Vermont gets a big commitment from Perry Smith Jr.

Vermont made a huge splash on the recruiting trail getting 6-9 PF Perry Smith Jr. from Greenville, SC. Smith Jr at one time had announced a final eight of Alabama A&M, Hofstra, BC, Alabama, South Carolina, Iona, and Texas A&M. He is a 3 star recruit on Rivals and a 4 star recruit on ESPN. Vermont swooping in a securing this commitment is huge. This to me is one of the effects of the scramble that the transfer portal has created. Much of the narrative was that these new rules would "kill" mid majors. Early returns are that it might actually have the opposite effect. As the High Majors and Power 5 teams load up on transfers and focus less and less on HS recruits, the Mid Major programs can fill the need as a stepping stone for young players to play early in their careers. It is a win win because either those players will stay or you get the first one or two seasons of a big time player instead of the last two. Kind of like a reverse transfer. Smith Jr. is a player who can have an immediate impact for the Catamounts and bring the type of post presence that Mid Majors dream of. He is a big body who works relentlessly under the rim, rebounding at a high rate and finishing through contact. He has the tools to be an impact defender and is working to round out his game by extending his range and improving the quickness of his first step. From what I have read in interviews he was looking for a program that had a family atmosphere with a culture that will push him reach his goals and become the best player he can be. Vermont has certainly proven that they have strong player development in the program. The trick with big men is how quickly they can adjust to the speed of the college game and Vermont's complicated defensive system. With TJ Hurley, Jorge Ochoa, and now Perry Smith Jr., this year's freshman class is another one filled with guys who could develop into all league caliber performers. The Vermont program has had an very strong recruiting cycle and will bring a roster loaded with talent into next season.