Maze
Junior college All-American Bobby Maze said he's looking for "a warm home and a coach that believes in me.''
Today, it's Knoxville's turn to audition for the gifted point guard from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College.
Maze will be on the University of Tennessee campus making a visit as he closes in on signing with a team to play for this upcoming season.
"The things I look for are a coach who will give me the opportunity to play my game and a team with good players around me,'' said Maze, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior-to-be who averaged 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game last season. "I like coming off ball screens, and I like to drive and dish.
"When I get the ball in my hands, I make good decisions. I can see the floor and run, and I know Tennessee has some talented guys that can run the floor.''
The Vols are sorely in need of an experienced point guard after Friday's announcement that incumbent Ramar Smith won't return to the team.
Among others, UT brings back an All-SEC player in Tyler Smith, a player Maze played against when Smith was at Hargrave Military Academy.
Maze is from Washington D.C., but he finished his prep career at the Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., before heading to play at Oklahoma two seasons ago.
Maze said the Sooners weren't a good fit, and a preseason injury left him less than 100 percent.
"Every team I have ever played for likes to run,'' said Maze, who as a high school receiver and free safety ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. "Oklahoma slowed me down, and it didn't really fit my style.''
Maze broke his foot the day before the season started running a three-man weave drill in practice.
"I had told them my foot was hurting me,'' Maze said. "I came back 12 games into the season, and I was nowhere near 100 percent.''
Maze started five games for the Sooners and played in 22, averaging 5.6 points and 2.5 assists while shooting 70 percent from the free-throw line and 45 percent from the floor.
He scored 17 points in his first Big 12 game against Texas Tech, and hit double digits against Baylor and Iowa State. Maze also had five-assist performances against Missouri and Kansas State.
At the end of the season, Maze and Oklahoma made a mutual decision it would be best for him to leave Norman.
At Hutchinson last season, Maze became only the third player in the program's storied history to have more than 200 assists in one season.
Maze also is the fourth of Hutchinson's 23 All-Americans to earn first-team honors, having set a single-game record with 16 assists against Barton (Kans.) Community College.
Maze, who visited Cincinnati last weekend and is schedule to visit Kentucky this weekend, said whatever school he decides on will have to wait to see him play in person.
"I don't put my stuff on YouTube,'' Maze said. "They'll see me when they see me.''
Today, Maze will see the University of Tennessee.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Volscars 2012
Bruce Pearl through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 75
VOLS85 writes:
cute pic bobby
Silent_Fulmer writes:
sign his A$$
FishTacos writes:
Cincinnati may be a better fit for this guy. Not warm but overall a better fit.
MrBamSeydu writes:
He's basically guaranteed the starting PG spot if he comes with West playing the rest of the minutes. I don't want to see J.P. playing any more PG.... all he's really good at is driving left to the basket. This kid, however, seems to be one of those fast dishers (i.e. D Rose of Memphis State and T Harris former Vol).
hdhurst writes:
My gut feeling about this guy is not good. It's a good thing I am not the talent evaluator though, as I would have lost out on the "contributions" Tony Harris gave us a few years back. Who knows...maybe this kid can come in and give us that hard nose attitude we need at point. As Memphis has shown us, the best basketball talent does not translate into community leaders and players like Chris Lofton. GO VOLS!
Volborn writes:
Okay...Is the community college giving random drug tests? KNS..Is this the only picture you could find of this kid?
drakosben1#216420 writes:
too many people at kentucky, with a not so cool coach , cinc is all for show. it's Tennessee baby!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Unbelievable pictures KNS dredges up. I think they could make Miss America look bad.
This is really interesting. Wonder if Bruce has anymore JUCO guys he's looking at??? A spot-up 3-pt guy would be a help.
As for Bobby Maze, I'll trust Bruce. CBP seems to have good patience with these kids, yet he does draw the line. Unlike some of you, I feel the same way about CPF.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
NO offense to Remar, but now more than ever you wish Chris would've taken the last shot against Ohio State last year. I'll always think that team had a CHANCE to go all the way.
