I really hope Vasquez comes back. Like you said I cant imagine where the points are going to come from if he leaves. I just really hope the incoming freshmen are ready to play ACC ball.

Save us Born Ready!

nice commentary, jeff. but i disagree. landon milbourne needed to get more touches and shots all year long. he spent the season shooting over bigger guys and trying to score from 3 feet away from the bucket with the paint clogged with big men who sat down low because they never feared the terps 3 point shooters. if he is given the start at the natural 3 he should be golden.
one guy leaving means another steps up. there are other guys who can score too including the new post players. it will be better for them if he comes back but they shouldn't be completely devoid of offense.

Could we still land Lance if Vasquez returns? Do you think we would be better with both or just one of them?

This was an update? Vasquez hasn't decided anything and Stephenson would help in scoring if Vasquez left? Stephenson has baggage? groundbreaking stuff here

I see both of these guys in a Maryland uniform next year - both would benefit from it. Vasquez with more exposure and a list of things to work and improve and playing a proven scorer and assist man - Vasquez (if he comes back) will be looking to dish and play the point as he wants to play PG in the NBA and I can see a bunch of highlight reel moments from both playing together - so Stephenson would be the benficiary of this and having Vasquez on the team is a strong personality that and leader could reign in the "star" persona of Stephenson. Of course that is if Vazquez matures - if he is still showboating and Lance does as well it will be like putting gas on the fire - that may not be a bad thing either.

I am biased - I would like to see them both both here as it would be a great year and segway to what is looking like an excellent 2010 class with the maturing talent we have on the team now.

I think for Vasquez - if he stays he cold go down as one of the top Terps of all time as far as impact and numbers - I love him as a player and think he is underappreciated by most. I think if he left alot of people would miss him.

according to various nba draft websites vasquez highest ranking is 45th which would place him in the middle of the 2nd round. everything you read about stephenson...not quick, not real athletic, used his size to overpower smaller hign school guards, hogs the ball, moody, doesn't get along with teammates, legal problems, meddling father...is this the player you want for your team. we have 2 freshman coming in this year to play up front so it's not like maryland has a veteran team needing one piece of the puzzle to make a serious run in the tournament and stephensen only wants to play one yr so there is no future with him. kansas doesn't want him, memphis doesn't want him, arizona doesn't want him, kentucky doesn't want him. better for the terps to use the scholarship for 2010 on a kid who has better athletic skills, better attitude and a better chance of being a quality teammate.

The last thing we need is Stephenson. This guy is only looking out for himself. Read Monday's article in the Washington Post about him. He's all about himself and no one else-a one and done. Plus gary would need to deal with his father-good luck. I would welcome back Vasquez with open arms.

Jeff, Here's how I handicap the various scenarios. If the Terps get...

both Greivis and Lance--Combine these two with an improved Eric Hayes, balanced team and two other talented freshmen and UM once again becomes a Beast in the East, finishes in the Top 25 and goes deep in the NCAA Tournament. Top finish: Elite Eight (or further?)

Greivis, but no Lance--Improved over last season, but not as dominant as with both. Top finish: Sweet 16

Lance, but no Greivis--Flip a coin. Could be very good if he meshes, but could struggle some if Born Ready decides he's bigger than the team. Even worst case, these Terps will win some games. Top finish: NCAA second round.

neither Greivis nor Lance--Still some talent on the team, but if they can't find a consistent scoring threat they'll struggle to top a .500 winning percentage. Top finish: NIT semifinals.

Lance looks like, sounds like, and may even smells (stinks) like John Gilchrist. Don't you guys have enough of that? Here one (Greivis) plus one (Lance) don't equal two (better) --- it's for you, Ken & Eric.

Gilchrist only hurt Maryland because, at the time of his recruitment, he wasn't viewed to be a one-and-done player. As such, his "meltdown" seriously jeopardiazed his sophomore and the following 2 seasons (as no other point guards had been targeted in recruiting.) Stephenson, on the other hand, is viewed as a one-and-done player. Therefore, the program's and his mutual expectation is to attain the most success possible within that year. If he leaves, as expected, it would not impact on the 2010 class as his scholarship will be available.

