In what has become a later and later event each year, Vermont released their non-conference schedule this week. Mid-major/low-major scheduling difficulties are well documented and this year's schedule is both a reflection of those challenges and working with what they had. Last years non-conference schedule was tough, and in hindsight it was clear that the excessive travel early in the season and the lack of home games proved to do more harm than good. This year's schedule is a logical response with more regional games and extra home games. Like many mid-majors, especially good mid mid-majors, Vermont struggles to find teams that are willing to play them at home. The trend across college basketball is for the high majors to play as few home games as possible and there is a trickle down effect. With major conferences growing in size and adding more conference games, the window for scheduling is shrinking. This schedule is a good balance of winnable road games later in the schedule with home games sprinkled in early. Adding a second non D1 game is not ideal but is a trend on the rise as teams struggle to fill out their schedule. This is a schedule with a lot of winnable games without loading up on cupcakes (like UMass Lowell's non conference last season). The Myrtle Beach invitational has a great field and will give them several challenging opponents including the opening round matchup against another great mid major in College of Charleston. Getting Northeastern back on the schedule is great and I like getting both Yale and Colgate at home this season. Having the road games at the end of the conference schedule is great as it gives the team time to gel before going on the road to try and pick up a few wins. All in all another strong schedule that should they perform up to expectations, will give them the challenges they need to grow as a team but with a little more balance and room for error comparatively to last season. Also the exhibition against Catholic is a fun full circle moment for Becker!
Here is the schedule:
November 1st Exhibition: Home vs St. Michael's
It is great to be posting again! Things should start to pick up again as the season draws near so I hope to be posting again in the near future. The season is just around the corner!
Thanks Lee, looking forward to your game recaps.
ReplyDeleteCan't Wait!!
DeleteGood to hear from you again I would have liked to see maybe one more high major game but thst is a small nit pick .And selfishly would like to have seen a game in the NYC metro area whether an A 10 foe like Fordham Or Iona, or St Peter’s . There is a large alumni network and I think it would draw well . Lastly, I would love to see a new series with St Boneventure those were some epic games . Looking forward to another fun season . Go Cats Go
ReplyDeleteNJIT is in the NYC area. Fordham would be nice. More coverage please, Lee. Thank you!
DeleteI would like the Bonnies series again. Those were great games.
DeletePreseason starts weak, ends well...
ReplyDeleteA solid bunch of mid-majors, and Va Tech. I like it. Glad you are back Lee
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNot really a schedule comment to address but rather just some fun Cat alumni observations- Trae Bell Haynes is playing in the FIBA bronze medal game for team Canada vs the USA on Friday. It will be a great game to watch… hopefully he gets on the court.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience for TBH!
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