It would not have been easy, but there where teams they could beat left.
All those 'what-ifs'.
What-if:
-we'd played better D at the end of the first half and stopped the last 3??
-Dane had hit his open layup???
-the Ref's hadn't given Conley Jr every break?
Oh well, hell.
newtonrail writes:
What will take to permanently ban bflyn2? This guy has had more posts removed than have stayed up with thinly veiled vulgarity.
newtonrail writes:
Well it got removed before my post got up.
BigOrangeVol writes:
We've been on this kid since '06. The Tulsa World newspaper reported that Coach Capel asked Maze to leave because of his "practice habits and overall attitude". Maze claims the move was a mutual agreement.
After leaving OU he committed to Maryland over UT last winter. As of 6 weeks ago he said the Terps were his choice. Then Maryland took a commitment from juco guard Tyree Evans and it was over. Evidently Maryland admissions did not accept his transcripts.
He visited Saint John’s last month and said he was also considering the Vols, UK, Wake Forest, Georgetown, K-State, Cincinnati, Southern Cal and even Wichita State. He's listed at least seven other schools that he has interest in as well.
The REAL kicker is that Maze hasn't yet but is still expected to qualify academically. He will have to take a few credit hours this summer before his associate’s degree is complete.
Scout lists him as a 3-star PG. In Maze's senior year he was ranked #135 by Rivals.
He compares himself to A.I. and it seems that he stays in the gym when he should be going to class. One thing he isn't short on is ego!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
Too much "me" in his brain. Let him go.bonzaivol
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Far be it from me to second-guess BP, but everything I've read about this guy makes me uneasy. I have a hard time seeing him as a Vol and not such a hard time seeing him as trouble or a bust.
But I trust BP completely.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
wave bye-bye Mr Ego.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Well, if he can play and "run the floor", bring it on.
Like me, he's not going to win "Best of Show" om appearance. But it appears he can put the ball in the hoop and I believe that's what the game is about.
Have to defer to ol' BP on this one. Maybe he's not an Edsel.
Hopson2008 writes:
I would trust Coach Pearl. He seems to do the right thing more often than not. Where is all this negative info coming from, b/c I didn't really see it in the article besides the mugshot?
GreerVol22 writes:
He can have Duke's weed.
Seriously, I'm sure Bruce can't stand all the negative vibes left from Dukie and Ramar, so if there is any hint of "non-compliance" in his tone, Bruce may pass. This cat needs to be humble and hungry if he intends to impress coach.
DandyVol writes:
Hopson2008: Scotty, I hope that is you. I think the verbage that is sticking in the fans mind from the article is: "The things I look for are a coach who will give me the opportunity to play my game ... etc". Under coach BP the Vols have become an exciting full pressure, fast moving team. The article does have a lot of "me .. me" hints. For a team to be successful, eveyone must be good and all must have talent, and all must play together as a team, not a team supporting one player, which was the feeling I got from the article. The comments that both you and Daniel West have made indicate that you are both good team players who fit in well with CBP play style. You have made the comment that you can't wait to play with Tyler and Daniel has made the comment that he is going to add abilities to support you. These are team player comments and that is what the fans want to see. Welcome Scotty and Daniel. I like most of the fans will support CBP on what ever his decision is. I like a lot of the fans feel that we would benefit from the addition of another point guard. There is one thing to remember, make sure the team you join already plays or is attempting to play the style of BB that you want to play. It sounds like Bobby may have some issues with previous teams in that dept.
GOVOLS
Couchdummy writes:
It may just be the tone of the article, but I don't get a favorable impression on the influence this guy would have on the team chemistry.
utfpmd writes:
Sounds like a "me first" player, but hard to tell only from a few quotes. He may just be confident in his abilities, which you need in a point guard. The mug shot definitely does not help.
