MD’s recruitment of Lance Stephenson continues

http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/02/10/gary-williams-watches-lance-drop-50/

Gary Williams trekked up to New York last night to watch MD signee James Padgett, and his Lincoln High teammate 6’5 Guard Lance Stephenson in the first round of the Brooklyn Borough Championships.

Williams surely enjoyed the show, as Stephenson showed why he is a Top 10 player, as he scored 50 points.

MD is clearly interested in him, and with Stephenson recently visiting College Park, you can assume the interest is mutual.

At the end of the day though, I keep coming back to the number 13.

You are allowed to have 13 scholarship players…

 

For the 2009-10 season, MD loses Neal… And is bringing in Jordan Williams, and Padgett who are signed to Letter of Intent.

That puts the roster for next-year at 13:

1 Bowie, Hayes
2 Vasquez, Tucker
3 Mosley, Kim
4 Milbourne, Padgett, Gregory, Burney
5 Williams, Dupree, Goins

Clearly everyone looks at Vasquez and believes he is the one leaving for the pros… but I think that is still a stretch.

There are a lot of things Vasquez does well, that will make him an attractive NBA prospect… his height, passing ability, heart, ability to drive, post-up moves…

On other-hand, it is hard to see him going to the NBA, shooting 29% from 3.

Most NBA mock-drafts project him as a mid-to-late 2nd round pick. Only 1st round NBA picks receive a guaranteed contract.

Fellow Terp fans are aware of this, and the conjecture is that Vasquez would be willing to leave, and head to Europe.

I agree that could happen, but I can not agree that it is likely to happen. Do not see that as any more likely than him coming back for his Senior year.

WNST 1570 Host Bob Haynie interviewed Coach Williams on his show yesterday, and Williams stated that both Tucker and Kim would be getting a lot of mts down the stretch.

 

Williams has gone out of his way this year, to mention both as future-pieces they will be building around.

So, then you look back at the bigs.

Gregory is receiving regular minutes, and can contribute his Junior and Senior years. Unless he wants to transfer-down a level, and sit-out a year.. He is not going anywhere.

Dupree has not yet developed as desired, but he was a National Top 65 recruit… who dominated the Baltimore Catholic League. He has a lot more natural ability than David Neal… and Neal is proving this year, that even after sitting for years and being the 12th man on the bench… that if you continue to work, you can play regular mts before your college eligibility expires.

There is still time for Dupree to develop as a player.

Goins has battled injuries during his Freshman year, but has shown flashes of ability as well. I could see Goins considering leaving, but I do not believe that Gary would push him out the door.

Lastly, there is Burney… Burney had the Medical Redshirt his Freshman year, and then made a contribution last year in the 2nd half. During his ‘Sophomore’ year this year, he was glued to the bench, prior to injuring his foot once more.

He has been cleared to play for several games, but has not moved back in to the rotation.

With 6 guys ahead of him in the post, it is possible he could want to leave.. But again, that would be Burney’s decision, and not that of Williams.

Ultimately, until one of the known 13 players announces they will not in College Park next year – it is all just rampant speculation, and not particularly fair to the individual players involved.

I would suggest to fell Terp fans, to be happy with Williams, and Padgett who can directly help address the glaring front-court need… and be happy about being able to return 11 players.

Without Stephenson, MD has Sweet 16 talent next year.

If it works out that Vasquez returns, and Stephenson is able to find his way to College Park – aspirations can be raised even-higher.