Vasquez Returns for Third Annual Backpack Drive
8/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland basketball great Greivis Vasquez was back in College Park on Saturday for the third annual Greivis Vasquez Back to School Backpack Bash. The event, held at the College Park Community Center, featured games, inflatable bounce castles and free school supplies and backpacks for children in attendance.
“It's very important to me because through my foundation, I'm able to give back to a community that did so much for me,” said Vasquez. “Everyone that knows me knows I love to give back, and I can't ever forget where I came from. So Maryland means so much to my family and me. This is our third annual backpack giveaway, so we're hoping we'll continue to do these every year.”
The current Maryland squad also had the opportunity to meet with Vasquez at the event, as the group shot around at the community center gym and took pictures with young fans. Vasquez has been impressed with what he's seen out of head coach Mark Turgeon and the Terps over the past few seasons, and believes the sky is the limit for the program.
“I wouldn't be surprised to see our team win the Big Ten Championship or NCAA Championship. I think [Mark Turgeon] is headed in the right direction, and I always believed he was going to do great things for our school. I think Mark Turgeon is doing a great job and I'm looking forward to next season because I know they're going to have a great year.”
Vasquez also has high hopes for the young talent that's come out of Maryland this past season, and thinks the Terps' pipeline to the NBA will continue to grow.
“It's always good when you see a fellow Terp in [the NBA] playing in the best league in the world. To me, we're probably going to have a lot of players coming out of Maryland making it to the NBA so I'm excited.”
Vasquez finished his Maryland career as one of the most prolific scorers in program history, finishing second on the all-time scoring list with 2,171 points. He was the 2010 ACC Player of the Year and a Second Team All-American, while helping lead the Terps to three NCAA tournament appearances. Vasquez was selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft, and is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
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