VolsorCat writes:
I think the KNS did a great job of photoshopping the Number he was holding and putting a basketball in it's place.
VOLinATL writes:
I say pass on this guy. Sounds like to type to really blow up locker room chemistry.
CoverOrange writes:
Did he not know, or bother to research, what kind of style Oklahoma ran before committing to them? Like many have already posted, I'm wary of this guy but in Pearl we trust.
TommyJack writes:
Pic looks like a morgue shot.
rccheek#205272 writes:
Better look out. This language sounds like an ego problem: "play my game","do my thing", "not my style". Sounds like he is all about ME! I'd pass but then there were lots of posters worried about Tyler and JP before they got here, so BRUCE KNOWS BEST.
Pullingguard writes:
Just wondering how many of these posters who are so critical of looks have themselves looked into the mirror recently to let their ego become adjusted to the real world... Looks are deceiving, however, BP must make sure that all players are team players and not individuals who think their game and their success are larger than the entire team.... BP is a no BS guy and can get your ego adjusted real quick and as they say no one has a larger ego than BP himself.
rccheek#205272 writes:
collegehoopsupdate.com/images/pics/bobby_maze.JPG
Here is a link to a better picture.
seaplane#216536 writes:
I wonder if the word academcics has ever entered the picture. Sounds like a one and go. College basketball is like the minor leagues with zero emphasis on education. Give the scholarship to someone that would appreciate it.
volfan#207874 writes:
Too many questions remain to be answered to effectively come to an honest opinon on this young man. Is this the full report of the interview, or is his comments taken out of context? I trust coach to conduct a background check on this young man's abilities and his willingness to be a team player. 6.7 assists per game while averaging 20+ ppg does not sound like a "ball hog." Let us leave coach Pearl earn his salary by evaluating all aspects of this individual as to how he would fit in to his program.
rbut5252#220065 writes:
some of his comments trouble me....such as ".....a coach who will let me play my game.... with good players around me" that sounds a little selfish to me.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I just simply cannot believe you guys with your 'all about me'. Every-damn-body is 'all about me'!!!!! Some are just more verbal than others. Even the 'selfless' people do things to get noticed for being 'selfless', so it makes them feel good.....about THEMSELVES!!!!!
You are acting like CBP will bring in some kid and let him blow up the team. Have you seen a weak hand of Bruce yet?? I sure as hell haven't.
Maybe go back and read what pdhuff said, he was short and sweet about it.
IMHO, the kid is quick, strong-willed, able to make the dish, able to penetrate and score. Sounds like a void we have, right???
I'll sum up: if Burce thinks the kid can play, I have to give him a chance. BB is a different animal anymore; look at the three years CBP has been here: M. Johnson left, Major got kicked off, Ramar and Duke got the boot, Ryan kind of had a meltdown/nothing season....Tyler left and came back....
It's like a dang soap opera. BBall coaches work hard for their salaries, that is for sure.
THE_VOL writes:
Once again everybody has an opinion about a kid they've never seen play and never had a conversation with. Many of the comments here smack of underlying racism based on nothing more than a picture, a hometown and a mutual decision to leave a school. That is truly sad.
BasketballJones writes:
We really do have an imbecilic fan base.
chrslyp writes:
i think "play my game" and "do my thing" is basketball player talk for "i want to be comfortable on the court and play the style that best accentuates (sp?) my abilities". i don't agree with the opinion he's being selfish, not in the slightest.
volfan#207874 writes:
Hey, the picture probably does not do the man justice. I blame it on the photographer. It appears that the photographer is in a much lower position than Maze, thus getting a less than desirable photo. It is also true that all of us have emblazoned on our foreheads "I AM IMPORTANT!" It may be latent, but rest assured that it is there! Give the guy a chance to prove himself first to BP and then to the Orange Nation.
