Season Wrap

Another amazing season in Catamount country where the incredible has become routine. The 28 wins tied the second most in school history and gave Vermont their second America East title three-peat. Every year there are new and different challenges, and every year the Cats find a way. Over the last two offseasons, the coaching staff was tasked with replacing or reloading a significant chunk of the Vermont roster. Each time they were able to find pieces that fit, and get the most out of the players that they had. Too integrate so many new players, players in new roles, and still win at the pace that Vermont has been accustomed to has been quite a feat. The transfer portal/NIL era has thrown new and different challenges at coaches across the country and Vermont has been able to adapt and overcome. This season gave Vermont fans some incredible moments and exciting memories. The TJ Long shot to beat Yale will go down as one of the greatest moments in Vermont basketball history. The incredible comebacks, clutch plays, and gutsy play will forever be etched in Catamount lore. 

The way that Aaron Deloney took control and led this team was nothing short of a heroic effort. Navigating his changing role on the team both on and off the court with the incredible poise and strength that he did was the key to Vermont achieving success this season. The three-peat was a perfect capstone to his career and he cemented his place as an all time Catamount. I will miss AD greatly becasue I just loved the way he played and his on court persona was tremendous. Matt Veretto's time was cut short due to injury but what a great story and cool way for Veretto to resurrect his basketball career in Catamount country. Watching Shamir Bogues and Ileri Ayo-Faleye dominate games defensively was electric this season. Truly must see. Getting to watch a player with the incredible tenacity of Bogues this season was something special. TJ Long just came up big in so many situations and always seemed to have the answer. What great news that his knee should make a full recovery without surgery. Loved having a guy who is willing to take and can make tough shots. The improvement from Ayo-Faleye and Nick Fiorillo was fun to watch as well. They really solidified what was the biggest question mark going into the season. TJ Hurley and Sam Alamutu showed so much growth and flashed big time potential for their future in Catamount country. 

The year in year out dominance has truly reached epic proportions because each year during this three-peat has featured very different groups. Usually a run like that is fuelled by all time players dominating year after year (a la Coppenrath/Sorrentine). This run has been different players, different supporting casts, and different styles. Some of that is the current landscape of college basketball where young players have a much lower impact and retaining players long term has been tough, but it is a testament to the ability of the coaching staff to learn and adapt. They have done a tremendous job identifying players who fit the program and then during the season, making adjustments to fit the team and personnel they have. 

Year to year projections are so hard now with the player movement in college basketball. So far Michel Ndayishimiye is the only Vermont player who has entered the portal. If Vermont can retain this group, they will go into the season returning most of the team for the first time in a few years. That type of continuity has the potential to even further raise the ceiling of the Cats. Getting to bring back a solid core and also being able to add a more specific piece through recruiting versus finding an entire team of contributors, will be huge. Next year is the final year with players that have extra COVID eligibility and that means that teams will go from being really old to young overnight. Looking ahead, the 25-26 season will be a whole new adjustment as high school recruiting and young players will become more important once again. 

I have also really enjoyed the WNIT run that the Vermont women's team has been on. It has been so great to watch the program re-establish themselves as contenders in the America East. Emma Utterback and Delaney Richason have inspired a new generation of young players in the state and what a great run to cap off their careers. I can't wait for the game tomorrow.

As always thanks for reading and commenting and being a part of this community. For the first time I struggled to keep up with all the comments towards the end of the season and that is a testament to the enthusiasm of the fans! The offseason always feels long but I am already excited for the fall!