Vazquez statistically outperforming Hayes

In response to Amy Harding’s letter, “Point Guard Issues,” the reason for Gary Williams’s decision to start Greivis Vasquez over Eric Hayes is clear when you compare the players’ statistical records.

Both players have had comparable playing time. Vasquez has averaged over nine points, three rebounds and four assists per game. In contrast, Hayes has averaged about five points, fewer than two rebounds, and about four assists. Both players turn the ball over with the same frequency, 2.5 times per game. It is understandable that Gary would want to start Vasquez, for his superior scoring and rebounding ability.

It also doesn’t hurt to remember that Vasquez scored 17 points in a very hostile environment at Assembly Hall early this season. The kind of intensity that Vasquez displayed in that game is invaluable, especially in light of our recent inability to maintain intensity on the road.

That said, Hayes is also a very talented guard and is an extremely valuable player off the bench.

Go Terps!

Nick PriceSeniorMathematics

NITE Ride should be a priority over Terp Taxi

Prospective students beware: Don’t pay any attention when your tour guide tells you about the university’s marvelous services designed to keep you from walking around campus at night. About two years ago, The Diamondback printed a letter I wrote which criticized NITE Ride for being unreliable. Without any improvement since then, NITE Ride will only worsen as it competes with Terp Taxi. Instead of coming up with new ways to raise revenue, perhaps Transportation Services could focus on bringing the ones it has up to par.

Jonathan SteingartJuniorCriminology and criminal justice and sociology

Cell phones only partially the issue

In my Jan. 26 column, “Throw away your cell phone,” I do not deny the reality of life being easier with a cell phone, or that they aren’t good for emergencies. But this misses the reality of cell phones for our generation. Our parents, though they too have been affected by cell phones, grew up in an era when letter-writing and intentional interaction were a necessity if you wanted to stay in contact. Personal, meaningful interaction is endangered by the cell phone, and that is a very important battle to fight. It’s beyond business. It’s about life. We’ve traded ease and laziness for meaning. And it’s not just cell phones.

We want to get to work and life faster, so we drive everywhere when we could go more slowly and save energy. Everything today must be faster and more efficient, but we all know that friendships and relationships can’t be meaningful if they’re fast and efficient. Life is more meaningful when it is done intentionally, and cell phones take away from intentionality.

Brian GormanJuniorEnglish and music

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