Last night Maryland overwhelmed Chaminade in the first round of the Maui Invitational. They didn’t play especially well, though. It is somewhat discomfiting that Vasquez had yet another sluggish game, finishing with six points on 2-7 shooting. On the season, he’s now shooting a crisp 30 percent from the floor. I know he’s getting it done in other areas (leading the team in assists, for example), and I know it’s a long season and “he’s just biding his time” and yadda yadda. But the Vasquez Terrapins haven’t exactly earned the benefit of the doubt in Cupcake Land, that’s all I’m saying. You know what I’m saying? That’s all I’m saying.
In any event, the Terps won based on the internationally acclaimed strategy of being bigger and stronger than their opponents. Good news for the Terps, bad news for the Silverswords. I love that nickname by the way. Although it doesn’t really scream “Hawaii” to me. The University of Hawaii is the Rainbow Warriors…now see, that’s Hawaiian. Chaminade should be the Pineapples, or the Mahi Mahis, or the Volcano Danglers. That would be great.
So tonight at 7 p.m., the Terps face the Bearcats of Cincinnati, who grinded (ground?) out a win against Vanderbilt last night. Naturally, everyone is keying on the matchup with five-star shooting guard, former Maryland recruiting target, possible criminal, and possible weirdo Lance Stephenson, who finished last night’s game with eight points and five rebounds. The tougher test, however, could be from 6′9″ power forward Yancy Gates, who got a 16 and 10 last night. Could be an interesting barometer for the young bigs.
Vasquez steps up in the big games but disappoints terribly in the small ones. He’s got to learn to bring it every time – not just when we’re playing Duke.
Try to say, “Slay the Silverswords” five times fast.
You can’t do it, can you? Stop giggling.
Vasquez is stepping aside so the Frosh can get touches. No biggie.
But it’s not like he stopped shooting entirely. He’s just missing the shots.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another season of Scott Hating On Greivis.
Give me a break. It’s freaking Chaminade. Let’s give him a chance to do well against Cinci.
Chaminade!
I’ve got an even better idea. Let’s follow the team and use statistical data to shape our arguments.
Against Charleston Southern: 3-14, 9 points
Against Fairfield: 3-11, 7 points
Against New Hampshah: 4-8, 7 points
Against Chaminade: 2-7, 6 points
Are these the numbers you want to see out of your first offensive option?
Oh, wait, I’m sure he’s just missing the shots to give our young big men plenty of rebounding opportunities!
As mentioned in the post, I realize that it’s a long season. But if Vasquez is currently performing the way you expected him to perform, that makes one of us. And I don’t mean one Shell Games blogger. I mean, like, one person on the Earth.
All I’m saying is I’m not concerned. Greivis will pick it up as the season progresses. He’s shooting 30% FG right now. He only shot 40% last year altogether. For statistical comparison sake, he started out last year streaky and cold, too:
Vasquez FG shooting to start 2008
Bucknell 4-16
YSU 10-17
Vermont 8-19
MSU 5-14
Gonzaga 6-12
G’town 1-7
Speaking of stats, Sean Mosley has started the year on fire. 15PTS/5RB/5AST per game and a 6.3/1 AST/TO ratio. Damn.
Yeah, he’s really coming on. After this year I think it’s definitely gonna be his team.