Vasquez and Hayes

[O'sFanThruJune]

Pretty much everyone I talk to about the Terps insists that Hayes and Vasquez need to switch positions, making Hayes the 1 and Vasquez the 2. I've tried to argue with them, but I'm curious about what people here think.

When they both came in, I assumed that Hayes would be the point because everything I'd heard made him sound like the second coming of Steve Blake. I was a bit surprised that Vasquez got so much time at the point, but I think the results have been mostly good.

I really thought that NC State game (I think) in which he got 15 assists should have settled the debate, but I still talk to people that complain about him.

It's indisputable that Vasquez makes some poor decisions, and takes some terrible shots, but the fact is that offense is powered by him. Those 15 assists weren't just tossing the ball from the top of the key to a guy that makes a 12-ft jumper. They were caused by dribble penetration, and the defense being forced to collapse on him every time he drove.

Besides, he's not nearly as good a long-range shooter as Hayes, which is why I screamed at the TV every time he threw-up a 23-footer against Duke. I'd much rather have Hayes spotting up behind the arc waiting for the kickout from Vasquez than vice-versa.

What do you guys think?

[Mackus]

I prefer it the way it is right now as well. When Vasquez goes into one of his funks, or has a bad game, then Hayes should step up and take over more offense running duties, but when he's playing well, the offense runs better with Vasquez on point and Hayes knocking down jumpers.

[Ruzious]

Listening to Vasquez talk, he takes extraordinary pride in being "the point guard". Everyone knows he's a very emotional player. I think if Gary took the ball out of his hands, that would devestate Grevis. Meanwhile, Hayes is the better standstill jumpshooter of the 2, so there are benefits of keeping it this way. I think Gary knows exactly what he's doing here, and he's right to keep it up.

[square634]

Personally, unless Vasquez is on a torrid streak which sometimes happens, I like the offense better with Hayes running the point and Vasquez running curls. Vasquez is more effective near the basket anyway.

[Fairfax Bird]

I have changed my tune in the last 5-6 games. I think Vasquez running the point is the right thing to do. For many of the same reasons others have said before. Man, I have been wrong about a lot this year (re: Milbourne!).

[ccbird]

Vasquez is the better player and PG but that's not really saying it's the ideal fit for him IMO. Hayes is just very limited. His only attribute at an ACC level is as a spot up shooter. He is slow, has a suspect handle and can't really penetrate or create his own shot. GV plays out of control and forces things at times but at least with the ball in his hands teams have to respect his ability to get of his own shot and dribble drive.

Hopefully next year Maze can come in and take up some valuable min at the point and open time for Vasquez off the ball at the 2 or 3.