NCAA Blogging -- Muchas Gracias, Greivis Vasquez
When the disappointment of Maryland's 85-83 loss to Michigan State finally fades -- and it's definitely going to take awhile, because that was an absolute heartbreaker -- take a minute or two and raise a glass or tip your hat (or whatever is your custom) in honor of the unique and entertaining Terrapin career of Greivis Vasquez.
Vasquez passed Len Bias on Sunday to become Maryland's 2nd all-time leading scorer behind Juan Dixon, but years from now, when we think about him, stats are never going to accurately paint a proper picture of what his career was like. He'll likely go down as one of the most interesting college athletes to ever pass through College Park, and if you followed his career, you likely ran the gamut of emotions. He was erratic and emotional, fabulous and frenetic, courageous and captivating, sometimes all in one game.
I'm not sure we'll ever see another player like him. It was only this season that we really got the chance to appreciate him, in part because it was only this season he really let us in.
I'm not sure anyone can ever understand how hard it must have been for him to enroll at Maryland with only a limited grasp of English in 2006. The pressures of college are hard enough without having to juggle athletics -- plus academics in a language that's not your own -- and think of what it must have been like at times for him. Thousands of miles from his home and his family, struggling at times to find his role in Maryland's program, only vaguely understanding the frequent criticism half the fan base is throwing at you.
Johnny Holliday told me once that Vasquez told him his parents listened to every Maryland basketball game over the Internet, and that they loved listening to Holliday's voice. Holliday thanked Vasquez for his kind words, but then thought about it for a second and asked Vasquez an obvious question: Greivis, if they don't understand any English, how do they follow what's going on?
Well Mr. Holliday, Vasquez said, they just listen for my name. If you're saying it a lot, they assume I'm doing well.
After that, Holliday always made it a point to say Vasquez's name multiple times after big baskets.
Greivis, Greivis, Greivis!
The message, which traveled across borders and oceans and cultures, was crystal clear in any language: Vasquez was becoming an excellent college basketball player.
It was sort of a learning experience for us too. Gary Williams had to explain to people countless times that Venezuelan culture was expressive, flamboyant, unapologetic and emotional. That's why Vasquez was the way he was, and he wasn't changing. His antics still rubbed some people the wrong way, as did the way Vasquez played -- launching ill-advised 3-pointers, throwing one-handed passes, driving the lane without much of a plan. When it worked, it was beautiful chaos. When it didn't, it felt like one man trying to do too much.
What's interesting is how much Vasquez seemed to feed off that criticism. He and Williams were such a compelling duo in part because neither is the type to ever walk away from a fight. Not a physical conflict, per se, but an emotional one. When Vasquez was booed by a small group of his own fans after a late-season victory over Georgia Tech last year, he told his fellow students, in not so subtle terms, to go to hell. Williams defended him. And when Williams was under fire from Maryland fans, the media, and his own athletic department last year, it was Vasquez who had his coach's back, lashing out at reporters.
By the time his junior year ended, it felt like it might be in everyone's best interests if Vasquez took his game to the NBA.
But something wonderful happened this season. Vasquez surprisingly returned, played under control more, and for the most part, he was more beautiful than chaotic. A hungry Terrapin fanbase embraced him. No, he wasn't perfect. He could still frustrate you, but he was still the heart and soul of this Maryland team. To see Maryland students holding up Venezuelan flags on senior night, an emotional victory over Duke that was very much in doubt until Vasquez secured it with a running, falling, "did-he-really-just-take-that?" fade away jumper, was to witness a genuinely touching college moment. Vasquez, who for years acted like he didn't need anyone's love outside his family, his coach and his teammates, was basking in an outpouring of affection from the fans at mid-court.
The true ending to his career, today against Michigan State, was more bitter than sweet, of course. But he did show us one last time how unafraid he's always been to take the big shot when it counts the most. His 3-pointer off and in bounds play with 1:24 remaining that pulled Maryland within a point, and the two baskets he made after that to give Maryland the lead, should go down as one of the gutsiest stretches of any Maryland player's career. In the final two minutes, with the Terps season on the ropes, he scored 10 points.
