Greivis is back and happy
What a pleasant, sunny day at Comcast Center yesterday.
Greivis Vasquez was back and happy. His teammates -- some were milling around, others were running sprints on an adjacent field -- wore smiles.
I think most suspected Vasquez wouldn't stay in the NBA draft and would return for his senior season. "I thought he would (remain)," Eric Hayes said. Gary Williams had said much the same thing.
But still. You never know when an itchy NBA team will get a covetous feeling about a player and whisper in his ear.
Gary Williams said he was perfectly prepared to say goodbye to Greivis if the player got a top-20 draft nibble. But I don't think the coach expected that to happen. And neither did most of you Terps fans.
Say what you will about Greivis and his personality -- mercurial? passionate? hot-headed? I think the guy really works to improve himself. He knows all about the turnovers and knows he must improve his shot. I expect him to return a better player this year.
Comments
Say what you want but the day will come that Maryland will have an award named after Greivis
Posted by: Bert Jones | June 16, 2009 3:43 PM
I can't remember any Terp with the
the passion and fearlessness Vasquez brings the court. Greivis does not fear failure, and that is what separates him from the pack. I welcome him back.
Posted by: George Andrews | June 16, 2009 4:56 PM
Every good team need senior leadership as was evident last year for the Terps(Dave Neal) This will only help the terps improve their standing in the league next year. With new young players "that will play" the terps will need that Senior "glue" to keep them together. As always....looking forward to next year.
Posted by: Bryon | June 17, 2009 12:44 PM
Bert,
I'll have some of what you are smoking, it must be good stuff!
I think MD this year is definitely a better team than without. but an award named after him?!?!?!
but i love your optimism!
Posted by: csquare | June 19, 2009 8:51 AM
JB,
You are right about Greivis, his experience going through the NBA tryouts will make him a stud this year. He went up against the best and there is no way it could have not have raised his game. I look for him to end the year averaging around 22 points and in the top 3 in scoring in the ACC. I don't know what Bert is smoking, but I do bet that GV's jersey hits the rafters after this year. He is going to be a PR guy for us and the media will be focused on him and he will be loved this year. He is going to be much more polished after last year and his genuine passion for the game and for his coach is going to bring us players. Greivis will be remembered for the player the helped turn around our recruiting and the program much like Walt.
Posted by: Rob | June 19, 2009 4:26 PM
GV's return better be accompanied by that modicum of emotional maturation that he displayed last year. The 1st two years weren't a disaster; let's be polite and say last year was much better.
more emotional maturation for GV = 1st team AA = Terrific Terps
GV is off in the right direction. "Passion" is being replaced with good decision making and team play. It's as simple as that.
Posted by: MDR | June 22, 2009 11:53 AM
here's to hoping that he comes back driven. reports were that he faced jeff teague in a few workouts and was all but embarrassed. if GV plays like a 'senior', the terps will be better for it.
Posted by: space | June 29, 2009 5:12 PM
G reminds me of my 11 year old son-self centered with a good heart. Great guy to have as a team leader. The key is how much has the rest of the team grown? Almost everyone is back and, if they play with confidence, the Terps could prove to be a deep and talented match-up nightmare. Top 20 for sure.
Posted by: Ray in Texas | July 2, 2009 2:15 PM