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Maryland Basketball Coach Banks Big Bonus On Controversial Buzzer Beater After Trashing Cheap AD

#Maryland Terrapins
by Last Updated
Maryland basketball coach Kevin Willard on the sidelines.

© Steven Bisig-Imagn Images


The Maryland basketball team is headed to the Sweet 16. The Terrapins advanced through the opening weekend with a win over Colorado State on Sunday.

That victory came in buzzer beating fashion with Derik Queen sinking a game-winning shot as time expired. Head coach Kevin Willard might’ve been the biggest winner.

Willard banked a five-figure bonus with his NCAA Tournament win, bringing his postseason total to $130,000 this March. It offered a stark contrast to previous commentary on his future and the state of program.

Prior to his team’s Big Dance appearance, he was heard blasting the Maryland AD for being cheap. He called out Damon Evans for pinching pennies as opposed to making an investment in the basketball program. The rant came in response to a question about his name being linked to other job opportunities.

“I need to see fundamental changes done. I want this program to be great… but there’s things that need to change… We’ve been one of the worst, if not the lowest, in NIL the last two years.”

-Kevin Willard

It’s worth noting that NIL and bonus structure are not apples to apples. Still, making an investment in the coach is making an investment in the program.

Kevin Willard obviously wants to see more in terms of player payment to help with recruiting. He’d also like to have more resources at hand to maintain momentum and develop Maryland into a top basketball school. If it doesn’t happen, he might just take another job.

For now, though, he’s with the Terps. He’s focused on continuing this March Madness run that could’ve ended in controversial fashion on Sunday.

Viewers think Maryland travelled on the game-winning shot.

One could argue that three steps were taken before that shot left the hand of Derik Queen. Still, it was a call that probably wasn’t going to be made in a situation of that magnitude.

With the game on the line, officials swallowed their whistles. It allowed the Terrapins to emerge victorious and keep their season alive.

Queen spoke about Kevin Willard after the fact. It’s clear that the freshman wants to see his head coach stay on the sidelines moving forward.

The duo has at least one more game together in the Sweet 16. The Terps will face Florida in the next round. Another win would add to Willard’s bonus payout. We’ll see if it’s enough to keep him put this offseason.