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2012-2013 Vermont Catamount Thread!

24K views 163 replies 32 participants last post by  UVM Hoop Cat 
#1 ·
Let's talk about how awesome we are!

We return 4 out of 5 starters.

Top scorer from this year will only be a sophomore.

Ethan O'Day is the #1 recruit in the country!

Becker now has the confidence and the clout that comes with winning a conference tournament and a game in the NCAAs.

Brian Voelkel has another year to improve on his biceps.

What else is making you excited about UVM Men's basketball!?
 
#79 ·
According to his twitter Trey Blue arrived here a few days ago..
Harrison Taggart's twitter seems to indicate he's also on campus (and I think rooming with Troy Davine, IIRC). But neither of them is listed on the roster yet.

Hope we have a bunch of players this year who are happy to be at UVM..

OT, UVM was a madhouse on Friday - freshman moving-in day. (Sophomores and up move in today.) The concept of "packing light" remains obstinately foreign to my daughter. Thank goodness it's only once a year.
 
#81 ·
No surprise, but UVM officially named Crenca and Apfeld captains today for 2012-13. Great choices, well deserved and congrats to both players. Both appear to have terrific leadership qualities.
 
#82 ·
#85 ·
Crenca and Apfeld were both at the UVM men's and women's home soccer games this weekend. They both look healthy and ready to compete. It's also good to see them out there supporting the soccer teams. That's the kind of stuff captains should be doing but often goes unnoticed. If those two guys stay healthy this season Vermont really brings alot to the table. Here's who I like for the starting line-up

Carissimo
Rusin
Voelkel
Crenca
Apfeld

That's an experienced starting five with a solid bench in Rugg, Blue, Elbaum, O'Day, and Kilpatrick. I don't expect much from Davine or Taggart this season.
 
#86 ·
Looks good to me. I also wouldn't be surprised to see O'Day move into the starting lineup at some point in the season. The best thing about the 5 bench guys listed above is they are all expected to see quality minutes, with two already experiencing quality minutes.
 
#89 ·
Someone tweeted a story about Ethan O'day with some video attached - It was, I think the first video I've seen of Ethan. He was wearing #22. That immediately got me wondering if UVM would allow him to wear 22 when he gets here. (Taylor Coppenwrath was 22)A quick check of the UVM roster has him wearing #32. Just an intersting observation, I guess...

Also, of note, UVM newcomer, Trey Blue will be wearing #4.
 
#92 ·
Rumor has it that Trey is flat our killing our other guards in practice. I believe the term, head and shoulders better was also used. If that's the case, I really like the depth in our backcourt. These could be the kind of athletes that can get us a marquis win or two this season.

By the way, I bumped into a couple of the women's players last week, they said the Green and Gold tipoff is October 20th.
 
#95 ·
Back in 2008 Blue reportedly had offers from Fordham (where he went), Drake, Northern Iowa, Old Dominion, Richmond, Tulsa, and Santa Clara.

He reportedly had interest from Arkansas, Clemson, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Seton Hall, Southern Illinois, Stanford, Harvard, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Xavier.

I don't think his basketball career has gone the way he had planned back in 2008- he probably didn't imagine he'd be in Burlington, VT in 2012-13- but I'm really glad it worked out via McGlynn's transfer and his graduate eligibility- the connection with Apfeld at Brewster- and that he has a final season to have a great opportunity. I hope it's a great fit and he enjoys UVM and has a great season.

Definite Fantino material- I also hope the community really gets behind him. Looking forward to seeing him play this season.
 
#99 ·
The last time I attended a "midnight madness" event was when I was in school, back when there were 300-500 people that would attend week day games.

Anyways, thinking about coming to the tip-off event this year and can't find details on it yet- for those that have gone, how child-friendly is it?

Thanks.
 
