Finally some basketball!!!
Every year the season ticket holder event kicks off basketball in Patrick Gym. It is always awesome to see the teams for the first time and get pumped for the season. The biggest takeaway from the last few seasons is how the overall intensity and focus of the players in the program has become razor sharp. With the increase in depth, talent, and expectations, these scrimmages have become so intense and competitive. The players are competing with a game level intensity on every play. It is a credit to the coaching staff and how they have continued to move the program forward and how the players continue to buy in to the attention to detail and the championship mentality.
Ileri Ayo-Faleye was great on both sides of the ball and continues to look better and better. He impacts the game in so many different ways. In the scrimmage he showcased the whole repertoire, knocking down threes, throwing down a dunk, blocking shots, and being a leader on the floor. He is really set up to have a special season. Nick Fiorillo looks healthy and continues to make great plays passing from the perimeter. Those two give the Cats quite a versatile frontcourt. The scrimmage gave fans their first look at Shy Odom. He still looks like he is working his way back to 100% but fits in perfectly in the Vermont system. He is a very willing passer and has great court mapping and anticipation when distributing the ball. He has great touch around the rim and is a creative finisher. Odom is a player who does the little things like setting good screens and making smart cuts. He really could be an x-factor for the Cats this season. Sam Alamutu continues to build and expand his game. He looks more confident on the offensive end and is always impressive with his physicality and rebounding. Freshman Sean Blake is lightning in a bottle and is poised to make a big impact during his Catamount career. He is incredibly explosive to the rim and has the athleticism to finish over and through defenders. Minutes are at a premium this season but he has all the tools to be the point guard of the future. Seth Joba has so much offensive versatility and it will be great to see if he can make a leap on the defensive end with a year in the program under his belt. Late addition Gavin Perryman has a nice shooting stroke and looked as though he could provide some depth if called upon. Jace Roquemore brings that steady, do it all, veteran presence that every good team needs. TJ Hurley will be the other x-factor for the Cats as he is going to be tasked with more offensive responsibilities this season. Walk-on Sincere Clemons had some nice moments getting to the rim. Ben Wesson and Drew Bessette struggled a bit with the speed of the game. Noah Barnett, TJ Long, and Shamir Bogues were in street clothes for the scrimmage and Bogues was in a walking boot so that will be something to monitor throughout the pre-season.
It was great to see some basketball and it was clear even from the shorthanded scrimmage that this team is going to be very tough and physical on the defensive end (no surprise there). They have very good length and versatility on that side of the ball. No easy buckets. The two biggest questions marks going into this season are going to be health and three point shooting. With a few players already sitting out those fears are certainly not squashed. The three point shooting in the scrimmage today was eerily similar to last season as there were long stretches without a make. It will be interesting to see who steps up and takes on that perimeter shooting role for this year's Cats.
Make sure to get out and catch as many Vermont Women's basketball games as you can this year. They looked great in their scrimmage today and are again going to be a team fighting at the top on the conference.
So excited for the season!!