It's a cliche to call college a learning experience, but it's no less true. Over time, Vasquez matured, got better as a basketball player, and we learned to appreciate him for what he was. It's a shame the journey had to end right when our love for one another was finally mutual.
But now that it's over, let's say thanks -- or gracias, if you prefer -- for the experience.
Comments
Will Greivis Vasquez be amoung the 8% that graduate from Maryland in the mens basketball program?
Posted by: Rusty | March 21, 2010 9:02 PM
According to Gary, Greivis will graduate this year. I'm certainly no apologist for Maryland, but using that 8 percent number in relation to this team is unfair. Those figures are from 1999-2003. 13 of the last 15 Maryland basketball players have graduated, according to Gary, which is 86 percent. So while they deserved to be zinged a bit for what might have happened in the past, it's hardly fair to use that number to take a dig at Vasquez.
Posted by: Kevin Van Valkenburg | March 21, 2010 9:31 PM
Great article Kevin. As a recent Maryland alum, I definitely agree with how you summed up Greivis' career here. It was at (many) times frustrating but in the end I think the fans realized just how much he meant to the program.
Posted by: Kelyn | March 21, 2010 9:35 PM
Rusty, yes, GV is graduating, as are EH, LM and the other player who was injured the last two years. So there.
Kudos on the article. This was a fun team to watch - no quit in this team all year long. Several comebacks for victory - last second shot against GT. Beating dook on Senior Night. Co-ACC champs.
I'm looking forward to next year. Will all the haters please purchase your Coach K Kool-aid, and post to a dook blog? Thanks!
Posted by: Sean | March 21, 2010 10:14 PM
Great article Kevin. Thank you Grevis, thank you Eric, and thank you Landon. We're all very proud of you and the rest of the Terps.
Posted by: Don | March 21, 2010 10:34 PM
Great piece of writing. You put into words what so many of us are feeling!
Posted by: John E Quest | March 21, 2010 11:06 PM
The only thing missing from his game is the energy he expends focusing on the crowd.
Posted by: Joe | March 21, 2010 11:25 PM
The only thing i regret from this season is that I won't be able to see Greivis play while i'm a freshmen at Maryland, if only he had one more year.
Posted by: Matt | March 22, 2010 12:06 AM
Kevin, really well written. For much of his career, Vasquez was indeed a conundrum. But he was a great Terrapin. These trio of seniors weren't quite as talented or as successful as the Dixon/Blake/Baxter/Mouton crew, but they gave us our fair share of special moments. It's always special when a Gary Williams team has a bunch of seniors who have endured four years of competitive battle in the ACC. I wish Greivis the best as he pursues his dream of playing in the NBA.
Posted by: David Katz of www.SportsFanLive.com | March 22, 2010 1:29 AM
Greivis Great player will be in the NBA demonstrating their talent to play basketball
Posted by: Arsonist | March 22, 2010 8:12 AM
I am a long time True Blue Duke Fan (50+ years) in good times and bad. While I may not necessarily like Vasquez I have the utmost respect for him. I have enjoyed watching his career (except when he has beaten Duke LOL). His growth in both basketball and maturity has been good to see. I wish him the best at the next level.
Gary Williams is one of the best at finding diamonds in the rough and polishing them.
Posted by: Wayne P | March 22, 2010 12:19 PM
This is one of the most well written articles I have seen in The Sun. You did a fantastic job expressing how most of us felt over the years. I had one friend who would look at me and say, "That's your boy" when Greivis would put up a terrible shot. When Grevis would come through in the clutch with a big shot, I would look back and say, "That's my boy." He would frustrate and exult us all the same game and sometimes within the same minute. It was a pleasure to watch this season and feel the emotion of a young man who truly loves the game of basketball. It was just sad that it had to end on such a heart breaker.
Posted by: Mike | March 22, 2010 1:08 PM
Greivis, Eric and Landon - You will all be missed! Thanks for a very gutsy four years.
