In a heartwarming tribute to the iconic Lefty Driesell era, Maryland basketball has announced the unveiling of its latest throwback uniform set. These nostalgic jerseys are set to make their debut during the Terps' highly anticipated game against Michigan State at the XFINITY Center on January 21, 2024, which will be nationally televised on CBS. The event will honor the profound impact of Driesell and the revered teams of the 1970s.
The uniforms pay homage to this historic era with a script 'Maryland' across the chest and the interlocking UM logo, emblematic of the 1970s. These classic designs incorporate red lettering and numerals outlined in black, while the trim adorning the arms, neck, and shorts reflect the traditional Maryland colors of red, black, and white. Furthermore, similar to the new main uniform set for the 2023-24 season, the Under Armour logo graces the center neckline, allowing space for additional patches, including the new Graduate patch, to be prominently displayed. The interlocking UM logo is proudly showcased on the front leg of the shorts and on the back of the jersey above the players' last names.
Lefty Driesell, a revered figure in college basketball, coached the Terps from 1969 to 1986, leaving an indelible mark on the program. His remarkable tenure, which witnessed a 348-159 overall record, stands as the second-best in program history, trailing only the esteemed Gary Williams. Under Driesell's leadership, Maryland achieved monumental success, reaching eight NCAA Tournaments (1973, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986), clinching the 1972 NIT Championship title, securing the 1984 ACC Tournament Championship, and capturing a pair of ACC Regular Season titles. Moreover, the Terps made six appearances in the ACC title game during Driesell's tenure. Notably, Maryland was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in the AP rankings for four consecutive years from 1972 to 1976, marking a significant era of success and acclaim for the program.
The throwback jerseys and the upcoming tribute game against Michigan State aim to honor the legacy and accomplishments of Lefty Driesell, providing an opportunity for fans, players, and the basketball community to celebrate the golden era of Maryland basketball and the profound impact of one of its most legendary coaches.