Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Shy Odom commits to Vermont
Vermont received a commitment from 6'6 F Shy Odom, a native of Roxbury, MA who played two seasons at Howard and has two years of eligibility remaining. This is an absolutely massive add for the Catamounts. Odom had a huge freshman season at Howard where he won MEAC rookie of the year after averaging 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds and then led the Bison to a NCAA tourney berth, winning the MEAC tourney MVP. In Howard's first round game he finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds against Kansas. This season he was named the MEAC preseason player of the year before struggling a bit while battling injuries. Prior to Howard he played at top tier Sierra Canyon HS with Bronny James and others. The Vermont coaching staff has been scouring the portal looking for a player who can add a post presence to the current roster. Odom fits that role perfectly. He is at his best attacking the rim and using his strength and physicality to finish through contact. Odom can score with his back to the basket or attack off the dribble. He is a strong rebounder who has been particularly effective on the offensive glass. Defensively he is able to wall up opposing players, good shot blocking instincts, and has versatility to guard multiple positions. He also has strong playmaking skills as he averaged 2.4 assists last season. Odom is going to be a dynamic player for Vermont. This is the third season in a row that the Vermont coaching staff has landed a player to put an already strong roster over the top (Dylan Penn, Shamir Bogues, and now Odom). With the addition of Odom, Vermont has the depth and versatility to once again make a championship run and beyond. Odom will provide the physical post presence that Vermont has been looking to add the last few offseasons. With two more seasons he will also provide a great veteran presence when Vermont gets very young following the graduation of all of the COVID year players. One more scholarship to go for Vermont and my guess is that it will be filled with an eye to the future as opposed to an impact for next season.
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Seems like a great signing. 6'6" 210. This kid was offered by USC Penn State and Georgetown coming out of HS. There will be a significant culture adjustment coming to Vermont from Roxbury and Howard, and I'm hoping he's past whatever injuries hobbled him his Sophomore season, but I'd think he might be able to contribute right away.
ReplyDeleteHe has enormous potential and so far injuries have been the big hurdle. Knee injury derailed his HS career and Back injury last season. When healthy is an all league caliber player.
DeleteWait. Is this guy Lamar Odom's son?
ReplyDeleteNegative. But did play with Bronny James at Sierra Canyon.
DeleteGreat work Coaching staff! Cant wait for November. Pleas Elias up in tough opponents in pre-conference games . Let’s show them some catamount basketball!
ReplyDeletePlease line up
DeleteWatched several of his YouTube footage. At 6’6” he plays bigger and looks very strong. Agree with your assessment! Looking forward to November!
ReplyDeleteSo much excitement for next season. What a squad!
DeleteAgreed but Becker has said that a lot of those teams are steering clear of us. Think the Duke game at Cameron a few years back and coach K’s remarks post game and coach Cal’s comments about how unhappy he was that someone on his staff signed Kentucky up
ReplyDeleteto play us. It really is a huge challenge given the reputation we have developed.
Scheduling is and has been a challenge for the last decade. Not a lot of schools willing to risk a loss. I would expect another strong slate of other good mid-majors.
DeleteOne more scholly but what is the status of Skipper Jackson? I haven't heard anything.
DeleteWoops. Just realized I reversed Skippers name.
DeleteNo info on Skipper recently.
DeleteLee, you mentioned younger class after this years squad. We do graduate many folks a year from now but still would have Odom, Hurley, Sammy and Joba. Assuming they all stay? Program built to last!! And agreed last scholarship should be developmental as only so minutes to go around.
ReplyDeleteIf they all stay they will have a good core but the depth will likely be much younger and it will be harder recruit the portal with the pool of available players shrinking. It will be the first time in quite a while where they will likely be relying on the younger players to play a more significant role.
DeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteHow did the Cats land Shy? What got him to Burlington? He must've had lots of options. Thanks for the reporting.
I do not know the ins and outs of the recruitment but would assume that he had several options. I am guessing the winning, success of undersized bigs in the America East, and a schedule that will have more game close to home were a factor. Thanks for reading.
DeleteOdom reminds me of the signing of Skyler Nash it has big upside but risk because of his health . Odom had been a Power 5 recruit ( USC ) prior to his knee injury . I’m just hoping he is fully recovered from the knee injuries . From video he looks to have the ability to score both inside and outside . It’s the inside scoring that can be the difference maker .. I was excited about this team even before his signing if he’s healthy I’m expecting UVM to be favored to win the title again . And maybe win one ? two ? In the tournament.
ReplyDeleteI can see the similarities. The big difference between he and Nash are that Odom has already proven that he can be a very effective college player. Nash never really made the adjustment on top of the health issues. I agree that the team was already in great shape and he gives them a potentially extra gear. If healthy I do see this as a group with a real shot win in March, should they take care of business in the regular season.
Delete