Next year's Vermont roster is set.
Jackson Skipper a 6-7 wing out of Tulsa, Oklahoma claimed the last scholarship spot on the Vermont roster, commiting to the Catamounts this afternoon. This final scholarship opened up due to Duncan Demuth being forced to retire from basketball due to injury. Skipper completes an impressive freshman class that represents the future of the program. The Vermont coaching staff did a great job this offseason both setting the team up for success this season and beyond. After being one of the oldest teams in college basketball last season and with a large senior class this season, Vermont needed to get younger. They did so in a big way with a group of young players that will all be good at some point in their careers. Much like the Robin Duncan, Ryan Davis, Isaiah Powell freshman group, all of the players in this incoming class have all league potential. There will be minutes available for the young players and a fierce competition to see who makes the quickest adjustment to the college game. Skipper brings great length and versatility. A late bloomer who completed a prep year at Link Year Prep in Branson, MO to really work on getting physically ready for the college game. Skipper is very comfortable handling the ball in the open court and has a smooth stroke from the outside. He uses his length and athleticism well to finish around the rim and could grow into a disruptive defender. Skipper flew under the radar as he has improved rapidly and is only scratching the surface of his potential. This feels like another player that the coaching staff identified late in the process who they believe can grow tremendously during his time at Vermont. This might be the most long and athletic team Vermont has put together from top to bottom. It has been a while since Vermont has had wing and post depth after being guard heavy for several years. The potential of this team not just for next season but for seasons to come is massive. It has been several years since the Cats have a such a strong freshman class that has an opportunity for an immediate impact. The trick with young players is how quickly they can acclimate to the system and adjust to the college game. It has been an exciting offseason recruiting cycle with an incredible caliber of player joining Catamount country next season. Is it October yet?
Any idea on out of conference opponents?
ReplyDeleteToledo (home) and Cal State Fullerton (away) are confirmed. No word yet on buy games. Yale, Dartmouth, Northeastern, are series I believe. I am unsure on how many of the other games on last year's schedule were part of a series.
DeleteThey are playing at USC during the west coast trip
DeleteThank you for the report. Where else did Jackson get offers/interest from?
ReplyDeleteWho of the frosh do you think will redshirt?
Skipper had no other offers but did take an official visit to Northern Iowa. I am not sure about redshirting. A lot will depend on health and positional depth. Everyone will have a shot at minutes. There are less available minutes at the guard spot. All about making the jump to the college game.
DeleteI saw that Skipper also took a visit to Northern Iowa. Is Powell definitely gone?
ReplyDeleteYes. He went through the senior day ceremony and Skipper gives them 13 scholarships which is the NCAA limit. No spots left.
DeleteIf they go to California, with recent recruits, assume they will go for more than just 1 game…. USC would be a good test for us in the road
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. That will be part of a west coast trip for sure.
DeleteReally too bad for Duncan. Had suck great potential. Hate to see it taken by injury.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Duncan?
DeleteVarious lower body injuries over the years. Last year it was a hip fracture that was slow to heal I believe.
DeleteSuch
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Always tough to see a player's chance to grow and contribute taken away by injury.
DeleteAre you saying Robin Duncan is out this year??? Please offer specifics!
DeleteSorry for the confusion. Duncan Demuth is the player retiring due to injury. Robin is healthy and ready to go!
DeleteThis team is more balanced all around (on paper) than previous years. There is a generous helping of 6'7", a splash of 6'8" and 9" with exciting guard support. I wish Guillory would have stayed around. Do you think Sam Alamutu will factor in the mix this coming year?
ReplyDeleteThe roster is definitely more balanced for this upcoming season. There are not very many minutes at the guard spot because that is where all of the experience is on this team. Next season will be the time that the younger guards will have a chance at a larger impact. Alamutu could get similar minutes to what Guillory got last year this season.
DeleteAs of now, who are your starters? Who will be coming off the bench?
ReplyDeleteHow did Vermont nab Perry Smith Jr.? Seems like quite an impressive pick up.
Appreciate the reports. My only grievance is that there's not more of 'em. More coverage please!
It is hard to say which of the young guys will make the leap the quickest. If I had to make a guess the starters will be Finn Sullivan, Dylan Penn, Aaron Deloney, Nick Fiorillo, and Perry Smith Jr. The second unit will be led by Robin Duncan and Kam Gibson. Outside of that there is really no way to know the rest of the rotation until the players get on campus and start learning the system. Perry Smith Jr. is the most highly rated recruit Vermont has ever had so he is a huge pickup for sure. I am glad you like the posts. What else would you like to see? I am always willing to dig deeper.
DeleteI agree. I check this regularly and really appreciate your updates. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteI check this often as well. You do a great job, thx! I think Perry Smith Jr is the result of 20 yrs of a great program. Taking 2star talent and competing with power 5 conferences is a remarkable achievement. I’m actually surprised they haven’t attracted more talent over the yrs with how they’ve developed guys like Blakey, Trae BH, Lamb, Davis, Benny, etc. Playing in front of a sellout crowd every home game should also help. Any word on where they are on the new arena? And any chance they ever bolt for the Atlantic 10 or another higher mid major conference?
ReplyDeleteI agree. In the new world of recruiting Vermont can hang their hat on how successfully they have developed players. Winning helps a lot as well. Sounds like the new area still does not have a definitive timeline. It will be huge for the program when that project is completed. The A10 is currently only a fit for basketball and does not make sense financially. I don't see them moving anytime soon. Regionally America East makes the most sense. Any other conference moves would be pretty lateral.
DeleteDid Ben Shungu go to a pre NBA draft workout with the Charlotte Hornets? Is he doing more of these? Is Davis getting of these invites?
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Shungu did get a workout with the Hornets. I have not heard of any for Davis or any others for Shungu.
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