The Maryland Terrapins are entering March Madness with their highest ranking since 2020, having secured seven victories in their last eight games. Few teams are as on fire as they are, and even fewer can boast a nickname that’s as memorable.
Maryland is famous for its crab cakes, and the Terrapins men’s basketball team possesses one of the nation’s finest lineups. Combine that with a touch of early ’90s nostalgia, and you have the Crab Five.
The Crab Five!! pic.twitter.com/w1kiWch0uJ
— Ricky Harris (@RickyHarris5) February 18, 2025
Maryland isn’t the only team in the NCAA with a unique nickname. Here are some other noteworthy monikers from the history of college basketball:
Dunk City
School: Florida Gulf Coast
Year(s): 2013
The 2013 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles made a historic Cinderella run, becoming the first 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16, showcasing numerous impressive dunks along the way.
Press Virginia
School: West Virginia
Year(s): 2008-2023
Bob Huggins’ West Virginia Mountaineers became known for their aggressive full-court defense, cleverly dubbed “Press Virginia,” which encapsulated Huggins’ coaching style and led the team to multiple Sweet 16 appearances.
Flintstones
School: Michigan State
Year(s): 2000
The 1999-2000 Michigan State Spartans earned their nickname from their star players hailing from Flint, Michigan, ultimately leading the team to a national championship.
Fab Five
School: Michigan
Year(s): 1992-1993
The freshman class of the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines, comprised of notable players such as Juwan Howard and Chris Webber, formed the iconic “Fab Five” and made memorable national championship appearances.
Lethal Weapon 3
School: Georgia Tech
Year(s): 1990
The 1989-90 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets advanced to their first Final Four, led by three players whose scoring prowess earned them the nickname “Lethal Weapon 3.”
