http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/03/17/stephenson-to-announce-at-mcdonalds-game/
Zagoria states the decision will come down to St.John’s, or Kansas with a decision April 1st at the McDonald’s All-American game.
Zagoria has been extremely accurate with his information on Stephenson, so this should be interpreted as accurate – for now.
I say for now, because even if Stephenson wanted to commit to MD, there currently is not an available scholarship to do so.
Maybe Burney takes a medical-hardship after braking both of his feet, and ends his career…. But maybe he decides he two years of eligibility left and wants to stay.
Maybe Goins decides with Jordan Williams, and James Padgett being added to the post-rotation, that him starting at MD is unlikely to ever occur, and leaves… but maybe he figures after a year in the system, he can be a regular in the rotation as early as next year.
Maybe Vasquez decides that even if he can not make the 1st round in the NBA draft, that he is willing to be a 2nd rounder that has a chance to make a roster… or is willing to go to Europe…. But maybe he decides to return for his Senior season and look to improve his draft-stock.
Lance ‘Born Ready’ Stephenson is a luxury, not a necessity. If you can obtain a Top 10 National talent, of course you are better with him.. Of course you want that.
I can tell you right now though, I would rather have Vasquez return for his Senior season, vs him leaving and having Stephenson for his Freshman season only.
If Stephenson does not come, and Vasquez leaves… MD next year will look a lot like they did this year…. Capable of beating anyone, capable of losing to anyone.
A bubble team that will have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament, and probably would with their returning experience.
If Stephenson does not come, Vasquez returns… Burney or Goins leave, and MD adds Baltimore’s T. Vinson… MD will be an extremely capable team in 2009-10:
2009-10 Vasquez back, No Stephenson, Burney or Goins gone, Vinson added
1 Bowie (Junior), Hayes (Senior)
2 Mosley (Soph), Tucker (Junior),
3 Vasquez (Senior), Kim (Soph), Vinson (Frosh)
4 Milbourne (Senior), Padgett (Frosh), Gregory (Junior)
5 Williams (Frosh), Dupree (Junior), Goins (Soph)
Ceiling – 12-4 in the ACC, Elite 8 Caliber
Floor – 9-7 in the ACC, NCAA 2nd Round
Owner
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.