Honoring Legends

First and foremost tonight was special. Sorrentine & Coppenrath are the reason I am a Vermont fan. That era was incredible and every game was a chance to see what they were going to do next. From that point on I haven't missed very many games. It is so special to have this incredible level of college basketball in our little old state and we have these two legends to thank for that. The ceremony was perfect and the crowd was incredible. Becker said after the game that it didn't have the atmosphere of a normal exhibition game and I would have to agree. That felt like a late season thriller. A wonderful night for two wonderful people.

As far as the game goes, holey moley. I try to keep a level head on this blog and keep an even keel when the hype train starts rolling. After watching that game tonight it is hard to keep that feeling in check. This team has a chance to be the best ever. At times tonight they were unstoppable. At no point during the game did they look like a team missing one of the best players in the country. The biggest reason to believe in this teams ability to take it to the next level is their mentality. These players are focused. They are not playing like a team that has bought into the hype. Diving for a loose ball, fighting through screens, making the extra pass. My favorite moment from the game was probably Stef Smith tipping the ball away and fighting for possession, the ball rolling straight down the edge of the sideline, Smith tracking it down, and whipping it to a hard charging Everett Duncan for a layup. That is a play from a team that only cares about winning. Smith looked incredible before getting a little dinged up. So fast, so confident. He is ready to step into the spotlight. Ryan Davis continued to impress. He is a completely different player. Healthy and slimmer, Davis is noticeably quicker and has the look of a player who could take over a game and carry his team. Everett made 6/8 from three and also looked focused and confident. Daniel Giddens had some impressive blocked shots and the coaching staff is committed to getting him looks at the rim. He isn't quite up to speed yet but the potential is tantalizing. In the first half Vermont ran a lot of high ball screen action and it was very effective at getting their post players good shots at the rim. That will be a nice wrinkle to the offense this season.  Bailey Patella also had the best extended minutes of his career. His athleticism is a difference maker. The hype is real and the ceiling of this team is very high. The battle for minutes is going to be intense as this is by far the deepest team Vermont has put together. I will be out of town for next weekend's exhibition so I will no be able to see that game. I will post my my season preview before the first regular season game. What a time to be a Vermont fan.