More Qs and more As
I read some of your comments at the end of the last Tracking the Terps question and answer session.
Here are some answers to your questions:
(From Anonymous): Why is it that Gus Gilchrist won't be eligible till 2nd semester next year when he transferred this past summer? Is the NCAA screwing us again? So who's leaving? For Bowman to commit, somebody has to leave.
Dear Anonymous: The way this sordid tale has been explained to me, on and off the record, is that Gilchrist was forced to sit out a year-and-a-half after committing to Virginia Tech, then changing his mind by going to Maryland. Gilchrist said it had to do with the tragic shootings in Blacksburg last spring, but folks down there said it was other reasons that I have yet to confirm. As for the situation involving Hutchinson CC power forward Ken Bowman, I am sure one of those who've been chained to the bench this season will find a new home next season.
From Mark: With the absence of any frontline help, why doesn't Gary use the zone some? The Virginia Tech game was a perfect example of needing to buy time with Osby, Gist and Vasquez in first-half foul trouble. Va. Tech is not a big-time 3-point shooting team.
Dear Mark: Maryland briefly tried it Wednesday night and immediately got burned with a three. The Hokies were ranked dead last in the ACC coming into the game at 32.1 percent and shot six of 17 for the game. But Virginia Tech made their last three, two by A.D. Vassallo, to take control of the game.
From Ron: You say you don't mind Vasquez taking over games 'cause no one else (except Osby) showed up against the Hokies. But sometimes a good point guard can get Gist, Milbourne and others more involved. That's his job. Also what about [the] Terps going smaller and quicker this year and next, with Milbourne at the 4 slot, just to get the best players out on the court (and since Walker, Dupree and Neal can't contribute as much as the smaller guys)?
Dear Ron: I think Vasquez has the capability to take over games, but you're right, it's his job to get the other guys involved. Vasquez did that at the beginning of the game, when the Terps took a 14-point lead, but the moment he picked up his second foul on an obvious offensive foul that even Vasquez regretted later, it was all downhill (or uphill) for Maryland. Gist, Landon Milbourne and Eric Hayes better show up in Miami on Saturday or it could be a long (or short) afternoon for the Terps. If you're suggesting taking Osby or Gist out of the lineup to go with a smaller group, that means you're taking away one of the team's two shotblockers and rebounders. Williams tried a smaller lineup with Adrian Bowie joining Vasquez and Hayes, and it seemed to be working until Vasquez picked up his silly second foul.
Comments
Is it foolish to think Vasquez might be the reincarnation of John Gilchrist ?
Posted by: Jeff | February 22, 2008 7:58 PM
Get Gary Williams out of there if he can't recruit !!!!!!!!!!!!1 Its painful to watch ALL the talent that comes from that area who hasn't tried or hasn't been able to get Durant, Gay Anthony etc . Go Hoyas they get the picture don't they ??????
Posted by: tim | February 22, 2008 11:20 PM
Don't compare Vasquez to John Gilchrist, please. Vasquez loves Maryland and he is a soldier for Gary. Gilchrist had one good year and then destroyed the team his junior year. Vasquez wants to win more than anyone on the court. He is flamboyant and passionate. He has stated in past interviews that he needs to work on his decision making so give him a break. We will go only as far as Vasquez takes us!
Posted by: BIG Z | February 23, 2008 1:42 AM
yes Jeff. it is very foolish.
Posted by: Custard Doug | February 23, 2008 9:28 AM
Jeff - some similarities, but I think their intentions are different. Vazquez plays with a flare, it's just how he plays. He wants to win, at any cost. And with this team, and no other leaders, he feels he has to take over to win.
Gilchrist thought he was NBA material after a tremendous ACC tourney run. He was on the fence, but decided to come back with the intention of becoming a lottery pick. He tried to take over games for purely selfish reasons and didn't want to hear anything from Gary about "team" in practice.
Sometimes it may feel the same watching, but I think their intentions are polar opposites.
