Former Terps forward Joe Smith addresses the media before Maryland hosts Georgetown at Xfinity Center on Nov. 17, 2015.
The Terrapins men’s basketball team’s history with Georgetown is well documented. For years, the athletic departments didn’t see eye-to-eye and Georgetown refused to meet the Terps on the hardwood.
The last time the teams played in a scheduled regular-season game, on Nov. 23, 1993, also marked the debut of one of the most popular Terps of all time.
Forward Joe Smith scored 26 points, hauled in nine rebounds and recorded three steals in the Terps’ 84-83 overtime upset win over then-No. 15 Georgetown.
With the No. 3 Terps hosting the Hoyas Tuesday night, Smith took some time to address the media.
“I don’t know if you all could hear it in my voice, but I’m nervous,” Smith said with a chuckle. “It’s a great feeling to be back. Like I said before, it’s been too long since I’ve been back.
Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 draft, left college after a sophomore campaign in which he averaged 20.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks.
He commended coach Mark Turgeon’s job in putting this team together, and said he’s excited for the high-profile matchup.
“I’m going to be up cheering, clapping. I’m a student tonight,” Smith said. “I never got this opportunity.”