Posted by: Mike Hall | March 22, 2010 1:33 PM
Your article really captured what many of us felt about GV. His style of play was hard to embrace at times but one could never question his desire to win. Somewhat overshadowed was Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne. These two guys are the type of players needed for a team to be successful. They both sacrificed for the greater good of the team.
I'll remember yesterday's game as a Terrapin Classic and this season as one to remember.
To Rusty (man or dog?) who criticized the grad rate. If you were 6 credits shy of your degree and could either stay and finish or go play professionally overseas and make $175k (most tax free), what would you do? Answer honestly.
Posted by: Rob K. | March 22, 2010 2:12 PM
To Rusty - go troll your hater aid somewhere else, the stats are old and everyone knows it.
To Wayne True Blue Duke fan - thanks for the words, nice to know there ARE classy Duke fans (I do know some). GV was fantastic, frazzled, frenetic, funky, feared and fun to watch (well, most of the time). But he was ours, and I for one thank him for being the team focused player he became. It's gonna be tough to not see him on the floor next year, as well as Eric and Landon but I know their commitment to the Terps will be seen in next years class. Thanks again GV!
Posted by: Mark | March 22, 2010 2:46 PM
GV deserved a better ending than that. I am Truly sad I won't be able to watch him play again in a Terps uniform
Posted by: Ben | March 22, 2010 3:20 PM
Congrats to all of the Seniors and to the entire MD team! You all fought hard and provided one of the more memorable MD season's in recent history. Thanks! Fear the turtle!
Posted by: Charles | March 22, 2010 3:29 PM
Thanks, Kevin, for capturing Greivis's career at Maryland so perfectly.
and to Greivis, Muchas Gracias para Todos!
to Greivis, Eric and Landon, Thanks for everything, and I wish you all the best!
Posted by: Bonnie | March 22, 2010 3:52 PM
Great story. It gave me chills of pride. In the end, Vasquez will be remembered as one who walked with the titans of Maryland basketball: Lucas, McMillan and Bias. Good luck in the NBA Greivis!! You will be sadly missed at Maryland my friend!
Posted by: steveinboston | March 22, 2010 4:09 PM
Outstanding,,It may be quite a while before we are fortunate enough to see a player like Greivis again. Thanks to Eric and Landon as well,,,all will be missed.
Posted by: Rich | March 22, 2010 5:28 PM
Great article, glad I checked in with the SUN. As my buddy said to me this year after all the unjustifed criticism of Gary Williams and Vasquez last year - he is our Greivas Vasquez. Muchas Gracias Greivas Vasquez, muchas gracias.
Posted by: Jim Loving | March 22, 2010 5:56 PM
Muchas gracias Greivis por las grandes memorias a partir de 4 años de grandeza
Posted by: Tony T | March 22, 2010 6:15 PM
As a Duke alum and diehard fan, I tip my hat to Greivis and wish him well in the future. He is a great player, fun to watch, and one of the best 'Big Shot' players in the game. The fact that he risked coming to a new land, learned a new language and met these challenges with enthusiasm and courage only speaks more to the great character of this special player. Hats off to you, Greivis! You will be missed.
Posted by: TommyBob | March 22, 2010 6:50 PM
Helluva article, Helluva player!! Helluva a game. Got a lot of love and respect for GV, you will be missed.
Posted by: Kevin In Iraq | March 22, 2010 8:56 PM
Great article....thanks Greivis for the last four years, and for reminding Terp fans that sport transcends politics. You've taught Americans to "fear the Turtle" instead of fearing Venezuela. Good luck in your NBA career.
Posted by: JimBobSOMD | March 22, 2010 9:17 PM
ABSOLUTE GREAT ARTICLE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I HAVE FOLLOWED THE TERPS SINCE 1966. I HAVE SEEN THE BEST. I HAVE FOLLOWED THEM ALL. TO ME, WATCHING VASQUES PLAY, WAS A TREAT. I WAS SPOILED. I PUT HIM UP THERE WITH JUAN DIXON AS MY TWO FAVORITE TERPS OF ALL TIME. HE PLAYED WITH PASSION AND GUTS AND LOVE AND WE WILL MISS HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING. THIS WAS AN AMAZING YEAR.