As for the starting line-up, that is anyone's guess. Everyone who follows Maryland basketball already knows Gary Williams' mantra that playing time is earned in practice. That said, it is not a given that Sean Mosely will be in the line-up over Landon Milbourne. I agree with "space" in that Milbourne admirably played way out of position last year, which speaks highly of his character. Given the chance to play in his natural "3" slot, he could be an absolute beast. Besides, with the 2 freshmen underneath, I'm sure he'll still have to occasionally slide back to the "4" (beyond Gregory, there really aren't many other options as I'm not expecting too much, if anything, from Goins.) As such, even with Stephenson and Vasquez, there'll be plenty of minutes to share between the 1-3 positions.

Turning to Stephenson's attitude, if he "dogs" or even attempts to "dog" it, he'll privately hear it from Williams in practice. From what I've read, however, I'm not fully convinced that he won't take instruction/criticism. It appears that he's just not fully used getting any. With that said, there's probably some truth to the thought that his "non-commitment" to Maryland, thus far, may be, in part, due to his perception or mis-perception of Williams' coaching style, i.e., in-your-face ranting. It is inconceivable to me, however, that those issues have not already been addressed during any of Williams', et al.'s multiple visits with Stephenson and his family.

CHL, The difference is that Gilchrist was pretty much it when it came to those Terp teams, so that "me first" attitude was tolerated.

And for the record, John had some excellent games, including the 2004 ACC Tournament, where he more or less singlehandedly willed his team to the championship.

I think to a large extent Gary's learned his lesson with Gilchrist, though, and won't let Born Ready travel to the beat of his own drum very long. (And, besides, how long is "very long" if Stephenson is one-and-done before bolting to the NBA?)

As for Greivis, he has had his out of control moments, no question, but the longer he's been at UM, the more he's adjusted to the team concept.
Let's be clear about one thing: Without Greivis, the Terps would have gone nowhere last season. (His "selfishness" led to a triple-double in the great win over eventual National Champs UNC--think the Terps get that win without him?)

Coach tend to be willing to put with more from players that have superior talent, and Gary is no exception. It's just something that's become more and more tolerated. And let's face it, if a team is going move up in the polls, it usually takes a star or two to achieve the goal.

The prospect for greatness in having both Greivis and Lance on the Terps far exceeds any potential shortcomings!

Vasquez + Stephenson = A formula for success.

If they both are here - I don't see Gary putting up with any flack from Lance and letting it affect the team - experiment over as ther is enough talent with who is there along with GV. If he is one and done he dosn't hurt the scholarship scenario for 2010 - I don't think he will be a one and done unless he meshes with the team and plays well with other anyway becuase his stock will go down. Although not Lance's first choice I think he will sign (wether he is admitted or plays is still another question) and right now is just waiting or his legal issues to be cleared up.

I agree with Ken on his scenarios for the most part - some other thoughts -

1. I think it is too much to expect the freshman bigs to step in right away and contribute other than taking fouls and grabbing rebounds to start - if one really steps up that would be huge.
2. I think Neal and what he brought as far as leadership and chemistry will be missed.
3. I think players like Hayes, Tucker, Bowie, and Mosley and especially Milbourne will step up if needed - I hope Bowie and Mosley have been working on thier layups and shooting all off season.
4. If greives does come back - he will have something to prove.
5. If Lance comes here so will he - I think Gary can make it work and get the best out of him.
6. I think it is easy to bash this kid considering the bubble he lives in and I don't like most of what the Post has to say about Maryland - it seems slanted to me.
7. No matter I can't wait for the season to start.
8. I already love our 2010 class.

TNT, Space and Ken, you guys are right on the money about your points you make. The other thing about Gilchrist, which many people may not know, was that he was fooling around with Nik Canner-Medley's girl behind Nik's back. They were roommates their freshman year. These two did not like each other and the chemistry on that team of "me" player was horrible. Hard to believe we won the ACC Tourney with them. Remember who else was in that class...Travis Garrison (bust) and Chris McCray, agood player who later failed out. In my opinion Jamar Smith was our best recruit out of that class. Also if I remember correctly, Gilchrist lead them over Duke as well. It has taken us a while to get on track after that class and I can't say I am in agreement with your second to last sentence Ken. As much as I would love to see the Stephenson and Vasquez together, I think it is more a recipe for disaster. Two large personality seldom play well together (Kobe and Shaq). Hayes would end up crawling under a rock he would be so scared. Plus with such a good 2010 class coming in and us being in the mix with quite a few bigtime players, why risk it? Even if Stephenson does play well for MD do we want to be associated with that type of player? Wait till he gets some money in his pocket when he signs a NBA contract...you'll be reading about him again down the road and it won't be good. Keep the scholly for 2010 and let's land the Barton brothers. I'll wait a year for that any day of the week!

