Monday, August 29, 2022

Non-conference schedule release

Today the Vermont men's basketball non-conference schedule was officially released and I thought I would hop on and write a little bit about it. Here is the entire non-conference slate:

Saturday, Oct. 29: vs. St. Michael's (exhibition)

Wednesday, Oct. 2: vs. Middlebury(exhibition)

Monday, Nov. 7: vs. Brown

Thursday, Nov. 10: at St. Mary's

Sunday, Nov. 13: at Cal State Fullerton

Tuesday, Nov. 15: at Southern California

Friday, Nov. 18: vs. Iona at Mohegan Sun Arena 

Tuesday, Nov. 22: at Yale

Friday, Nov. 25: vs. Ball State at Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship in Bahamas

Saturday, Nov. 26: at Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship in Bahamas

Sunday, Nov. 27: at Baha Mar Hoops Nassau Championship in Bahamas

Thursday, Dec. 1: vs. NVU Lyndon

Sunday, Dec. 4: at Merrimack

Tuesday, Dec. 6: at Dartmouth

Saturday, Dec. 10: at Colgate

Tuesday, Dec. 20: vs. Toledo

Wednesday, Dec. 28: at Miami (FL)


This is one of the best schedules they have put together. They were able to get good games against strong programs and are not taking it easy on one of the younger teams Vermont has had. Having the season opener at home with the return of TJ Sorrentine is a pretty amazing way to kickoff the season. The California swing is going to be a great early test against three strong programs. They have some great northeast road games with a really nice neutral site game against Iona. My favorite game is the post Christmas trip to Miami FL because it is so rare to get a buy game at the end of the non-conference schedule. This team has a chance to build chemistry and get their feet under them and then have a strong test right before heading into conference play. I am also very excited to check out Toledo at Patrick gym because it is always fun to see a new and different program live. It is also nice to play all Vermont schools as the Non-D1 and exhibition games. What a great way to see all the local college teams. The Bahamas tourney field has some strong mid-majors as well which makes this schedule a trial by fire for the new players. With such a young team, the Cats could certainly take some lumps. They will be challenged and ready to go come the new year and conference play. I reflect on how much the non-conference games galvanized last season's team and this schedule can certainly do the same for these Cats. No matter the wins and losses playing in tight games, road arenas, tough crowds, back to back games, etc. puts the players in every type of situation and prepares the team to respond to whatever comes their way in conference play. There are a ton of fun games to watch this fall and I can not wait. 


17 comments:

  1. Very challenging schedule especially for such a young team. Still, can’t wait to see or listen to the games ahead.

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    1. It is very challenging. With such a young team there are certainly going to be some growing pains.

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  2. Nice job as usual. Thanks.

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  3. Not that I wish for winter... but I can't wait for the season to begin!!

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  4. Wow, only 2 at Patrick. I'm not counting NVU.

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    1. Road Warriors for sure. It is getting harder and harder for good mid majors to get home games, especially in the northeast.

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  5. Lee,
    Once again this year the Barre Aud will host the UVM Men’s Team on Saturday, October 22nd from 12:00 to 3:00. All fans are welcome to this Open Practice - no admission..
    Jim McWilliam
    Barre Civic Center

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    1. Thank you so much for the information Jim! Do you have the date and time for the UVM women's team as well?

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  6. Lee, I’m still waiting on reply from the coaches of the UVM Women’s Team. As they have for the past three years we are excited about their return to the Aud again this year.

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    1. Awesome! I would love the information for that as well when it gets finalized so I can promote both.

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  7. Do you get to view practices, Lee? Getting more inside scoop info is something this Uber-fan craves.

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    1. You and me both! I have not been able to see a practice. The season can't come fast enough.

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  8. We are in the doldrums of college basketball! I can't wait to watch this incoming crop play. On paper it reads like an intriguing story; now I long to see the story in action!

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  9. Lee, We have confirmed that the UVM Women's Team will be at the Barre Aud on Friday, 10/7 from 5:00 - 7:00PM for an open practice and scrimmage. As mentioned earlier, the UVM Men will be at the Aud on Saturday, 10/22 12:00 - 3:00.
    All are welcome - no admission.
    Jim McWilliam
    Barre Civic Center

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