Taking a Closer Look at Vasquez’s Return
Now that we officially know Terp guard Greivis Vasquez will be back patrolling the Maryland back court, we can take a look at what exactly it means for us Terps fans. First of all, just so you don’t forget, Greivis led the Terps in scoring (17.5 ppg), rebounding (5.4), assists (5.0), minutes (34.6), and FT% (87.6). More important than the actual numbers though is the fact when things break down, he is the one who was going to take the ball. That didn’t always work out, but it was nice to have someone say I want this shot, when everyone else is just passively passing the ball around.
The other part of Vasquez’s game the Terps need is his intensity. Sure sometimes, it may be a detriment to his game, but most of the time, it is just what the team needs. I personally don’t always love his antics, but you know what, that is what he is, and it is what drives him, and at times the Terps.
While I was working today, and still didn’t know for sure if he was coming back, I let my mind start to wander and think about what life would be like this year with out him. Put it this way, I had a lot of thoughts like: well if Tucker plays like he did against Carolina all year, or if he Hayes shoots 45% from three, or maybe Jordan Williams will have an impact like Joe Smith. Thankfully Vasquez is coming back, and we won’t have to rely on any of the above scenario’s game in and game out.
Now what does Vasquez’s decision mean to him? Well we always like to look at the historical side of things, and with a season almost as good as last year, Greivis will be in several list that rank him with some of the greatest Terps of all times. He currently sits 16th in career scoring with 1524 points. If the Terps were to play 32 games and if he averaged 16 points he would finish with 2036 points, and that would put him 4th all time, and only 22 points behind Albert King who is currently 3rd. So it is possible to think he could finish his career behind only Len Bias and Juan Dixon. Greivis currently has 564 assists and ranks 4th. He needs only 90 assists to become the Terps second leading assist man. Another fun stat to watch will be his free throw percentage. He has a career percentage of 81.6% and that would be the 5th best all time, however Eric Hayes is sitting at 86% and he will push Vasquez to sixth. It is also possible to think he will be able to squeak into the top in steals.
After looking at all that, it just has to make you realize how lucky we are to have him back in a Terps uniform for the 2009-10 season. I have never seen a player who will go down as one of the top statistical players of all time, take such heat from the fans. Sure he makes some plays you would rather he not, but you just have to live with it. You just have to know he is doing everything he possibly can to help his team win.
Welcome back Greivis! I for one am glad to have you back, and proud to call you a Terp.
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on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 7:28 pm and is filed under Maryland Terps Basketball.
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June 16th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Per the Sun he doesn’t just want to return, but he wants to graduate as well. Lord knows we could use that as much as his basketball skills!