It'll be remembered as a year that cemented Williams' place on campus, that validated his keen abilities as a game coach, even as questions continue about his recruiting efforts.
It also reaffirmed Williams' own beliefs in young student-athletes. That's why, after the game, he stood before them in the locker room and reminded them that doubters and critics were standing in line to take a number, that the players persevered, that they returned the program to the NCAA tournament after a one-year absence. And no one, Williams told them, could ever take that way.
"I know overall, once we look back on this season, it's going to be a great one for us," said junior Eric Hayes.
In a season of nosebleed highs and antidepressant lows, the Memphis finale falls somewhere in the middle. It showcased so much of what was good and bad about this team.
An example of the bad: Vasquez's bold and foolish pronouncement that Memphis would struggle if it competed alongside Maryland in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "I was kind of happy he said it," conceded Tigers coach John Calipari, knowing players will pounce on any piece of motivation they can get. Vasquez will test the NBA waters this spring. Time will tell whether his skills are ready, but his mouth always seems to be a couple steps in front of him.[
An example of the good: Seeing Neal, the team's lone senior and a player no one foresaw as a big-time contributor, playing one last game, giving one last growl after a three-pointer.
"It's been a dream come true for me," he said. "I'll never forget it. I'll probably talk about this year the rest of my life."
I asked Williams how he'd look back on this year's team. I knew the answer as did anyone who watched the Terps fight their way off the tournament bubble and into the 65-team field - but it seemed appropriate to hear him say it one final time.
"I'll be really proud of this year's team," he said.
"They were incredible in terms of support for me."
Forty-five minutes after the Terps' season had ended, after the Tigers had shown a hungry nation of basketball fans why they were a No. 2 seed and a favorite for the Final Four and why the Terps were a No. 10 seed going home early, Maryland players were seated silently around the perimeter of the locker room. A chartered flight was waiting to whisk them away from the disappointment, but for the time being, all they could do was sit. And wait. Heads buried in hands, fingers twiddling with phones, eyes cast blankly ahead.
Finally, Williams walked in and checked his watch.
"Is that it?" he said, pulling his travel bag over his shoulder. "OK, let's go."
One by one, players rose from their seats, with no choice but to leave the NCAA tournament and their roller-coaster season behind. They filed out of the locker room and out of the arena, following their coach the entire way to the team bus.
