Projected record: 23-9 (13-3) regular and postseason champion
This group has more versatile weapons and positional fit than the last few seasons. Having true point guards, solid post play, and versatile wings right from the jump goes a long way to stabilizing the offense. In the previous few seasons, there was quite a bit of asking players to play out of position or fill a role that was not quite a perfect fit. This was largely due to injury but also some misses in the portal. There are more true positional fits on this team and strong skill fits in the larger Vermont system. This gives this group a more solid foundation to start from while growing and improving, instead of learning, adjusting, growing, and improving all having to happen simultaneously. That raises the ceiling and gives this team all of the pieces to make a run at the championship.
Schedule:
With all of that being said, Vermont is up against a daunting non-conference schedule. All but 3 teams (Quinnipiac, Brown, Northeastern) are picked to finish in the top four of their conference's preseason coaches poll. It is a Metro Conference (formerly MAAC) heavy schedule with 6 games against members of that conference. This includes preseason favorite Fairfield, Iona (picked 4th), Siena (3rd), and Merrimack (2nd) (who the Cats actually play twice) all on the road (one of the Merrimack games is neutral site). They also play Yale (picked 3rd), Robert Morris (picked 2nd), and Hofstra (picked 3rd) on the road. Throw in Colgate (picked 3rd) as another neutral site game at thanksgiving and, *checks notes*, traveling to preseason number one overall Florida just for fun. That is a lot of road games against teams who expect to win and compete for a title this season. Preseason polls are certainly not a be all end all, but they do give an idea of the mentality and expectations of a team to start the season. This team is going to be tested early, often, and in a variety of ways. Vermont will be ready for anything when conference season rolls around.
Winners:
One of the factors that will help this group during the very tough schedule is that many of the newcomers are coming from programs that too had high expectations and championship aspirations. Will Davies won an NE10 title last season at Saint Anselm and went to the sweet 16. Darrel Yepdo played on a UMass Lowell last season, a program that expects to compete for a title each season. Yepdo also played on a St. Michael's team in 2023-2024 that went to the sweet 16. John Broom played on two 20 win teams at South Alabama, a program that expects to compete for conference titles. This group will not be surprised or shy away from the spotlight that comes with playing at Vermont.
Point Guard magic:
The most impressive part of the exhibitions was the dynamic play of Will Davies, Momo Nkugwa, and Darrel Yepdo. Each flashed a variety of strengths and they complement each other well. This will give the coaching staff the ability to mix and match lineups while having a facilitator and court leader in every group. Davies gives the Cats a dynamic passer, which has been hard to come by over the last decade. In 6 out of the last 10 seasons the Vermont assist leader has averaged three or less assists per game. Davies will almost assuredly pass that mark. Yepdo's ability to slash and score in bursts will really help to spread the floor. Momo is like lightning in a bottle and finishes above the rim with ease. The shooting from all three was the real gem of the exhibition slate. If they can maintain even a slice of that perimeter production, the Vermont offense will be balanced and versatile.
All aboard:
The Gus Bus is a versatile hub for the offense to run through. Setting screens, passing, scoring underneath, or popping for three, he can do a bit of everything. With the newfound depth at point guard, that offensive versatility will be unlocked even more. Yalden scores in bunches and allows the Cats to attack opposing defenses in any way they want. Yalden will have a target on his back this season and that transition can be challenging for any player. With more offensive balance and a variety of threats, Yalden should be able to pick apart defenses that give him too much attention. That will really put opposing defenses in a bind as they pick their poison. Last season he worked hard to improve his defense and was significantly better by the end of the season. He still has a ways to go and his continued improvement will decide the ceiling of the Vermont defense. The way he has infused joy and excitement into the fanbase has been fun to watch and makes every game must see.
Speaking of defense:
There are some really exciting defenders on this team. John Broom is a real court wrecker. He is always around the ball, laser focused and intense. Khalil Badru is physical, versatile, and dynamic on the boards. Will Davies has held up incredibly well when switched onto a big. Noah Barnett is solid and reliable. Daniil Glazkov has great size and physicality. Momo is disruptive as well. The rebounding potential of this team alone will add to the defensive presence, and the versatility will help as teams hunt switches to try to gain an advantage. Last year in the season reflection, I highlighted the fouling and putting opponents on the line as a huge area that limited the defense. So many good defensive possessions last season ended with opposing players going to line at the end of the shot clock. If this group can use their versatility and athleticism to keep opponents off the line, that alone will give the defense a huge boost.
Fast or slow?
Pace of play is always an offseason discussion as every coach in America says their team is going to play fast. It is always hard to tell how much is coachspeak and what is realistic. Vermont is one of the slowest paced teams in the country and has been for quite some time. There is a tradeoff when a team wants to be a disciplined and stingy defensive team as limiting possessions is part of that philosophy. However, Vermont has played so slow over the last few seasons that even a small increase could make a big difference. Over the last four seasons Vermont has finished an average of 333rd in tempo. In the four years before that it was 283rd. Getting closer to that number would be huge for the offense. I do think this team has the pieces to get there. They have the speed and playmaking to get out in the open floor. Davies is a sparkplug and guys like Momo, Broom, Badru, and Yepdo love to create havoc. Watching this team and the coaching staff work to find that optimal tempo will be interesting to watch this season.
There you have it. Some things to think about and watch out for as the season progresses. As always, thanks for following along, saying hi, and cheering loud. The exhibitions have me buzzing about the potential of this team and I can't wait to see them attack this non-conference schedule. Go Cats Go!!!!
