I told you I would be posting today!
Vermont finished out the 2017 recruiting class by getting a commitment from 6-5/210 shooting guard Skyler Nash. He is a player who has overcome a lot and taken a circuitous route to reach his goal of playing division one basketball. Nash is from Chicago, IL where he was being heavily recruited by Big 10 schools early in his high school career. He then got very sick and during the process of figuring out the cause, doctors discovered a carcinoid tumor. Nash had the tumor removed and the cancer has been in remission. The recovery took a long time and as a result Nash missed a substantial part of his high school career. He decided to go to Gould Academy, a prep school in Maine, to restart his basketball career. He was able to do so and now he has been able to reach his goal of playing college basketball. What an incredible story of perseverance and drive. Now on the basketball court Nash is going to bring athleticism and toughness. He has a strong body and can finish around the rim with authority. Has a nice looking outside shot and should be a very good rebounder for Vermont. Looks like one of those players who will be able to do a little bit of everything to help his team win. He has a chance to be a great player for Vermont and contribute from day one. His commitment completes what I think might be the best recruiting class Becker has put together. The big 2014 freshman class was very good and has proven to be a very strong class. This class is diverse, brings a high level of athleticism, and looks to be full of mentally strong players. Between Stefan Smith, Bailey Patella, Ra Kpedi, and now Nash, Vermont has another great group to help take the reins when this senior class departs. This group will have a chance to compete for minutes right away and learn from the tremendous upperclassmen currently on the roster. Vermont is going to incorporate eight new players next season between the four redshirts and the four recruits. That is a lot of new blood and energy that will be infused into an already strong roster. The trajectory the Vermont program is on right now is incredible and it is a credit to the family atmosphere and winning culture that the coaching staff has cultivated. Getting a recruit to visit the school, fall in love, and commit directly following the visit shows how easy it is to tell that playing at the University of Vermont is a special experience. There is going to be an incredible amount of excitement surrounding this program again next season and it would really reach a fever pitch if the new area plan is officially implemented. Go Cats Go!!