TNT, I have a feeling that Mosely will find himself in the dog house this year with Gary. He is a great hustler but often misses some easy scoring chances and often looks incredible slow out there. I'm not sure if he is not going to turn out to be a bust. If he fails to pick up his game this year considerably, Gary will sit him. He got away with it last year because there was so much hype with him coming in and he was of course a freshman. Milbourne is a bigger scoring threat than Mosely by far and should return to the three. Space is exactly right with his anaylsis. Mosely has great hustle and plays solid defense but he would have not started if Hayes had any consistant game to speak of, and if the other Gilchrist never left. Just my thoughts...

My math: Stephenson + Maryland = A formula for disaster. To say this kid has "baggage" is, by any objective standard, akin to saying the Grand Canyon a hole in the ground with some water running through it. One and done players are fine-- ask Gary about Steve Francis (even if he did say he was "99% sure" he was returning for his Senior season).

Eric - Winston-Salem: You wrote that "taking fouls and grabbing rebounds" is about all we usually can hope for from freshmen. Very true, but I believe Jordan Williams is going to be a pleasant exception to that rule. Ditto, Lance, should he decide to join the Terps.

Stephenson, especially, is a top player coming out of high school, and Williams averaged over 30 points a game as a senior, so they may surprise. The Terps can use scorers, for sure.

Rob: Your brought up some things I didn't know, including the Gilchrist/Caner-Medley feud. I always thought Nik never quite rose to very top of his potential, but was still an excellent player. I always thought Nik--unike Gilchrist, at times--gave it his all when on the court.

I must disagree with you a bit concerning the prospect of having Greivis and Lance on the page. You note that two big personalities seldom work out on the same team, citing Kobe and Shaq as a example.

However, despite their differences, the two contributed to three consecutive NBA titles with the Lakers, so Zen master Phil Jackson was able to keep those colossal egos in check. I think Gary Williams could do the same with Vasquez and Stephenson.

Interestingly, you write that "[Eric] Hayes would end up crawling under a rock he would be so scared." Maybe, but it could have opposite effect, too, if Hayes felt less pressured. Remember, he took a big step in maturation at the end of the year, when he was the most dependable scorer after Greivis. I'm looking for Eric to put together a really great senior year.

Old Timer: "Stephenson + Maryland = A formula for disaster." Really? I know you're like a lot of people who are fearful of Born Ready's "baggage." In a way I can't say I blame you, but look at it from another angle. Gary has been doggedly after this kid since the end of the season. I think we need to trust that Coach knows what he's doing in this regard. He's talked to Lance on more than one occasion, even visiting him at his home, so I think he's had the opportunity to do something that none of us have, and that's sort fact from fiction concerning Stephenson.

When Gary came to Maryland in 1989 the program was in shambles and that was due in part to recruiting violations by his predecessor, Bob Wade. Since then, it's been Williams' policy to keep a squeaky clean profile when it comes to who he recruits and how he recruits.

That being the case, I think he would have backed away from Lance a long time ago if he believed he was getting a bad apple. He may be taking a little chance due to the heat he received from the news media (mainly, the ever-hostile Washington Post) over his perceived failure to recruit major talent , but I can't believe he'd go too far out on a limb even then.

Like I said, trust Coach.

Rob:

I think you misunderstood me. I was not advocating Mosley as an ordained starter for next season. Much the opposite. I was merely pointing out the problem with a presumption that the line-up, should Stephenson commit (and be declared eligible), would necessarily be a 3 guard Vasquez-Stephenson-Mosley backcourt. If the Terps show sufficient strength underneath, I believe Williams would prefer to move Milbourne back to his natural "3" position where he would be most effective.

