I made my yearly trip down to the post Becker basketball camp team scrimmage to get my basketball fix. Today was extra cool because I got to meet the guy behind vermonthoops on instagram and had a fun chat about Catamount basketball. If you haven't already, check him out! Watching the scrimmage was fun as always and anytime there is basketball to be watched I am having a good time. This year was a little different than the last two seasons as Vermont has a strong returning core instead of a slew of new players. That returning core certainly builds a ton of excitement for next season. As far as the returners go, Shamir Bogues looks ready to build on last season's success. So smooth and strong around the rim and that relentless motor running at all times. If he can stay healthy I think he has a player of the year run in him. Nick Fiorillo looked great playing without a knee brace as he too hopes for an injury free season. He was aggressive on the offensive end, knocking down threes and a poster dunk for good measure. He is in a good position to put together a big time senior campaign as the elder statesmen enters his 6th season with the Cats. Ileri Ayo-Faleye looked stronger finishing in and around the rim. TJ Hurley looked healthy and has a shot to make a big leap, particularly with the minutes available after losing Jayhlon Young back to the portal. Jace Roquemore also stands to have a shot at some of those minutes and was aggressive getting to the rim. Sam Alamutu and TJ Long are set to arrive later in the week. Seth Joba has put on some muscle as he looks to make a jump this season. Nate Barnett plays with reckless abandon and had some nice moments working hard on the boards. Newcomer Shy Odom did light work on the side as he works to get healthy. The real gems of the scrimmage were the two freshman Sean Blake and Ben Wesson. Both were extremely impressive and Catamount fans should be very excited about their futures. Wesson was the star this afternoon, shooting the lights out from three and displaying a strong feel for the game. He looked confident and comfortable with the ball in his hands and attacked the rim well off the dribble. Blake is lightning quick and is comfortable finishing creatively and thru contact at the rim. His athleticism really pops and he plays with tremendous poise. They also could be beneficiaries of the Young decommitment as now there are a few more rotational minutes than Vermont originally expected. I had so much fun watching today I will likely go back later in the week to catch another round!
I love your enthusiasm Lee But do you really expect one or both freshman not to red shirt ? . If I’m counting correctly there are four returning guards , I assume unless a freshman is ready to see meaningful minutes he wlll redshirt ? Of the two freshman I’d assume Blake has the better chance as a back up point guard ( a spot Roquemore now enjoys ) with Hurley Long and Roquemore all capable of playing the shooting guard position . I think the last freshman to play meaningful minutes was Anthony Lamb. I saw a clip in which Becker stated the key to this season would be finding a way to score in the paint . The key to that is Odom. While only 6’6” the clips I’ve seen show a player with inside scoring ability This team has the potential to capture another AE championship . But to get past the opening round of the tournament we will have to find a way to score inside . I hope Odom can bring that skill to this years team. Your thoughts ?
ReplyDeleteIf Young was still there I would say 100% redshirt. His late move puts the Cats in a situation where they probably at least consider their options. It is going to be hard to find a contributor this late in the game to fill that scholarship. Hurley played a meaningful role his freshman year as well. My enthusiasm is definitely geared more toward the future. Wesson and Blake are both much further along that I initially thought and look like future catamount stars. Odom would be huge for the Cats but it looks as though getting healthy is the current priority. When healthy he will be a force.
DeleteWas Bessette at practice? If so, how did he look?
ReplyDeleteBessette was there and looked a bit tentative. The speed of the game is going to be an adjustment.
DeleteThoughts on the roles Barnett and Joba may play in this upcoming season? Would love to see a deep, physically imposing frontcourt to compliment our defensively gifted guards.
ReplyDeleteBarnett still has some more development to go. He is pretty raw offensively. Love his motor but has some refining to do. Joba is right there. He put on some muscle and looks more comfortable. Still looking for the assertiveness to show through and it is all going to hinge on if he has improved his understanding of the defensive system. Knowing the defensive assignments is a non-negotiable in the Vermont system regardless of other areas of strength.
DeleteBlake and Wesson active this year or red shirt? Any word on last scholarship?
ReplyDeleteBefore Young left I would have said 100%. I still think it is likely but that at least cracked the door open. They have been looking and had someone on campus this week. Likely will be filled soon.
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