I can't wait for Mosely next year...and Gus in January. Hopefully the 2 JUCO's don't have a 1-year learning curve, like most do.
And, hopefully we can land a few of the sophomores from Bmore. It's now or never for Gary.
Posted by: Mark | February 23, 2008 9:37 AM
too elaborate on Jeff's comment on Vasquez V Gilchrist.
Vasquez shows up to every game, wants to get his teammates involved, listens to his coaches, has a passionate attitude. Look at his improvement from this year to last.
Gilchrist was the single most selfish player I ever remember playing. He had his moments of greatness, but the way I saw it, his whole goal was too boost himself into playing pro ball.
The only similarity is that they both were a little reckless at times Other than that any comparison is ridiculous. In fairness to Vasquez, his recklessness is due to the fact that he has ZERO help as referenced by the ZERO points from the bench the other night.
Posted by: Custard Doug | February 23, 2008 9:40 AM
Jeff,
Since you asked, yes it is foolish. Vasquez and Gilchrist are nothing alike in most important areas, including playing style, personality, and teachability. They're both talented guys who rub some people the wrong way, that's about as far as you can compare them. Also, the only point at which JG could be compared to GV in terms of productivity was in the ACC tournament run his soph year.
I understand why some people get very frustrated with Vasquez, and his tendency to be blunt and enigmatic in interviews probably doesn't help his cause (English as a second language probably is a factor as well). But as a sophomore, he is already one of the best guards in MD history, and one would presume/hope he'll get even better. I think the comparisons to Gilchrist are entirely unfair and tired; let's put them to rest, please.
Posted by: Jeremy | February 23, 2008 11:32 AM
No, I was not suggesting that Osby or Gist be removed from the starting line-up! Golly.
Look, these big guys have a hard time going 30 minutes each at top speed. So that leaves 10 minutes each, or 20 minutes, of time to fill. Running Walker, Neal and Dupree out there just means the other team will open up a gap between them and the Terps. Why bother repeating this scenario over and over?
The answer is to go small and quick, like some of the NBA teams (the Suns, with Shawn Marion at power forward, before Shaq). The long-armed Milbourne can start at 3 and play lots at 4 as well. This gives more time to Tucker when he is healthy. Instead of 15 minutes, maybe he gets 25 minutes, so that he develops confidence with his shot, and then really starts to develop.
Next season, when Gist and Osby go, it is even more likely that a smaller lineup will be helpful. Gilchrist is the only good big coming in so far (with Bowman a possibility but not a sure starting 4 guy at the ACC level). Mosely, Gaze and maturing Tucker, Bowie and Milbourne all mean an athletic group that other teams will have a hard time keeping up with when added to Vasquez, Hayes. Dynamite--but the Terps have to exploit this possibility, starting now.
Posted by: EdDC | February 23, 2008 11:38 AM
Yes I think that it is foolish.
Posted by: Chris | February 23, 2008 12:14 PM
Gilchrist comparison is ONLY ACCURATE - If adn I STRESS "IF" Vasquez was a POINT GUARD!!!
HE is NOT, he is a 2Grd, plays best off the ball, this MD team does NOT have an adequate PG - Hayes is suppose to be that, BUT injuries haven't helped him, PLUS he is not Blake, and seems to NOT be able to create Offese for others, like Blake did!
THe PG coming in from Hutchinson's JC should cover the issue, BUT MD needs to recruit a PG......why the hell did Lucas pass on MD, doesn't John like Williams.....show me 1 Gator PG in the NBA....Md at least has a few...Blake, Francis, Dixon to some extent! I think Lucas's move was not wise and I think John Lucas should NEVER be allowed on MD campus....what? Did MD not stand behind him during his torubled times?
Posted by: Jim | February 23, 2008 2:40 PM
PLEASE, PLEASE, someone, any one dont let Gary watch a replay of the Ohio U , Mason game played on Sat. We do not want him to fall off the wagon. Tell him the game was postponed. He cannot suffer through this. Thanks.
Posted by: Herbie | February 24, 2008 6:34 PM