On to the scrimmage reactions. It always fun to watch because you get to see something from every player. Tonight there was no Gus Yalden, Momo Nkugwa, or Daniil Glazkov. They were relegated to the cheering squad. The competition was fierce as always and the overall impression is that there is some strong potential with this team and this group of players are a great fit together. Players with different and versatile skill sets that complement each other. Going offense heavy in roster construction last year did not work out as the coaching staff hoped and you can see that there was an emphasis on defense and versatility in the roster construction this time around. One of the big changes this year will be the depth at point guard. That will make a huge difference in how the offense runs. This group looks like they will be physical on the defensive end and strong on the boards. I feel like a broken record, but perimeter shooting will once again be the area to keep an eye on. They have several players with upside from the perimeter, but consistency will be key. I am very excited to see the first game action in a couple weeks, and it is great that the NCAA changed the rules to allow for better exhibitions by allowing more games and Division I opponents. This team has the pieces to compete for a championship.
Will Davies was very impressive. He looks like Vermont player through and through. Gritty, smart, relentless. He has a tremendous feel for the game has the ball on a string. Great court vision and a command of the offense. The Davies/Yalden pick and roll is going to be deadly. Darrel Yepdo is the other half of the point guard duo and he will also bring steady leadership. He is crafty and brings that veteran calm. Those two are going to put their teammates in good spots all year. Khalil Badru has tremendous athleticism and is going to have some highlight reel moments this season. He is strong on the offensive glass and can make tough mid-range shots. Noah Barnett is ready to continue his steady rise as a do it all glue guy. He wills the team forward with his energy. Hayden Johns was very impressive as the main initiator on the green team. He is all frenetic energy and has a pretty deadly lefty wrist-flick hook shot. It will be interesting to see how he progresses coming off last year's knee injury. John Broom showed of his quiet, always around the ball skills. He made a lot of little plays like being in the right spot on defense and grabbing rebounds. He has a high ceiling and will be impactful on both ends of the floor. Cash Chism is a good shooter and plays with a scorer's mentality. With the depth at the guard position, he might be in more of a learning mode this season. Sincere Clemons and Zach Romich, the two walk-ons, had some nice moments in the scrimmage and provided good energy. That just leaves the trio of international bigs. Mario Brunetto knocked down a couple threes and could provide some shooting. He will have to get tough on the defensive end in order to find those minutes. Sublime Gbiegba was strong on the boards and has good court vision. He could be a real swing player for the Cats. The transition to college basketball can be a hard one but if he picks it up quickly, he could find his way into the rotation. Marko Masic has great size and is smooth with the ball. He too will be looking to make that college basketball transition as quick as he can.
Just a few thoughts here to get started and now the countdown begins to real game action and I cannot wait. Excited to be getting into the groove again and ready for the season.
