April 16, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The University of Maryland men's basketball team was honored Thursday night at the annual honors banquet, held on the arena floor at Comcast Center. More than 300 family members, boosters and Terrapin supporters attended the event, which featured presentation of awards and a highlight video.
Johnny Holliday, the Voice of the Terrapins, served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
Junior Greivis Vasquez and senior Dave Neal shared the Ameritel Most Valuable Player honors, given by head coach Gary Williams. Vasquez was a second team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection for the second straight year. Neal was the lone senior on the team and was an inspirational leader throughout the season, which finished with the Terps earning an NCAA Tournament invitation and a 21-14 overall record.
Vasquez also was given the Most Assists Award, presented by assistant coach Chuck Driesell. Vasquez finished third in the ACC in assists with 176, which is 10th on the single-season list at Maryland, and is now fourth on the school's all-time career list with 564.
Landon Milbourne was presented with the Charles "Buck" Williams / Len Elmore Rebounding Award by assistant coach Keith Booth. Milbourne was second on the team in rebounding with a 5.2 per-game average and led the team in the 16 conference games with a 5.5 average. His 94 offensive rebounds easily led the team and were ninth in the ACC.
Sophomore Dave Pearman earned the Maryland Basketball Academic Award, presented by director of basketball operations Troy Wainwright. Pearman, who played in nine games this season, is enrolled in the College of Letters & Sciences.
The Outstanding Free Throw Shooter Award was presented to Eric Hayes. Assistant coach Robert Ehsan made the presentation to Hayes, whose .869 career free-throw percentage would break the school record. Hayes went 19-for-22 from the line in Maryland's five postseason games this year.
Joe Harrington presented the Fastbreakers Most Improved Award to sophomore forward Dino Gregory, who finished second on the team with 34 blocked shots. Gregory tied for the team lead in rebounding in the Terps' five postseason games with a 5.2 per-game average. After Feb. 8, Gregory posted 40 percent of his scoring and rebounding for the season.
Longtime Terrapin Club and men's basketball supporter Robert Novak was presented with the Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award. Novak, a syndicated columnist and former host on CNN, has been a Terrapin Club member for 39 years.
Williams closed the evening by presenting senior awards to manager Jason Davis, and to Neal, who was part of Maryland teams that went 84-48 and made four straight postseason appearances in his four years. Neal will earn his degree in criminology and criminal justice in May.
