I made my yearly trip down to the post Becker basketball camp team scrimmage to get my basketball fix. Today was extra cool because I got to meet the guy behind vermonthoops on instagram and had a fun chat about Catamount basketball. If you haven't already, check him out! Watching the scrimmage was fun as always and anytime there is basketball to be watched I am having a good time. This year was a little different than the last two seasons as Vermont has a strong returning core instead of a slew of new players. That returning core certainly builds a ton of excitement for next season. As far as the returners go, Shamir Bogues looks ready to build on last season's success. So smooth and strong around the rim and that relentless motor running at all times. If he can stay healthy I think he has a player of the year run in him. Nick Fiorillo looked great playing without a knee brace as he too hopes for an injury free season. He was aggressive on the offensive end, knocking down threes and a poster dunk for good measure. He is in a good position to put together a big time senior campaign as the elder statesmen enters his 6th season with the Cats. Ileri Ayo-Faleye looked stronger finishing in and around the rim. TJ Hurley looked healthy and has a shot to make a big leap, particularly with the minutes available after losing Jayhlon Young back to the portal. Jace Roquemore also stands to have a shot at some of those minutes and was aggressive getting to the rim. Sam Alamutu and TJ Long are set to arrive later in the week. Seth Joba has put on some muscle as he looks to make a jump this season. Noah Barnett plays with reckless abandon and had some nice moments working hard on the boards. Newcomer Shy Odom did light work on the side as he works to get healthy. The real gems of the scrimmage were the two freshman Sean Blake and Ben Wesson. Both were extremely impressive and Catamount fans should be very excited about their futures. Wesson was the star this afternoon, shooting the lights out from three and displaying a strong feel for the game. He looked confident and comfortable with the ball in his hands and attacked the rim well off the dribble. Blake is lightning quick and is comfortable finishing creatively and thru contact at the rim. His athleticism really pops and he plays with tremendous poise. They also could be beneficiaries of the Young decommitment as now there are a few more rotational minutes than Vermont originally expected. I had so much fun watching today I will likely go back later in the week to catch another round!
