Maryland coach Brenda Frese screams in the face of star player Oluchi Okananwa in loss
Fiery Maryland coach Brenda Frese was seen screaming in star player Oluchi Okananwa’s face during a passionate moment during their March Madness loss to North Carolina.
Frese’s Terrapins were eliminated from the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday by the Tar Heels, who edged the winner 74-66 in Chapel Hill.
Okananwa, who scored only six points in the first 20 minutes, was subjected to harsh reactions from his coach; The coach was seen shouting angrily, touching the player’s chest and then tapping him on the shoulder.
However, the Maryland guard explained in the post-match press conference that his coach’s words were purely motivational.
‘The coach understands that I am a competitor at heart,’ Okananwa said. ‘I’ve told him this before and I’ll continue to tell him forever: I like to be worked hard. And that’s what he does with me every day.
‘And that was actually a regrouping moment for me and him telling me that he believed in me because sometimes that’s all you need to hear to get back there.
Maryland coach Brenda Frese was seen yelling in the face of one of her star players.
However, Terrapins guard Oluchi Okananwa revealed that Frese was trying to motivate him at the time.
‘It’s a long game, there’s a lot of ups and downs and after that call I felt like that’s when I actually went out on the pitch and did what I had to do for my team at that moment. So I’m forever grateful for that.’
Despite the loss that day, Frese’s words really breathed life into Okananwa, who recorded 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals on 9/18 shooting.
If the 22-year-old remains in College Park next season, he will likely prove to be a key player for the Terps once again.
Frese, who went 23-8 in his 24th season at Maryland, has turned his program into one of the most consistent in the country after making consecutive March 16 Madness appearances.
The 55-year-old led them to the NCAA Championship in 2005-06 but only reached the Final Four stage twice in the following 20 seasons.
Still, his impact in Maryland over the past two decades is undeniable.
“He’s one of the reasons why I came to Maryland to play,” Okananwa said of his coach before Saturday’s loss to North Carolina.
‘They’ve done this before so he can stay sane and calm.’
