The College Park star is looking to put on one last show at home.
For Shyanne Sellers, her time at Maryland is nearing its end.
She has appeared in 127 games over the past four seasons and become one of the greatest players in Maryland women’s basketball history. Its NCAA Tournament run is set to begin on Saturday at Xfinity Center, and Sellers will play one or two final games at a place she’s called home since her freshman year.
“I don’t think it’s hit me that these could potentially be my last two games at Xfinity,” Sellers said.
After Maryland’s final regular season game against Ohio State, it was unclear if Sellers would play another game in College Park. After that game, in which Maryland defeated Ohio State in overtime, Maryland’s public address announcer Bob Johnson signed off by saying, “Goodnight, everyone, from Shyanne Sellers’ Xfinity Center.”
These tournament games allow Sellers to make a few more final memories in College Park.
She has made her mark on the program in her four years, becoming the first player in team history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists. Sellers was overshadowed in her first two years, as Diamond Miller received most of the early spotlight and Abby Meyers attracted eyes during Sellers’ sophomore year. But her junior year resembled a massive jump, both in play and leadership. She has been Maryland’s primary option and its main source of success since Miller left two seasons ago.
The Terps have and will go as far as Sellers takes them.
“It starts with [Sellers],” head coach Brenda Frese said. “She’s kind of like our bread and butter when you talk about her leadership style.”
The lengthy guard has built a reputation as one of the best players in the sport, and she’s transformed into a top WNBA prospect.
This season, the burden has been somewhat lifted off of Sellers’ shoulders, as an influx of transfers has made the need for her to take over somewhat relaxed. That being said, she is still Maryland’s vocal captain. She also has the most postseason experience on the roster, as Maryland has made the NCAA Tournament in each of her four years on campus.
In this year’s tournament, she will have to guide those who have never played at this stage to success.
“It’s bigger than me, though. I think this group of girls deserve a great opportunity,” Sellers said. “I know this is [Smikle’s] first time dancing, so we want to make it one to remember.”
This season has given Sellers some injury troubles, including stints of Maryland’s last game against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, where she was significantly limited. But the two-week break between games should help heal her nagging knee injury.
Sellers was named to the All-Big Ten first team and an Associated Press All-American honorable mention, averaging 14.1 points, 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game in 28 outings. She also scored 20-plus points seven different times during conference play.
She has dragged Maryland to several wins almost single-handedly this season, including its final road game against Indiana; Sellers totaled 25 points, with 21 coming in the fourth quarter.
Sellers’ relationship with Frese has shined bright during the season. Frese holds her to a high standard, but both have an appreciation for what they’ve done for each other.
“[Coach Frese] is tremendous,” Sellers said “I think her and March Madness go together like a pretzel and salt.”
But nothing is guaranteed for the rest of Sellers’ time at Maryland except Saturday’s game against No. 13-seed Norfolk State.
This March, she has a chance to further cement herself among program greats who have propelled Maryland through deep runs. Her final chance to do so will begin on a floor she knows all too well.
“Ohio State was a great way to go out if it was my last game at Xfinity,” Sellers said. “But now getting two more here … [it] means a lot to me, something I’ve taken for granted. I’m excited to get back out here.”