prompting several players to enter the transfer portal. However, Reese remained steadfast, showcasing his character and commitment to the program. Elmore noted, "I think that word resilience is extremely important to attribute to his effort and really his longevity at Maryland. He could’ve ultimately gone someplace else, transferred to another school with the portal being open and NIL out there. The other word that I would attribute to him is character. I think that that’s extremely important and it goes a long way."
One of the most noticeable improvements in Reese's game this season has been his free-throw shooting. After shooting 80.4 percent as a freshman, his performance dipped to 53.3 and 56.8 percent in his sophomore and junior years, often leading to him being benched during crucial moments. This year, however, he has rebounded with a respectable 73.5 percent from the line, hitting four critical free throws in the win against Colorado State. Elmore commented, "I think on the pro level, while right now we don’t see him as a high pick, I think that’s something that pro people will take a look at — an individual’s character, someone that certainly will add to a team. I’m hopeful that they see that. I’m very proud of what he’s been able to do."
As Maryland prepares for the Sweet 16 clash against Florida, the atmosphere is charged with excitement. The Gators, ranked No. 3 in the nation according to KenPom, boast a deep roster and are led by senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who averages 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game. With both teams known for their fast-paced style of play, fans can expect an entertaining showdown. Elmore emphasized the importance of Maryland's strategy, stating, "The question for Maryland is do they stay the course, do they put pressure on Florida and force them to play defense and not settle simply for threes? Do they get out in transition as often as they possibly can and can they offensive rebound? Those are the things that kind of balance out a team’s depth. On a Thursday after the win last weekend, they should be fresh and ready to go."
In addition to Reese's impressive performance, Maryland's success can be attributed to the contributions of other key players, including freshman center Derik Queen, who made headlines with a last-second shot against Colorado State to secure the victory. The Terrapins have shown resilience throughout the tournament, and their chemistry on the court is evident as they aim for a national title.
Off the court, however, Maryland's program has faced its share of drama. Rumors surrounding head coach Kevin Willard's potential move to Villanova have circulated, with Willard expressing frustrations about the resources available for the men's basketball program. Adding to the uncertainty, athletic director Damon Evans recently announced his departure for SMU. Despite these challenges, Elmore believes the players are focused on their game, stating, "I think in the total environment, players recognize that these things are going to happen. The fact that they were done outwardly I don’t think really has any impact on them. We’re in a different environment now. Had this happened 10 years ago, 15 years ago, you probably would’ve been able to call it a distraction."
As the Terrapins gear up for their Sweet 16 matchup, the stakes are high. A victory against Florida would not only advance them to the Elite Eight but also solidify their status as a formidable contender in this year's NCAA Tournament. With Julian Reese leading the charge and a talented supporting cast, Maryland fans are hopeful that their team can make a deep run in March Madness.
In a family of basketball talent, Julian Reese is not the only one making waves. His sister, Angel Reese, a WNBA rookie sensation drafted No. 7 overall by the Chicago Sky, has also made headlines for her remarkable performances. The Reese siblings have remained close throughout their respective journeys, often crediting each other for their success. Julian, who is NBA Draft eligible after this season, aims to follow in his sister's footsteps and make a name for himself in professional basketball.
As the NCAA Tournament continues, all eyes will be on the Maryland Terrapins and their quest for glory. With a blend of talent, resilience, and determination, they are poised to make their mark in March Madness.
