Surprise recruiting news!!
Today Vermont added Justin Mazzulla, a 6-3 195lb guard transfer from George Washington. Mazulla has actually already played 4 games for George Washington this season, announcing his intent to transfer 4 days ago, making him a mid-season transfer. I am assuming that means he will redshirt this season and join the team after the semester break next year. That would give him a year and a half to see game action in the Vermont program. You have to complete an academic year in residence before you are eligible to play (unless you get a wavier). An academic year would be two complete semesters. That is my best guess as to his future eligibility. This is a great fit for Vermont. He started all 33 games for George Washington as a sophomore and was named a tri-captain. He actually had 10 points and 6 rebounds against Vermont when the two teams played last season. He averaged 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season. There was a coaching change in the off-season and after starting the first game of this season, his minutes vanished. The timing of the transfer is odd but former Catamount Maurice Joseph was his coach last season and I am sure that Becker and his staff got the low down on the situation. Mazulla is a big guard who can do a little bit of everything and stuff the stat sheet. He is not a great shooter, but a solid all around player. To be named captain as a sophomore he must be a high character player and a natural leader. He is also a strong student who was named to the A-10 all academic team. Another guy that to fits the mold of a player that experiences success in the Vermont program. He has a chance to be a very good player for Vermont. If I have his eligibility right, Mazulla would provide an important bridge in his senior year with Stef Smith and Ben Shungu graduating after next season. It is great to add another experienced player to the program for next season when the Cats lose so much game experience.
