Vasquez Starring for Venezuela
8/28/2009 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 28, 2009
SAN JUAN, P.R. - University of Maryland senior point guard Greivis Vasquez is currently playing for the Venezuelan National Team that is participating in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship.
Midway through first-round play, Venezuela is 1-1 in Group B of the 10-team tournament. Venezuela opened pool play with an 85-69 win over Argentina, but lost 87-67 last night to Brazil. The Venezuelan national team has games against Panama and the Dominican Republic remaining in the first round.
At stake are berths in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, to be held in Turkey. The top four teams from the FIBA Americas tournament earn automatic berths.
Vasquez, a Terrapin senior who hails from Caracas, had seven points and a team-high seven assists in 30 minutes in the victory over Argentina. He played 24 minutes with four points and three assists against Brazil.
Last season, Vasquez became the first player in Maryland history to lead the team in points, rebounds and assists in the same season. Heading into his senior year, Vasquez has already been named to the list of candidates for the 2010 Wooden Award, presented to the national player of the year.
Venezuela is currently ranked 23rd in the FIBA World Rankings.
