His reputation was that of a wild, flashy and passionate basketball player. Expectations were that he?d make an immediate contribution and become an impact player for the Maryland men?s basketball team.
Freshman Greivis Vasquez has been doing his best to live up to the reputation and expectations through the Terps? 10-2 start.
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“Greivis is one of those guys who loves the game, loves to play and loves to compete,” Maryland coach Gary Williams said.
Vasquez, a native of Venezuela, has a confidence and a desire for the ball that Williams believes is special.
“He tries to do some things that maybe is not the right thing for that situation, but you do not want to take away his want for the ball,” Williams said.
Vasquez got his first career start in the Terps? last game, Wednesday?s 101-50 blowout of Missouri-Kansas City. At point guard, he was content to dole out eight assists without taking a single shot.
“I decided to make my teammates involved and make everybody else happy first, and then after that, I will get my shots,” he said.
Vasquez, who has not been declared the starter for the Terps? next game against visiting American Saturday, is anxious to learn everything he can this first year in the elite Atlantic Coast Conference. Consistency is one thing he must master. He has been averaging 9.3 points per game, but he also has committed 26 turnovers and is shooting 40 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range.
“We?ve got to learn from our experience,” Vasquez said. “We?ve got to learn to come out every single game like it is going to be the best game of our lives.”
Vasquez?s attitude doesn?t need any help, according to those on the team, but he can benefit by studying the leadership from veterans like senior D.J. Strawberry.
“They are both about 6-4, 6-5 and have long arms,” Williams said. “They like being on the court, and those two will make things happen.”
Strawberry feels Vasquez is a good complement to this year?s group. The Terps? senior does not think the youngster will be as well received around the ACC, though.
“He plays real flashy and does his little dances,” Strawberry said. “I love the way he plays, but other people are going to hate him. They are going to hate him. They are going hate how he plays.”
THE VASQUEZ FILE
» Position: Guard
» Did you know? Vasquez played high school ball at private powerhouse Montrose Christian in Rockville under highly successful coach Stu Vetter. In his final year, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.5 steals.