On the other hand, I don't think Mosley will be a bust. I saw a lot of good things from him, including a very high basketball IQ, last season. Yes, he did miss a disproportionately high number of lay-ups, which made you cringe. And, yes, he does not possess great lateral speed to guard defensively. And, finally, yes, he was not a particularly effective outside shooter. However, his hype coming in was as a smart, tough slasher/scorer who would always hustle, could get to the rim, play tough defense and provide rebounding help. I think he more than delivered on that promise.

His outside shooting, which was not regarded as one of his strengths, will likely improve this year (hopefully, he borrowed from Juan Dixon's book and spent the summer shooting 500 jump shots a day.) I have to also believe that the lay-up issue, too, will significantly improve. With a year of experience under his belt, the game should "slow down" for him. If those things improve, as I anticipate they will, and he maintains his expected focus in practice--you may recall that the word was that he was the fiercest practice player on the team--his playing time will take care of itself.

Ken and TNT,

You both make some strong arguements and I can see your points as well. Ken can't disagree that Kobe and Shaq had quite a bit of success.
On Hayes, we will have to agree to disagree. He did have a nice game against N.C. State and came on strong at the end of the Memphis game. However how many times does he pull a no show in big situations, many. He is also a good scorer usually when games have been decided and MD is usually on the short end of the stick. If I remember correctly, he stunk up the first half of Memphis game to come on strong at the end. Not the level of consistancy you need from that position. I do hope Hayes picks it up this year, but I do believe what you see from him is what you're going to get.

TNT, I hope you're right about Mosely and he becomes a strong finisher. What are your thoughts on Kim and how does he fit in this year? This kid may be the unknown factor along with Tucker. Gary said that Kim is one of the best shooters he has ever seen, strong words.

I hope the Terps can get Lance to commit. Even for one year, I think he'll be out to prove everyone wrong, and possibly prove his worth in the NBA. If Greivis comes back also, the Terps could be looking at an awesome season

Rob:

Personally, I'm not yet sold on Kim. He may be a good pure shooter, but so was Brian Magid (I'm showing my age.) Likewise, Mike Jones, too, was as pure a shooter as I've ever seen, but to consitently get onto and stay on the court, you need to be able to do more than simply shoot. So far, his shooting prowess has not really translated in game situations. He really was not physically ready last year and, absent some serious time in the weight room, may still be too weak to offer little more than sporadic scoring help off the bench.

As for Tucker, on the other hand, I don't think I'm completely alone in my curiosity as to what exactly happened to him. He looked so promising as a freshman and got off to a very good start last year before finding a near permanent seat deep on the bench. I have to think something happened in practices which created some riff between Williams and him. His frustrated mid-season rant to the media likely didn't help his cause much either. Since Williams is so properly protective of issues with his players, that is, he doesn't air and/or downplays any discord, we'll probably never know what happened. Undoubtedly, Tucker is a high character kid and a talented player with scoring ability. You have to think he will be an important cog with the team, particularly if Stephenson does not commit and/or Vasquez does not return as the Terps will need to get scoring from someone.

Rob, Eric did a bit better at the end of the season than you what you recall. In the final five games of the season--all tourney games, by the way, starting with 21 against NC State in the first round of the ACC--he scored in double figures and averaged 15.2 ppg.

And arguably his best game in that stretch wasn't against the Wolfpack, but against Duke two games later, when he led the Terps in scoring with 20 and gave them a chance to win, after the Blue Devils held Greivis to 14. (Adrian Bowie was the only other Terp to reach double figures with 10.)

Eric also had a solid game against California in that stretch (14) and versus Wake Forest was part of a balanced attack (one of four Terps in double figures. No one played too well against Memphis, especially the first half, but like you say, Hayes did make some shots later in the game to finish with 10 points.

So I stand by what I wrote. For him to average over 15 ppg when every game was make-or-break for UM was encouraging and reason to hope that he's taken a step up. We'll know soon enough, but I was pretty happy with his overall play down the stretch and if he can carry that kind of play over to the 2009-2010 season, it would be a big boost for the Terps.

