From walk on to star

Anyone who watched the 2010-2011 Vermont team remembers that Sandro Carissimo and Brian Voelkel had great freshman seasons. They stepped in and made an immediate impact while demonstrating the poise of veteran players. From the first time I saw Voelkel and Carissimo play I knew they were something special. That same season there was a walk on from Burlington named Clancy Rugg. I remember all of the great high school teams he was on at Burlington and, as a Vermonter myself, was excited to see if he could be a contributor at UVM. At first sight, my hopes of a Vermonter contributing to the team seemed liked a long shot. Rugg was rail thin and seemed confused and unprepared for the speed and athleticism in the college game. The season wore on and Rugg only saw minutes when the game was far out of reach. There is one distinct memory that will always stick in my head about that season (although a moment I am sure Rugg would like to forget). In a blowout at Patrick gym, Rugg entered the game to a loud cheer from the crowd. All of a sudden he found himself all alone on a fast break. I remember thinking about some sweet garbage time entertainment and how much I love to see a good dunk (mind you this is directly following four years of Marqus Blakely which made me accustomed to that sort of thing). Rugg rose up and....got stuffed by the rim. Ouch. That was embarrassing. It was at that moment that I said to myself "This guy will never play at UVM." Rugg went on to score six total points in 2 minutes a game. The summer went by and I was left waiting for more basketball. As the season began Rugg was again riding the bench and seeing inconsistent playing time. Conference play began and out of nowhere Rugg began to play significant minutes. There were flashes of a solid rotation player and a "glue guy" who would do the little things to help a team win. Rugg was playing hard and showing athleticism that seemed to sneak up on opponents. All through conference play Rugg was a solid contributor and then had his first career double double in the bracket buster game against Niagara. It was starting to look like Rugg was going to become a very good player. Vermont won the title and Rugg showed more signs of things to come against North Carolina in the NCAA tournament, hitting a three and finishing around the rim. In the off season the coaching staff did the right thing and awarded Rugg with a scholarship. Rugg's hard work had paid off and he was coming back as a significant part of the team. In the second game of his junior season against UConn, Rugg announced his arrival as a legitimate college player in a big way. Rugg had one of the best dunks of his career and proved himself as a college level athlete on national TV(Highlight here). Throughout the rest of the non conference schedule he continued to show flashes of brilliance. When conference play began, Rugg put it all together and became a force. This was highlight by a 19 point 15 rebound effort in a win against a very talented Stony Brook team. Even though that season ended in heartbreak, Rugg finished the year as the Cats leading scorer and earned All-Conference Second Team honors. With his talent a secret no more, Rugg headed into this season with high expectations. Much like with every other moment in his career, he exceeded expectations. Rugg has been flat out dominant this season. In most of Vermont's games this year he has not only been the best player on Vermont, but the best player on the floor. Rugg is averaging a career high in both points and rebounds (16 and 7) even though on most nights he is playing against a much larger opponent. Rugg has molded himself into a hard nosed player who does the dirty work night in and night out. On any given night there are also flashes of athleticism that make your jaw drop. He has already accomplished so much and his journey from skinny walk on to star is not one that you see very often. It shows that dedication and hard work can make you into the player you want to be. Rugg is what college basketball is all about and is a story that everyone can get behind. I cannot wait to see how high Rugg will rise during the rest of his senior season. If his story thus far is any indication we are all in for a special finish.