Greivis Vasquez can partially thank his predecessor, John Gilchrist, for his ACC player of the year honor.
Both Maryland point guards were nearly lured by the NBA as underclassmen. Gilchrist begrudgingly returned to College Park after winning the 2004 ACC Tournament MVP. Vasquez attended NBA pre-draft camps last spring before a last-minute decision not to enter the draft.
The outcomes were completely different. Gilchrist warred with Terps coach Gary Williams, never listening to his coach on matters like shot selection and passing — this despite Williams being a one-time Terps floor general, too. Maryland didn’t reach the NCAA Tournament and Gilchrist skipped his senior season for a stretch of stints in overseas leagues. He ended last season in Australia with a knee injury.
Conversely, Vasquez has likely ensured his NBA draft status by listening to Williams. And by Williams listening to Vasquez. Like Gilchrist, Vasquez said he “wants to be a little different.” The Venezuelan spent Tuesday morning talking with elementary school children about reaching goals. He turned off his cell phone to avoid hearing news about winning the ACC’s top honor.
Vasquez takes risks, some quirky late shots that aren’t always high percentage. Undisciplined effort enraged Williams when Gilchrist did it, but the ACC coach of the year seems more in tune with players nowadays.
“You don’t want to take away from a person what makes him great,” Williams said.
Williams-Gilchrist was a feud. Williams-Vasquez is a friendship. The difference is Gilchrist’s final year ended in the NIT. Vasquez might lead the Terps to a No. 4 seed in the coming NCAA Tournament if No. 19 Maryland (23-7) wins the ACC Tournament.
Vasquez said he wants to be like Williams. He likes the elder’s fire, the competitiveness that has fueled the coach to become a lock for the Hall of Fame. Williams smiles at the comparison, knowing there’s plenty of truth.
“You have to make sure you have that fire,” said Williams of coaches and players.
Vasquez often is misunderstood outside College Park. Many think he’s a showoff with his shoulder wiggling following game-changing baskets. Williams countered, saying if a great player’s teammates like him, that says everything.
Williams also is judged harshly by outsiders. His on-court raging is legendary. Yet, a coach also can be judged by how well his players respect him. Vasquez’s adoration of Williams has never wavered over four years.
That says everything about both of them.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
