Greivis Vasquez Tops Len Bias in Final Game of Career

by Ben Broman on Mar 22, 2010 7:00 AM EDT in Basketball

It didn't end the way it was supposed to end, but at least Greivis Vasquez topped Len Bias before his career finished.

A few minutes into Maryland's tournament game against Michigan State, Vasquez hit the basket that put him above one of the greatest players ever, Len Bias, on Maryland's all-time points list. Vasquez had a sensational game despite the loss, with 26 points and 8 assists, but the most important basket was the one that put him above Len. Even if it was an unsatisfying way for Vasquez to leave, at least that milestone wasn't left unturned.

As one poster said, Vasquez has scored more points than anyone in Maryland history not named Juan Dixon. Think about that for a second.

Vasquez has had an amazing career at Maryland, and it will be difficult to express what he meant to this team, program, and fanbase. Had this game not been Vasquez's final wearing the gold, I think I would already be over it. But because we'll never see the Vivacious Venezuelan playing basketball in a gold uniform in the Comcast Center again, it will be a long time before I accept the loss and move on.

I'm in the process of writing a three-part series on his time at Maryland (personality, quotes, and moments), but that won't be ready for press until next week. In the meantime, remember Greivis at his best.

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I was in college (not MD) during 2002 and loved that team. Nearly ten years later I am so thankful to have watched four years of GV in a Maryland uniform. He was inspirational. I enjoyed following him so much because it always felt (until the second half of this season) like a well guarded secret. The media and even some of the so-called fans didn’t realize it until it was almost too late to enjoy. Getting to watch him mature over four years, go from an energetic kid to an unstoppable point guard was so much fun. I wish I could thank him in person for four great years. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to have another player like him one day. I keep thinking that it would be nice to have a player like him around when I have kids so that they can see what a truly great competitor looks like.

Thank you GV.

by nmprisons on Mar 22, 2010 7:38 AM EDT reply actions

For as much as a loss like yesterday's stinks for fans

it’s far much worse for the players. Here’s a quote from Greivis in today’s Baltimore Sun:
“It’s going to take a couple weeks, a couple months – maybe a year – to get over this”

by Jason Middlekauff on Mar 22, 2010 8:55 AM EDT reply actions

It is undeniable that he deserved a few more wins. The last loss always hurts, but he deserved more.

by nmprisons on Mar 22, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

He put his heart and soul into this program… when things end up like they did it is tough to take. I respect GV for his hard work ethic and most of all his love for both Maryland and basketball. I enjoyed watching him play with that love and emotion and I wish him well in the future. I wonder when they will hang his name from the rafters.

by terp2k12 on Mar 22, 2010 9:06 AM EDT reply actions

Numbers

Vasquez finished with 2171 to Bias’s 2149. 98 short of Dixon. The last game of the year is
the toughest to take. I didn’t like Vasquez’s antics before this year. He seemed like the worst and best at times. Worst when taking stupid shots which didn’t happened this year.
Really great on defense. I’m so glad he came back. Without him we would have finished 5th instead of tied for 1st.

by les in BH, MD on Mar 22, 2010 9:51 PM EDT reply actions