Vasquez's Return Makes Maryland ACC Contenders

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Maryland fans waited anxiously Monday as the five o’ clock deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft neared. Greivis Vasquez, the star junior guard for the Terps, waited until just about the last minute to take his name out of the draft.

Vasquez has taken a lot of criticism so far in his three years in College Park.  Many fans see him as selfish, obnoxious, and detrimental to the team. Vasquez does occasionally make some poor decisions on the court that result in turnovers or bad shots. However, Maryland is undoubtedly a better team with him than without him.

Last season Vasquez led Maryland in scoring, assists, and rebounding. Without his presence on the team there would be no upset of North Carolina, no defeat of Wake Forestin the ACC tournament, and no NCAA tournament appearance. 

His return to school means that Maryland will be returning four out of their five starters. Vasquez also comes back as the unquestioned leader of the team. The addition of an inside presence from freshmen Jordan Williams and James Padgett should help Maryland, and Vasquez, improve tremendously.

Having a big man inside will help Vasquez up his assists, because he will actually have someone to get the ball to in the post for easy baskets. It will also open up more shots for Vasquez on the perimeter, and give the Terps more opportunities for points in transition. 

Marylandwill have youth in their frontcourt, but a lot of experience in their backcourt. Eric Hayes is another returning senior who has seen significant playing time and plays well alongside Vasquez. Junior guards Adrian Bowie and Cliff Tucker both made some starts last season, as did sophomore Sean Mosley. They should all make an improvement over the summer and contribute more scoring next season.

Dino Gregory, Steve Goins, Jin Soo Kim, and Jerome Burney should all be solid contributors in the frontcourt. Returning starter Landon Milbourne will be able to move back to his natural position at small forward with the addition of Williams and Padgett, which should help his game tremendously. 

Maryland’s combination of veteran leadership and young talent should put them right in contention to win the ACC, and make a second straight appearance in the NCAA tournament.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?