This senior class for Maryland is something special. Not only are Michal Cekovsky and Jared Nickens the first two Terps to play all four seasons in the Big Ten, they were a part of the 2015-2016 team that reached Maryland’s first Sweet 16 in over ten years.

Although this season may not have ended up like he had hoped, Cekovsky had nothing but love for his family, friends, teammates, and coaches after his Senior Day on Saturday. He took to Instagram on Monday with a heartfelt message and photos from the Senior Day ceremony that included himself, Nickens, and senior transfer Sean Obi.

You can see the post at this link.

Ivan Bender, who joined Cekovsky and his family on the court Saturday, has been Cekovsky’s partner-in-crime since coming to College Park. As he listed off thank yous to his family, girlfriend and others, Cekovsky didn’t forget about his teammate. “My Croatian brother from another mother @ivanbender_13 who has been the best friend since day 1 here in Maryland and I couldn’t imagine life here and after without you,” Cekovsky said.

Senior Day didn’t go as planned for the Terps, however, as Michigan controlled the game throughout a 85-61 loss. Cekovsky had four points, Nickens had five points and Obi did not score.

Cekovsky may not be one of the most dominant big men in Maryland history, but he has contributed more and more to the team as he’s grown over the past four years. After averaging 2.6 and 2.3 points per game in his first two seasons, Cekovsky took on a greater role the past two seasons after Diamond Stone and Robert Carter Jr. opted for the NBA draft in 2016.

Last season, Cekovsky averaged 7.6 ppg, but after sustaining an ankle injury before the Big Ten tournament, he and the team’s season ended earlier than expected. Coming off ankle surgery, Cekovsky returned this year without missing a step, starting 18 games and averaging 6.7 ppg.

“My coach @jarodulina that helped me with getting back after my ankle surgery to play the game I love the most so everyone was able to witness me play my last home game for the Maryland,” Cekovsky said. “Everyone probably expected something different from this year but we are not done yet and we are still fighting like we did the whole year!”

Cekovsky finished off his last regular season game at Xfinity Center with a total of 454 career points. As the Terps head to the Big Ten tournament and postseason play, Cekovsky will be looking to keep his season, and his Maryland career, going for as long as possible.