Posted by: MILES RESNICK | March 22, 2010 9:31 PM
Great post Kevin, I made a website dedicated to thanking Greivis. Please leave your comments and we will try to get them to Greivis.
http://bmorefan.com/thank-you-greivis/
Posted by: Arjan | March 22, 2010 11:19 PM
I live in Cincinnati, OH. I started following the Terps in 2001 when I was in the fourth grade. Now in college, I still love this team. I sent a letter to Gary Williams for a school project during middle school and he sent me a letter and a few cool things back. Gary is quite a class act. I've got nothing but good things to say about Maryland basketball. I'm sad Greivis's career had to end the way it did. Vasquez is my favorite MD player of all time. I can't wait to watch him in the NBA! FEAR THE TURTLE!!!
Posted by: Ryan | March 23, 2010 7:12 AM
great article Kevin. I have done a 180 on Greivis-from lothing his antics last year to admiring his guts and drive this year. Same with Gary-he truely can coach. Lets hope that the new class,as well as this year's remaining players can carry the load.
Posted by: Bob C | March 23, 2010 7:50 AM
Great article- One thing though not mentioned in any of the articles on Greivis that I hope everyone recognizes and remembers- there may not have been any player to ever be more proud to wear the Maryland jersey than Greivis, and there may not have been any player to be more proud to play for Gary Williams than Greivis. I'll admit to bashing Greivis his fresh and soph yrs, yet it was hard to hate the kid too much because despite his mistakes, he loved his coach, and his school. He played with arrogance that led me to believe he would never learn, and never grow as a player. The improvement he made though from yr 2 to 3, and then from 3 to 4 was commendable, and he deserves the accolades he's received. Its been fun watching his game grow, as well as the games of Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne. They represent the best of college basketball. Hayes will always be one of my favorite Terps for his intelligent, fundamentally sound play, and it would not surprise me to someday see him return to MD as a coach.
Posted by: another Ryan | March 23, 2010 12:08 PM
Such an infuriating player and, at times, personality, but in the end you couldn't help but like Greivis. When he was "on', he was just a pleasure to watch and I loved his intensity. He did try to do much and was a little too flashy sometimes, but he was extremely talented and gave this program everything he had.
Posted by: Marcus | March 23, 2010 12:09 PM
One of the greatest parts of Greivis's game was his ability to put the team on his back and actually WILL their way to victory. What an inspiration! Best of luck, Greivis, in the NBA.
Jack
Posted by: jack | March 23, 2010 6:34 PM
If Lucious doesn't make that last shot, Greivis' performance would have gone down as one of the greatest closeouts in Maryland history, on par with what Bias did against UNC in the Dean Dome. That three pointer off the inbounds play, the two shots to put the Terps ahead, ten points in the last two minutes - he was a big-time player making big-time plays.
I am glad he came back for his senior year. Without it, he would have been just another talented but inconsistent player who passed through College Park. As it is, he helped lead the team to an outstanding conference record and the second round of the NCAA tournament. Thanks, Greivis.
Posted by: CSB Jack | March 23, 2010 9:22 PM
Greivis Vasquez has proven that he is a warrior. Perhaps of even greater value to his team is the iron will that he projected, absolutely refusing to believe he could not win. On many occasions he put this team on his back and found a way. |It's a shame the last game ended the way it did.
Greivis will be remembered as the shining star of a very successful season.
Jack
Posted by: jack | March 24, 2010 8:42 PM
Great post, expressing my feelings, even though I couldn't have put it so eloquently. Greivis would put up a shot and the "Oh No" on your lips would turn to OH Yeah! as it went in. Will miss watching him, Eric and Landon and thank all three of them and the rest of the team for never giving up this year!
Posted by: Carole | March 28, 2010 9:09 PM