Maryland Basketball Alumni Reunite on the Court and Behind the Scenes in TBT Competition
HARRISONBURG, VA – A notable gathering of Maryland men’s basketball legends took place this past Friday night, but this reunion was not centered around celebrating their 2002 NCAA championship victory. Instead, former Terps Juan Dixon, Byron Mouton, and Andre Collins teamed up in a coaching capacity for Shell Shock, the alumni-led team competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). This event, which features a knockout format similar to March Madness, offers a grand prize of $1 million to the victorious squad.
Shell Shock’s Thrilling Opening Win and Its Significance
The tournament kicked off at eight regional sites, including the James Madison University’s Atlantic Union Bank Center, where Shell Shock, seeded second, narrowly edged out Love Virginia, the seventh seed, with a final score of 75-74 in the round of 64. Key contributions came from Diamond Stone, who scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Darryl Morsell, who added 10 points, both former Maryland stars. Their performance set the tone for what could be an exciting run in the tournament.
Regardless of the outcome in their upcoming second-round matchup against the third-seeded Red Rose Thunder, the energy and excitement generated during Friday’s game-amplified by passionate Maryland supporters-have sparked discussions about hosting future TBT games at Maryland’s Xfinity Center. Such a move could elevate the event’s profile and generate significant revenue, as TBT has distributed over $13 million in prize money since its inception in 2014.
Potential for Hosting TBT at Maryland’s Xfinity Center
Team executive director and general manager Nima Omidvar expressed optimism about bringing the tournament to College Park. “Our goal has always been to position this organization as a viable host for TBT, creating a revenue stream for the university’s athletic department,” Omidvar explained. “Looking at successful events at programs like Louisville, Kentucky, and Wichita State, we see the potential for a multi-million-dollar impact that benefits both the local community and Maryland athletics.”
Recent Changes in Maryland’s Athletic Leadership
The Maryland athletic department has recently undergone leadership changes, with Jim Smith stepping into the role of athletic director this past Monday. Smith succeeds Damon Evans, who departed for Southern Methodist University shortly before Kevin Willard’s appointment as Maryland’s head basketball coach. The transition has been a topic of discussion among Terps fans, especially given the recent coaching upheaval and the departure of former coach Willard.
Former Maryland Players Continue Their Basketball Journeys
Many alumni participating in Shell Shock have built international careers, with some spending years playing professionally overseas. Diamond Stone, who played at Maryland during the 2015-16 season as the program’s highest-rated recruit, and Darryl Morsell, who earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021, are among those representing the team. Other notable players include Melo Trimble, currently sidelined due to injury, as well as Eric Ayala, L.G. Gill, Xavier Green, and Varun Ram-all of whom have gained international experience.
Driven by a Championship Mindset
Byron Mouton, one of the assistant coaches alongside Terps legend Joe Smith and head coach Dixon, emphasized the importance of winning. “Playing for Gary Williams instilled a championship mentality in me,” Mouton stated. “This team’s goal is to compete at the highest level-anything less isn’t acceptable. We’re here to win, plain and simple.”
Building a Legacy Through Alumni Engagement
The formation of this alumni squad was championed by Dave Neal, a former Maryland standout from 2005 to 2009. Neal, who remains deeply connected to the program as president of the Maryland Basketball Coalition, aims to unite past and present Terps players to rekindle the program’s winning tradition. “Our mission is to bring Maryland basketball alumni together across generations and reignite the championship spirit that defines us,” Neal shared via text. “Shell Shock is just the beginning of that journey. Now is the time for all Terps-former and current-to unite and uphold the legacy of excellence.”
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Following their victory, the team gathered in a lively locker room, where Dixon, Mouton, Smith, Collins, and other alumni expressed their pride and excitement. Dixon, who recently served as head coach at Coppin State from 2017 to 2023, reflected on the significance of the moment. “Playing alongside guys who wore the Maryland colors and sharing this victory with the Shell Shock family means everything to me,” he said. “This win isn’t just about the game; it’s about honoring our history and building a future for Maryland basketball.”