The unique working relationship between conservative Maryland coach Gary Williams and flamboyant star guard Greivis Vasquez began four years ago with a quirky exchange - one Williams recalls with a chuckle.
Vasquez was a freshman about to participate in his first practice with the Terrapins. Instead of heading directly to the locker room, the 6-foot-6 guard first dropped by the coach's office in Comcast Center.
``He leaned into the doorway, saluted and said, 'Reporting for duty, sir,''' Williams said. ``That was the start of his college career. I'm sure he didn't sign up for what he got into.''
In truth, Vasquez couldn't have asked for anything more. And there's no way Williams could have envisioned just how instrumental Vasquez would be in reviving a program that had drooped into a slump so soon after winning the national championship in 2002.
With Vasquez leading the way, the Terrapins (23-8) this week enter the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years. They open play Friday in Spokane, Wash., against Houston (19-15) in the Midwest Regional.
It's already been a banner season for Williams, Vasquez and Maryland. Williams was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Terrapins to a share of the league's regular-season title. Vasquez was the lopsided winner in balloting for ACC Player of the Year.
Vasquez averaged 19.5 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds this season.
``I know in terms of value to your team, Greivis has been tremendous for us this year,'' said the 65-year-old Williams, who has always been supportive of Vasquez's emotional, freewheeling style despite his own conservative instincts.
Maryland turned out to be the perfect place for Vasquez, a native of Venezuela who was still in the process of improving his English - and his game - when he arrived on campus out of Montrose Christian (Md.) High School.
Not only will Vasquez receive a college degree, but the polish he's added to his fearless brand of basketball could potentially earn him millions in the NBA.
``Maryland gave me a great opportunity,'' Vasquez said. ``My family, the whole country of Venezuela is thankful about me coming to Maryland. It's just a blessing. I'm so proud to be here and be a part of something so special. I'll always love Maryland.
``This has been a great place for me.''
It's hard to imagine how Williams and the Terrapins might have fared over the past four years without Vasquez. Last season he became the first player in school history to the team in scoring, assists and rebounds. Then, after he decided against leaving for a shot at the NBA, Vasquez guided the Terrapins to a second straight 20-win season.
And he did it with a wink, a smile, and a shimmy.
``He's been a player who's always wanted to get better,'' Williams said. ``Some guys get here with a great reputation and they don't work hard to keep improving because they think they're good enough. Other guys hit a wall - they reach a level of satisfaction or a level of disappointment and they stop working.
``But Greivis has always had the goal to be the best player he could be. The only thing I did was tell him there's always another level you can get to for any player. He bought into that.''
Vasquez was already a special player when he arrived at Maryland. Although he showed flashes of brilliance at Montrose Christian, most of the attention was focused on teammate Kevin Durant, now an NBA star with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
``Greivis would make plays as a passer that not a lot of other high school players could make,'' Williams said. ``He did play with Durant, so a lot of times he was overshadowed in what he did. I knew we weren't going to get Durant, so Greivis to us was really a good recruit. He's proven to be a very good college basketball player.''
Williams will surely miss Vasquez.
The feeling is mutual.
``I wish I could play for him 20 more years. He inspires me,'' Vasquez said. ``We talk almost everyday - about the NBA, different stuff about life. I have no words to describe how happy I am to be here and to be here for four years.
``Coach Williams, he's one of my heroes.''