TommyJack writes:
The_Vol: Where's the racism? And, BTW, who are you to be the determiner of other poster's racial views. You can't do it. I've seen no racism, under or overlying. Where is it? Where was the racism concerning Chris Lofton? Duke Crews? Not there, dude.
volboy81#211803 writes:
this guy seems selfish and 'all about me' with his quotes in this story. We need team players who care about UT, not themselves!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Count me in with those who think CBP will do his homework and make a good decision on this kid. I go along with chrslyp's interpretation of what he meant, until I see more evidence otherwise. OK does play a style a good deal more deliberate than UT's. I do somewhat agree with those who were alarmed with his words as quoted. I got a flashback to Tony Harris, who said much the same thing, which in that context was clearly intended to mean, "I don't want some coach telling me what to do. I've been a star all my life, doing it my way." Many young players these days are just not conditioned to talk the "Aw, shucks, it's not about me, it's all about the team" talk that many of us older guys grew up with. Chris Lofton was a rare exception. Maybe Maze was just expressing his confidence in words that SOUND cocky to us. In this as in much else, in CBP I trust.
spikeyd10#222219 writes:
personally, I hope this kid inks with UT. As for his comments about wanting to find a coach that will allow him to play his game and do his thing...he stated that the Oklahoma coach slowed him down. This kid wants to play at a high octane pace, and where better to do that, than inside TBA? As for all you guys talking about him being a "ME" guy.....he had over 200 assists last season, that doesnt sound like a selfish player to me.....just one who is confident in his abilities....and looking for the right place to display them. Make room guys, I think he will be the latest member of the big orange nation.
utchris writes:
Many considered Prince to be the same (too big of an ego and attitude) way when he left UA. I know that Prince has his struggles, but Pearl seemed to at least get his attitude turned around.
GerryOP writes:
Coach Pearl appreciates ya'all leaving the decision up to him ... he really does.
wjackson#226202 writes:
Looks like KNS is at it with their professional photographers again. How about getting rid of John Adams and spending his salary on a real photographer. I think that crappy picture of Erik Ainge was the only one they used all 4 years. Jeez.
OwensboroVol writes:
You can't spell "team" with I in it. I wonder if this kid has too much I in him to be a really good addition to the Tennessee Team.
Smokey91 writes:
We need this guy and Pearl will probably be the best thing that could happen to him. JP is not a point guard. He is a turn over machine when he is running the point. I like JP but we need a true PG who is going to get the ball into the hands of our scorers at the right time, not when they gt stuck and have to make a desperation pass. Be nice if we hand a PG that can shoot free throws too. Come to K-Town Bobby Maze and A-Maze us.
IMAVOL2 writes:
does anyone remember............kelly washington (ut football) !!?? great athlete , terrible for the TEAM .
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
gerryop, nicely said. I'll stand by that and other posts to the effect that every-dang-one of us want to find a place where 'me' counts. That's just being human.
On a side note, never elect a man as president who does not cheat on his wife (no self-confidence, no charsma), and never elect a woman to presidnet who hasn't had kids (I shouldn't even have to explain that one).
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
oh, and btw, the second part of my last post was sexist and politically incorrect and shows I'm a backwoods numnuts with the brains of a runover squirrel.
History pretty much bears me out on the assertion, tho (not about me, about electing leaders).
IMAVOL2 writes:
concerning lofton : retire chris lofton's number now , or at least sooner than later . thanks chris !!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
wearememph:
what seriously hurt, IMHO, is your conference schedule. Too weak, too easy. Y0u had what I considered to be an unstoppable player in Rose, and you had a pretty good set of matchups to win it all. Only Miss State pushed you very hard.
Whay I think the conf sched hurt you is that you didn't have enough close games to get the kids and the coach to REALLY buckle down on FT shooting. I kept reading 'oh, we'll make them when it counts'. Any bball player will tell you it doesn't work that way. You are either strokin' them or you aren't.
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