Ra Kpedi commits to Vermont

In the first recruiting news since the end of the season, Vermont received a commitment from Ra Kpedi a 6-9/220 PF from Lawrence North High School in Indiana. He is the recruit I have wanted the most to round out the 2017 recruiting class. I have been looking for Vermont to add a true big man to the roster as a complement to the stretch big men that are currently on the team. Kpedi fits that mold perfectly. His number one skill is rebounding. He is very strong on the offensive glass and plays with a high motor. I followed his senior season and he put up big numbers on a very good team. Kpedi averaged a double double and often came up big down the stretch. He will instantly give Vermont a boost on the boards. He is raw offensively but looks to have the ability to become a good finisher around the rim. In reading about Kpedi, he is young for his high school class and considered completing a post grad year. He had offers from other mid majors (IUPUI, Ball State, Northern Kentucky, Monmouth, New Orleans) so this is a big get for the Catamounts. He has the potential to develop into a great rebounder in the America East. The thing that is most exciting is the fit for the Catamounts. He is the perfect complement to the current roster and fills a need going forward. I am very high on Kpedi and think he is going to be a very good player for Vermont.

In other news Josh Hearlihy is transferring out of Vermont. This is really not much of a surprise as he had slipped out of the rotation late season and was going to be in a battle for minutes with all of the new additions to the Catamounts. Hearlihy never quite found his footing and although he showed flashes, was never able to find the consistency he needed. I wish him the best of luck on his future. With his scholarship opening up I think there will be more recruiting news in the near future. Skyler Nash, a recruit who Vermont had on campus this past weekend, is announcing his college decision tomorrow. I have a very strong feeling I will be posting again tomorrow regarding his college choice.