USF Takes on Vermont to Open the Season

The season is finally here, the 2011-2012 basketball season begins as the Bulls welcome Vermont out of the American East Conference to the University of Tampa home court to get the season started.

The Catamount's are coming off of an impressive 2010-2011 season where they finished 23-9, just missing the NCAA tournament. They were 10-6 against non-conference opponents are not intimidated of Big East teams. If you recall their run through the NCAA tournament a few years ago, knocking off Big East power Syracuse along the way. The Bulls must be prepared for a tough, physical game early.

The Catamounts are led by junior guard Brendan Bald (6-5 200-pounds). Bald averaged 11.3 points per game last season (hitting 41% of three point shots) and averaged 2.1 rebounds per game. He is a big time scoring threat that will look to shot down the nets against the Bulls. On the wing is senior forward Matt Glass (6-8 210-pounds) who averaged 8.2 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. He joins sophomore forward Brian Voelkel (6-6 210-pounds) who averaged 7 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game last season. Both Glass and Voelkel will challenge Anderson Jr. and Gilchrist in the post for both points and rebounds.

Sophomore forward Luke Apfeld (6-7 215-pounds) averaged 4.8 points per game last season and 3.5 rebounds per game. He will be a key member off the bench. Sophomore guard Sandro Carissimo (6-2 170-pounds) averaged 4.4 points per game and 1.9 rebounds per game. He shot 45% from 3-point range, so the guards will have to be aware of him at all times. Also keep an eye on true freshman Four McGlynn (6-2 180-pounds) who could be a threat if they bring him in off the bench.

This is going to be a real test for the Bulls as they open the season. Facing a mid-major, it could be easily to overlook them, but the Bulls won just 9 games last season and are facing a team that has a history of winning big games and won't be intimidated by USF. It will be a real test for the new players such as Nash and Rudd to make an impact and for the veterans such as Gilchrist, Robertson, and Anderson to step up and lead the way. We are calling for a win for the Bulls. Expect a low scoring game, both teams play great defense, but the athletic ability of USF and the explosiveness of their top players (Gilchrist) will give them just enough to walk away with the first win of the season.