#100 ·
I went two years ago and there were not many folks there. Great to see the players and watch some ball but I must say it was pretty informal. The line-up two years ago was this:

Girls Scrimmage
Guys Scrimmage
Co-ed scrimmage
Dunk Contest

I don't think there was anything for a child to do at the tip-off but there plenty of room to run around on the bleachers because it's not that well attended.
 
#101 ·
Thanks, sounds like something that would work. Wasn't sure if there was anything kid-specific with the players at all, but he's still pretty young for that anyways.
 
#103 ·
Thanks for the information everyone, sounds like something that would be good for the family. Got an e-mail about it the other day:

http://uvmathletics.com/news/2012/10/10/MBB_1010125059.aspx

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Fans of the University of Vermont men's and women's basketball teams can get their first glimpse of the Catamounts at the annual Catamount Tip-Off presented by TD Bank on Saturday, October 20 at Patrick Gymnasium.

Tickets for the Catamount Tip-Off are $5 each, with 100% of the ticket sales being donated to the Vermont Cancer Center in support of cancer awareness. University of Vermont students with a valid ID and kid's under the age of 10 will be admitted for free.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with a pre-game party in the Patrick Gym lobby. Leonardo's pizza slices will be available for $1, with all proceeds benefiting the Vermont Cancer Center. Popcorn from Sodexo/University Dining and drinks will also be available.

At noon the women's basketball team will be introduced and play a 20-minute scrimmage. The men's team will follow with a 20-minute scrimmage after their introductions. Both teams will combine to play a five-minute co-ed scrimmage to end the playing portion of the event.

The University of Vermont Cheer Team and Dance Team will perform during breaks in the action.

The event will conclude with a 3-point shooting contest which includes members of both the men's and women's teams and a dunk contest featuring members of the men's team.

Raffles at this year's Catamount Tip-Off include: $10 Buffalo Wild Wing's Gift Certificate; $25 gift certificate to Nectar's; four seats to the men's basketball home opener; 4 seats to the women's basketball home opener; $25 Gonzo's Indoor Golf Gift Certificate; and a lift ticket to Smuggler's Notch Resort. Raffle prize winners will be drawn before the dunk contest.

In addition to the raffle prizes, a silent auction will be held in the Patrick Gym Lobby. All bids start at $50 and the auction will close when the raffle prize winners are announced. Items up for auction include: A season's pass to Smuggler's Notch Ski Resort, a ball signed by both teams; men's basketball jersey; women's basketball jersey, and more.
 
#104 ·
#107 ·
With the green and gold tipoff only 2 days away, thought we could discuss picks for winners in the dunk and three point contest. With a lot of new faces, I have yet to see play, it's pretty much a guess for me. I'll go with Candon Rusin in the dunk contest and for the three point shooting contest: Four....oh wait, never mind.


Sent from my iPhone using VS Free
 
#110 ·
Kilpatrick is my sleeper for the dunk contest.

Kilpatrick is also the one Catamount I've seen play the least and looking forward to watching.
 
#112 ·
Excellent prognostication Mr. Patrick! Ethan O'Day did in fact win the dunk contest out of Clancy, Candon and Brendan Kilpatrick. Ethan and Brendan tied with perfect scores in the first round and Ethan executed his second round dunk to clinch the victory.

Harrison Taggart won the 3 point shooting contest over Trey Blue and Sandro. I believe he made 17/25 in the first round and 16/25 in the second round.

Some general thoughts after watching the scrimmage:

Overall, I'd say our Freshman class is pretty ready to play. I don't remember thinking that last year. Both Ethan O'Day and Brendan Kilpatrick should get reasonable minutes. Ethan seems to be more of a traditional center with good moves and footwork, but had some trouble finishing around the hoop. Brendan is a pretty athletic 3/4 that can move and shoot. Played solid defense too - he blocked a dunk at the rim. Harrison Taggart could be this year's Four - come off the bench for instant offense. Watching him play, you would not know Troy Devine is a walk on. He should be able to contribute and get some minutes this year.