Here's a link with the game totals:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=32016

Ken,

Look at the stats and see how many times during the season he pulled a no show in ACC games, especially one we lost. He had a few good games but he is highly inconsistent. Most of his points come off of foul shots. The stats totally support my point. His FG barely went up from year to year and his 3 pt percentage went down. Duke he put up his points at the end of the game when we really did not have a chance to win the game. The score looks close against Duke, but c'mon Duke had control of that game. I am pulling for the guy, but I don't think he is a quality player in the ACC by any stretch. Probably would have been a decent mid major player. Ken I will give you that he did score better down the end of the schedule when he came off the bench. But what does that tell you about him?

TNT--wow, I can't believe you referenced Brian Magid !!!Now there was a great shooter that like you said, could shoot, but couldn't play d, run the floor great, nor rebound. However, one of the most exciting guys to watch b/c you knew he was going to launch some beauties!

That said, forget Stephenson and his baggage, and as for GV--how much more can we put up with his a-hole comments like, "Gary's made a lot more money than all of you..."--which in fact, he said twice--as his defense of GW's coaching? Grow up, shut up, and be a team player. I personally would prefer he go to the pros and learn some lessons in humility, rather than make us suffer another year of his ego. if it means we're not going to the NCAAs this year and not playing well in the ACC, well we've grown accustomed to that now--haven't we? But tha'ts for another blog.....

I for one will be glad to see gary williams leave um. that ranting up and down the sideline in front of the
bench and getting in the face of some of the players is getting old. lance will
not come to um. gary would probably
screw his game up. gary isn't that great of a coach. time for him to go

Rob, I never said Eric is the next Steve Blake, but going back and looking at his stats again after reading your latest post, I must again respectfully disagree with you.

You said he "pulled a no show in ACC games, especially ones we lost." Okay, but you know what, so at times did every single member of that team, including Greivis, which made it so frustrating and infuriating to watch the Terps at times.

You write that he's "highly inconsistent", but I'd counter that he was far less so last year and revise what I said about him just being improved down the stretch. Much of the season he was better.

Again, you said he had "a few good games." I guess "few" is a relative term, because besides the good games I mentioned during the tourney, he had some big games in the ACC. In the great upset over UNC he had 17 points. (Oh, by the way, only four of those points were from the charity stripe--as if that really matters; last time I looked games have been won or lost on free throws.)

Eric also has 15 and 12 points in wins against GA Tech and VA Tech, respectively, to mention just to of the other decent games he had in conference play.

Rob, I think you'e grading him too hard. I think he is a quality player in the ACC. I think he holds his own there. Is he an all-conference caliber player? Well, he hasn't been so far and would need to step up his game significantly to get even honorable mention, but that doesn't mean he's not a quality player.

I'd say Dave Neal was a quality player last season. Was he limited in what he brought to the court. Yes. And so is Hayes, but that doesn't mean he can't be a solid contributor.

You damned him with faint praise by saying he was good down the stretch "when he came off the bench," to which I say, what's wrong with that! Gary Williams has always loved having role players who might not be his stars, but who can be depended on to give him some solid minutes when they're in there.

Who knows, maybe you're right, maybe we saw Eric Hayes peak and maybe he's goiong to be a forgotten man this season. All I say is that in fairness don't write him off yet. If he can't step up, then Gary should have others to put in, but if Hayes does, then the guard rotation is deepened and the Terps are the better for it!

The worst thing that could happen to Gary Williams is Lance Stephenson. Maryland is set at both guard positions with Vasquez back. The rotation, established last year, will flourish. Look for Mosley and Tucker to have break out years...they are for real. You cannot replace experience and that is what Hayes brings to the table...loads of it. Hayes will be deadly this year. If Bowie can sustain his confidence to a high level for an entire game...watch out. Could any of this happen with Stephenson in the fold...I doubt it.
Disappointed with the Dupree transfer. Thought Gary should have let the big fella find his game on the court, much like Gary did with Lonnie Baxter. Like the recruits coming in, may allow Landon Milbourne, unsung hero, to play natural position in the later part of the year. Gary should consider picking up a JUCO forward to round out the front court rotation if Jerome Bierny doesn't appear ready to contribute.
With all of that said, for the first time in years, Terps are going to make some consistant noise in the ACC. Very much looking forward to the season ahead, the ACC Tournament, and the "Sweet Sixteen." Bowie...this is your team in 2010...prepare!