The Terps are No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll released today -- the team's highest ranking this season.
Maryland coach Gary Williams had said on Feb. 23 that the Terps should be ranked. The Terps weren't in the top 25 then, but entered at No. 22 shortly afterward. They moved up after beating No. 4 Duke and Virginia.
I asked Williams today how much a national ranking means in terms of recognition.
"This is good, the attention that you get," the coach replied.
But Williams immediately said that Maryland was already on the national radar.
"When you win a national championship ... that doesn't go away quickly. People remember that," the coach said, referring to the 2002 title. He also said the Terps had gained exposure by winning NCAA tournament games in two of the past three seasons.