Greivis Vasquez is now a rookie with the Memphis Grizzlies. But one of the stat lines from Maryland’s exhibition win over Division II Florida Southern looked amazingly like one that the former Terrapins guard could have authored — 15 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and four steals.
Those numbers belonged to another 6-foot-6 guard, Cliff Tucker.
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For three years, Tucker has been a streak-shooting, one-note reserve, showing no particular proclivity for playmaking, rebounding or defense. But Tucker did a lot of everything Monday night, giving coach Gary Williams a tantalizing look at what he might be capable of as a starter.
“That wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for Cliff,” Williams insisted, talking about what he has seen from Tucker in preseason practice. “Hopefully he can give us that every night.”
While the numbers measure up, the Tucker-Vasquez comparison is a significant leap. They play different positions and bring vastly differing skill sets. Tucker has more quickness and perhaps more range on his jump shot. But Vasquez could do much more off the dribble and create offense in the halfcourt.
In 98 games with the Terps, Tucker has 98 assists. He said Monday night, however, to expect much more from him as a playmaker.
“I’ve always been a pass-first person,” Tucker said. “Coaches told me in the beginning of the year I had to help lead the team. … Whether it’s scoring, rebounding or assists, I want to do whatever I can.”
