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STEVE DeSHAZO: Hayes complements Vasquez to give Terps a premier backcourt Date published: 3/11/2010 By Steve DeShazo GREENSBORO, N.C.-- During yesterday's open workout before the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Maryland's players and coaches gathered at either end of the Greensboro Coliseum court for a free-throw shooting contest.In the miss-and-you're-out competition, James Padgett and Adrian Bowie kept sinking their attempts, only to be topped each time by Eric Hayes, whose shots never even touched the rim. Finally, after nearly a dozen makes apiece, first Padgett, then Bowie misfired. Hayes did not. It was a fitting example of Hayes' career at Maryland: steady, dependable and successful, without being spectacular. "I've got a lot of respect for him," said Greivis Vasquez, Hayes' former roommate and backcourt running mate. "He just brings that kind of confidence. He's so quiet. He's a silent assassin." No one will ever accuse Vasquez of being silent. But the flamboyant Venezuelan and the modest kid from Dumfries have formed a pretty effective tandem in their four years in College Park. Together, they've accounted for 88 victories and, come Sunday evening, three NCAA tournament appearances. They've helped resuscitate a program that had dipped after winning the 2002 national title. And Hayes has been the calming yin to Vasquez's sometimes amok yang, evening out the Terps' chi. "They're funny," coach Gary Williams said. "You hear stories about the odd couple. Well, that's them. Eric is quiet and unassuming; Greivis has got to be creative. They've been really interesting to watch and to coach for four years. It's been a lot of fun. On the court, they really know each other." Vasquez is the Terrapins' unquestioned star, the ACC player of the year and a potential first-team All-American. Hayes, a prolific scorer at Potomac High School, adopted a supporting role almost from the time he joined the team he began rooting for at age 2. "That's the way we are," Hayes said. "He's the flashier guy; I'm the level-headed guy. That's our game. We make each other better players." Or, as Hayes' father Kendall puts it: "Not to say Greivis couldn't have done what he did without Eric, but he made it a lot easier for [Vasquez] to do what he did. He's a nice buffer to the game Greivis has."
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