Trey Blue seemed to be solid. I really liked his decision making. He seemed to work well within the flow of our offense after very little practice time. He's athletic and strong. He can shoot, but definitely looked to work within our offensive scheme.

Candon Rusin, fast, athletic, and strong. He's going to be a problem for some defenders.

Ben Crenca sat out. Someone said he has a back issue. Don't know how serious or how long he may be out for. He was in street clothes but seemed to get around fine.

Brian seemed to look for his offense a little more. At one point in the scrimmage no one bothered to pick him up in an extended transition play so he calmly canned a 10 footer. He also swished both of the 3 point attempts I saw him take in warm ups.

Josh seemed to get a lot of time at the point for his team. I like his hustle and athleticism. I think he'll get a decent amout of time in a very crowded backcourt.

Clancy seems improved. He gives you what you'd expect, hard work and hustle play.

Sandro was Sandro. Almost invisible out there until you need a play. He hit the game winning shot as the game clock expired.

Luke looked fine. He still rides the bike before and during the game and seems a little stiff at first, but once he warmed up, he seemed to move well.

For having only a week or so of official practices, it seems most of the guys are pretty much on the same page. There were not many miscues and the defense was solid. I'm pretty pleased with where they are for this point in the season. I think we will look a lot like last year in that we will be able to play a lot of guys and be very flexible in what we do. Overall, I'd say we are a bit more athletic and bigger.
 
#113 ·
I saw the scrimmage part of the Tipoff but had to leave before the shootouts.

Crenca was not in uniform. Injury?

All of the new players looked ready to go. Harold and Pierson played but have to sit out the season. Harold is very entertaining to watch and played well. Next year.

The scrimmage itself was very close (26 to 25) and well played. Each side had 10 fouls in 20 minutes, so nothing was held back. Sandro won it at the buzzer with a drive.

Every player seems to be onboard the "defense and rebounding are how we win championships" bus. Nobody didn't play their D.

Rugg might have been the high scorer. O'Day is real good underneath. Kilpatrick, Blue, Taggart, Elbbaum and Rusin all had their moments. Voelkel got a bunch of rebounds and even took a few shots. Carissimo and Apfeld look like the go-to guys.

I don't know who in the AE is going to beat them.
 
#118 ·
All of the new players looked ready to go. Harold and Pierson played but have to sit out the season. Harold is very entertaining to watch and played well. Next year.
No doubt Harold and Pierson are both impact transfers for us. I'm pretty certain both would be starters for us this season and expect both become starters when they are eligible for game play next season.

Harold can really score and if Pierson plays anything like the same kid I saw as a freshman at Northeastern, then he will most likely be either the best big man or one of the best big men in this conference. That's not hyperbole and hype, that's just the truth when you compare his skill set to the current known crop of AE bigs.
 
#119 ·
Blue was solid. I've thought about it for a while and I think that's the best description. I was impressed with how well he meshed with the offense. I suspect he's run the flex somewhere in his career. His decision making was very good. I suspect he can also create and knock down shots. He came in second in the three point shot contest. He should be a very good option in a pretty deep back court.
 
#117 ·
Thanks for the comprehensive and detailed write ups from all that attended, really appreciate it for those that could not be there, like myself.

Things sound...pretty good :)
 
#126 ·
Kilpatrick looks like an AE 3 to me...someone that can also play SG but looks more like a natural 3. Playing him at the 4 he'd be extremely out of place IMO.

Taggart has a nice shooting stroke.

How did Rusin not win the dunk competition after that first jam...my goodness.

Clancy and Kilpatrick had some real nice dunks as well.
 
#129 ·
How did Rusin not win the dunk competition after that first jam...my goodness.

Clancy and Kilpatrick had some real nice dunks as well.
The dunk contest was judged more in fun than anything. Also only 3 guys were in the competition. Nothing I'd take too seriously, especially since dunk contests aren't that relevant to what happens in-game (excepting Air Marqus, of course..)
 
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