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Mike Strohmeier ‏@CoachStroh


IWCC WR Deon Long is the #1 ranked JC player in the nation, and the first #5star since #CamNewton #ReiverNation

Deon Long is actually 21 years old. It only seems like he's 30.

The headliner of this year's Rivals.com junior college Top 100 has lugged around a load of buzz for years. He was a certifiable high school star. At one time, he was the No. 1 prep school player in America. He made a brief stop at the University of New Mexico, and now he's the country's top junior college prospect.

The Iowa Western wide receiver's road to the BCS level wasn't short, but every winding inch of it was decorated with accolades.

Long was the same old Long this season. Sub-4.4 speed? Check. A pair of NJCAA records? Check. A junior college national title? You get the point.

Impressive as his season was, though, it somehow seems even more so when his position coach offers some perspective. Long may be the oldest player in this year's ranking, but it might be wise to hold off on the corny over-the-hill jokes.

"He did all it while only playing in two fourth quarters all year," said Iowa Western offensive coordinator Mike Strohmeier. "He was actually pulled by halftime in most games. I truly believe he will make an immediate impact at Maryland."

There's little reason to question Strohmeier's projection. Long racked up 100 receptions for 1,626 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. All three statistics ranked first among junior college players. Early in the year, he hauled in 20 passes in a single game. His stats only restate everything people knew long ago: Deon Long is a special talent. Always has been. Always will be.

There's a reason he's the first five-star junior college prospect since Cameron Newton.

"He has shown he can do it at all levels," said Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell. "He has taken a very, very roundabout route to college. But we feel he's the kind of player that can come right in at Maryland and be an all-conference difference maker and in a year or two be an NFL first-round talent."

The NBA announced today that New Orleans Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez was named the Western Conference Player of Week for games played Monday, December 24, through Sunday, December 30. This is the first time in Vasquez’s career that he has won a Player of the Week honor.

Vasquez led the Hornets to a 2-1 record, averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting 53.1 percent from the field. The Hornets guard recorded a career-high 27 points to go along with eight assists and six rebounds in a win over the Orlando Magic on 12/26. In the following contest, Vasquez narrowly missed recording his first career triple-double with 20 points, 14 assists and a career-high nine rebounds. In his final contest of the week, Greivis recorded 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals while guiding the Hornets to a win over the Charlotte Bobcats on 12/29 despite being down as many as 21 points. Through the end of the week, Vasquez ranked fourth in the NBA in assists per game (8.8)

The NBA announced today that New Orleans Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez was named the Western Conference Player of Week for games played Monday, December 24, through Sunday, December 30. This is the first time in Vasquez’s career that he has won a Player of the Week honor.

Vasquez led the Hornets to a 2-1 record, averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals while shooting 53.1 percent from the field. The Hornets guard recorded a career-high 27 points to go along with eight assists and six rebounds in a win over the Orlando Magic on 12/26. In the following contest, Vasquez narrowly missed recording his first career triple-double with 20 points, 14 assists and a career-high nine rebounds. In his final contest of the week, Greivis recorded 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals while guiding the Hornets to a win over the Charlotte Bobcats on 12/29 despite being down as many as 21 points. Through the end of the week, Vasquez ranked fourth in the NBA in assists per game (8.8)

Jeff Ermann ‏@insidemdsports



ICYMI, OL Na'Ty Rodgers postponed his announcement. Was to announce at UA gm today. Most expect #Terps or #Gamecocks.

miller31time wrote:Pretty dominant performance today against VT. We have one of the deepest teams in college basketball.

I'll say this -- If Len can be swayed to stay one more year and with the stud point guard we're getting next season, they could bring a title to UMD.

But I don't think Len is staying.

MikeTheKid wrote:

miller31time wrote:Pretty dominant performance today against VT. We have one of the deepest teams in college basketball.

I'll say this -- If Len can be swayed to stay one more year and with the stud point guard we're getting next season, they could bring a title to UMD.

But I don't think Len is staying.

Trust me Len aint staying, Im a terp alum and hearing from sources in UMD all he sees is dollar signs and he wants to move his family over to the states.

miller31time wrote:

MikeTheKid wrote:

miller31time wrote:Pretty dominant performance today against VT. We have one of the deepest teams in college basketball.

I'll say this -- If Len can be swayed to stay one more year and with the stud point guard we're getting next season, they could bring a title to UMD.

But I don't think Len is staying.

Trust me Len aint staying, Im a terp alum and hearing from sources in UMD all he sees is dollar signs and he wants to move his family over to the states.

Understandable but from a basketball standpoint, disappointing. He clearly needs more polish and I think he'd be doing a disservice to himself to leave after this season.

Higga wrote:Tough game to lose after carrying play early, but this is a young team. They'll learn from this and only get better and better. Fear the Turtle!

Halcyon wrote:Howard is just physically and mentally not able to play at a high division 1 level right now. No jump shot, can't penetrate, poor decision making. He seems like a nice guy but he can't play at this level.