For the second year in a row Vermont has lost a player right before the start of the season. Last season it was Bernie Andre and this year it is Tomas Murphy. This is a big blow to Vermont's already thin frontcourt as the hope was a healthy Murphy would give the Cats a potent one to punch in the post. The announcement was a lower leg injury and that would make three straight seasons (including his last at Northeastern) where Murphy was unable to overcome the injuries and get on the court. This puts some added pressure on Duncan Demuth and Nick Fiorillo to get healthy and provide some depth. I have written at length over the past few seasons about how much potential I see in Fiorillo and he is certainly going to have an opportunity to contribute. He has the unique distinction of being a third year freshman (redshirt year, COVID year) which has given him time to acclimate to the system. It also means that the Cats are going to experiment with some four guard lineups utilizing the size of their big guards, like Justin Mazzulla, to play the 4. Ultimately Vermont has the players to fill the role that Murphy was going to play and in some ways it helps define some players roles even further in a year where the roster is larger than usual. Can't wait for some more live basketball tomorrow at Patrick!
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