Veterans get the headlines, cover shots and autograph requests. Georgetown junior center Roy Hibbert was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Maryland senior D.J. Strawberry has developed into a team leader and the primary player voice in the media. George Washington looks to senior Carl Elliott for virtually everything.
But among the local teams, younger and lesser-known players have begun to step to the forefront and take on major roles. They may not be immediately recognizable names now, but check back in a month or so.
» Greivis Vasquez, Maryland, 6-5, Fr.: Terrapins head coach Gary Williams could only hold out so long before moving the energetic Venezuelan into the starting lineup, where his 9.3 points and nearly four assists per game averages are sure to rise. The Montrose Christian High alum has played with moxie and poise since the beginning of the season — he just might become the Terps’ go-to player by the end of season.
» Maureece Rice, George Washington, 6-1, Jr.: Well-established as the Colonials’ spark plug off the bench last season, Rice is learning how to turn it on right from the opening tip. He leads the team in scoring at 15.7 points per game. He’s got a nose for the ball, too, notching up his first career double-double — 22 points, 10 rebounds — against UMBC.
» Jessie Sapp, Georgetown, 6-3, Soph.: When senior guard Tyler Crawford was struck with strep throat, Sapp made the most of the opportunity. Sapp has started the last eight games for the Hoyas (6-3), averaging 10.3 points and 3.7 assists in that span. He’s dished out four or more assists in all but one of the last five games, including a career-high eight against Ball State.
» Dre Smith, George Mason, 6-0, Soph.: In a Nebraska airport following the Patriots’ loss at Creighton, Mason head coach Jim Larranaga reminded Smith, a junior college transfer who hadn’t scored a point in three games, he was recruited to be a significant contributor. Smith responded to that conversation with 20 points against Florida International and could find a way into the starting lineup as the season progresses.
» Derrick Mercer, American, 5-9, Soph.: Mercer (11 ppg) has been key to the Eagles’ best start in 17 years – they’ve won just once when he didn’tscore in double-figures. More importantly, he leads the team with 5.6 assists per game. In a full 40 minutes against Howard, Mercer dished out a game-high eight helpers.
» Eugene Myatt, Howard, 6-4, Soph.: Myatt has lined up at both forward and guard this season, logging more than 30 minutes per game. He’s led the Bison in scoring three times, but his 18-point average will take a dip after 4-for-11 shooting in a two-point win over Maryland-Eastern Shore.
