He’s 2nd in the ACC in assists. He’s the leading Junior in minutes played in his conference. He owns his school's first triple-double in over two decades... And he’s a total menace on the basketball court. I'll admit it, I didn’t like him at first either. He was a showoff in the worst way, with little or no stats to back it up. He was a talker, a distraction, and I wanted him off my team. But then something strange happened. This annoying showboat started to score. He hit 3-3's to become the 7th ranked MD 3-point field goal shooter vs VT, scored the first 16 pts on his way to a triple-double against then-ranked #3 UNC and put up a game-high 33 pts on the road vs the Wolfpack. I started to realize that Greivis Vasquez was not only a headcase, he was a talent, and one the Terps couldn’t turn their backs on. Quite the opposite. He's taken this young group of athletes and put them on his shoulders, carrying them through conference fire and back and has never once mentioned their lack of effort. When Gary Williams' job was in question, Vasquez turned the attention on himself, and instead wrote the theme of the story the way it should have been written all along; Maryland is still a contender, and Gary Williams had helped lead them there. Vasquez's passion for the game is exhibited through his emotional tirades. In reality, coach and player are one in the same. When the Terps screw up, Gary turns to his bench and gives them an earful. When Vasquez hits a three, he turns to the opposing bench and does the same. In a decade where we say that stats have become meaningless, scoring celebrations excessive, press conferences humorous, and heroes corrupt, who are we to tell a 22-year-old kid with NBA dreams that his intensity is too intense, his emotions too raw, and his self-esteem too cocky? When today's definition of success has an asterisk next to it, those who have become successful, even in the smallest of arenas, should be allowed to walk through life with a conceited swagger that screams, "Look at me. I'm who you want to be." Because when it comes down to it, it’s not the fact that you hate Greivis Vasquez, you hate the fact that he doesn't play for your team.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Viva Venezuela.
He’s 2nd in the ACC in assists. He’s the leading Junior in minutes played in his conference. He owns his school's first triple-double in over two decades... And he’s a total menace on the basketball court. I'll admit it, I didn’t like him at first either. He was a showoff in the worst way, with little or no stats to back it up. He was a talker, a distraction, and I wanted him off my team. But then something strange happened. This annoying showboat started to score. He hit 3-3's to become the 7th ranked MD 3-point field goal shooter vs VT, scored the first 16 pts on his way to a triple-double against then-ranked #3 UNC and put up a game-high 33 pts on the road vs the Wolfpack. I started to realize that Greivis Vasquez was not only a headcase, he was a talent, and one the Terps couldn’t turn their backs on. Quite the opposite. He's taken this young group of athletes and put them on his shoulders, carrying them through conference fire and back and has never once mentioned their lack of effort. When Gary Williams' job was in question, Vasquez turned the attention on himself, and instead wrote the theme of the story the way it should have been written all along; Maryland is still a contender, and Gary Williams had helped lead them there. Vasquez's passion for the game is exhibited through his emotional tirades. In reality, coach and player are one in the same. When the Terps screw up, Gary turns to his bench and gives them an earful. When Vasquez hits a three, he turns to the opposing bench and does the same. In a decade where we say that stats have become meaningless, scoring celebrations excessive, press conferences humorous, and heroes corrupt, who are we to tell a 22-year-old kid with NBA dreams that his intensity is too intense, his emotions too raw, and his self-esteem too cocky? When today's definition of success has an asterisk next to it, those who have become successful, even in the smallest of arenas, should be allowed to walk through life with a conceited swagger that screams, "Look at me. I'm who you want to be." Because when it comes down to it, it’s not the fact that you hate Greivis Vasquez, you hate the fact that he doesn't play for your team.
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Alexa, it's Stephen Bennett... Thanks to Facebook I came across this link and just had to throw a couple thoughts at you. I totally agree that Vasquez has sort of evolved from a bit of a head case to a pleasant surprise but is he truly any more than that? His numbers every season have been getting better and he really has picked up his play, but the fact that he doesn't show up every game really makes me question how good he really is. Also, he's been able to play on a team that seems to have nothing to lose, I wish we had the chance to see him on a winning team... has he even made the NCAA tournament yet? From a comparison point of view, I think that Steve Blake would not be the best comparison. He actually seems to have a bit of John Gilchrist in him... the kind of guy that can show up and single handedly beat any team but at the same time is succeptable to letting his emotions take over and his play suffer. I wonder if that trend is a result of living in CP or being coached by Gary. That UNC game was AMAZING though, I just really wish he could be more consistent... perhaps that is Gary's fault. Good blog post though, it takes some guts to put your thoughts out there and you def. know your stuff. I'd like to hear what you think about the Skins... which really was the bigger signing? Haynesworth or Hall. or perhaps you can hit on what Jason Campbell needs to accomplish in order to save his job this year. Just some ideas. I'll check back and throw my two cents in and see if we can round up some more subscribers.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the blog(s), girl. But I definitely DON'T want Vasquez on my team. (see also: Johnny Flynn). I'll keep reading your entries, though- keep up the good work. Toodles!
ReplyDeleteps- who is Stephen Bennet and why is his comment longer than your entire blog?