As reported everywhere this afternoon, Vasquez has withdrawn from the NBA Draft, and will be back in College Park for his Senior season.
Obviously exciting news for all Terp fans to get this confirmation.
Excuse me as I pat myself on the back for calling this one 100% correct for months.
I repeatedly stated that if Vasquez was 100% sold on turning professional (ie Europe if not the NBA), he would have hired an Agent, and stopped going to class.
As he did not hire an Agent, and kept going to class – it should have been clear to everyone what his intentions were.
When you looked at the mock-drafts and saw that he was a mid-to-late 2nd round choice, that should have also made things pretty obvious.
Throw in the facts that PG was the most-stocked position in this draft, and the questions regarding Vasquez’s athleticism; and there was little reason to see this day turning out any different.
All of that said, as the minutes ticked by this afternoon, I was sweating it out with all other MD fans.
Without Vasquez, MD faced a 2009-10 season that would have been similar to 2008-9. A team capable of beating anyone, but also capable of losing to anyone… another likely bubble-team.
With Vasquez back, MD should be expected to win 10 ACC games, advance to the Sweet 16, and have a legitimate chance at the Elite 8.
Here is a link to what MD would/will look like with Vasquez back, and without Stephenson.
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-if-part-2-of-3-part-series.html
Getting past that thought though, my focus now turns to getting Stephenson to College Park.
I think Vasquez said it best in March:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/03/washington-post-vasquez-will-test-nba.html
“If I come back, my goal is not going to be just to make the tournament,” Vasquez said. “My goal is to win a national championship. But, in the meantime, we’ve got to get Lance [Stephenson]. With a big-time scorer I can guarantee you a lot of things.”
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.