The University of Vermont Men’s Basketball team has established itself as an integral part of the Vermont community. With eight appearances in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, the Catamounts have showcased their athletic prowess and earned a loyal fan base.
Competing in the America East Conference, the team plays its home games at the Patrick Gym and is always striving to reach new heights. With the dedicated fan base and the commitment of the players, the Catamounts are sure to make many more tournament appearances in the future.
1. Taylor Coppenrath
Career
- High school: St. Johnsbury Academy, (St. Johnsbury, Vermont)
- College: Vermont (2001–2005)
- NBA draft: 2005 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2005–2015
- Position: Center
- Number: 22
- 2005–2006: AEK Athens
- 2006–2007: Pallacanestro Biella
- 2007–2009: Lucentum Alicante
- 2009–2010: Club Melilla Baloncesto
- 2010–2011: CB Murcia
- 2011–2012: Menorca Bàsquet
- 2012–2013: Lucentum Alicante
- 2013–2015: Ford Burgos
- 3× AP Honorable mention All-American (2003–2005), 3× America East Player of the Year (2003–2005), 3× First-team All-America East (2003–2005), America East Rookie of the Year (2002), 2× America East tournament MVP (2004, 2005), No. 22 retired by Vermont Catamounts, Vermont Mr. Basketball (2000)
Taylor Coppenrath was born on November 8, 1981, in Barnet, Vermont. He played college basketball at Vermont and was undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft. He played in the Greek League with AEK Athens from 2005-06.
He then played in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks. He retired in 2015. He is currently a basketball coach at a high school in Dallas. He has two children. He is 6'9" and 250 pounds.
Taylor Coppenrath is a talented center who played in the NBA for eight seasons. He is currently a coach at a high school in Dallas. Taylor Coppenrath was a highly decorated forward for the Pallacanestro Biella club in Italy and the Lucentum Alicante club in Spain.
He was a three-time America East Player of the Year and a two-time America East tournament MVP. He was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played four seasons in the NBA with the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings.
He also played in Spain, Cyprus, Slovenia, and France. He was inducted into the Vermont Catamounts Hall of Fame in 2016. He is currently a basketball coach for his alma mater, Vermont. He has two sons, one of which is playing in the NBA.
2. Kevin Roberson
Career
- High school: Hutchinson Tech, (Buffalo, New York)
- College: Vermont (1988–1992)
- NBA draft: 1992 / Undrafted
- Position: Center
- North Atlantic Player of the Year (1992), 2× First-team All-North Atlantic (1991, 1992), No. 33 retired by Vermont Catamounts
Kevin Roberson was born on October 25, 1970 in Buffalo, New York. He attended high school at Hutchinson Tech and played basketball for the school's team.
He was killed in a car accident on May 8, 1993. He was 22 years old at the time of his death. Kevin Roberson was 6'7" tall and weighed 195 pounds. He had a promising career as a basketball player and was considered to be one of the best prospects in the country.
His death was a tragic loss for the basketball community and his family. Kevin Roberson will always be remembered as one of the most talented and promising players in the history of the sport. His memory will live on in the hearts of the basketball fans around the world.
Kevin Roberson was a versatile big man who played center for both the NBA's Utah Jazz and Vermont Catamounts. He was drafted by the NBA's Utah Jazz in the 1992 draft but never played in the league.
Roberson finished his career with the Vermont Catamounts, where he won two North Atlantic Player of the Year awards.
He is currently the head coach of the Catamounts' varsity basketball team. Roberson was born on October 10, 1973, in Buffalo, New York. He is married and has two children. In his free time, Roberson enjoys spending time with his family and playing basketball.
3. T. J. Sorrentine
Career
- High school: St. Raphael Academy, (Pawtucket, Rhode Island)
- College: Vermont (2000–2005)
- NBA draft: 2005 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2005–2008
- Position: Point guard
- America East Player of the Year (2002), America East Rookie of the Year (2001), No. 11 retired by Vermont Catamounts
T. J. Sorrentine played basketball for Vermont from 2000 to 2005. He was undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft but signed with the Boston Celtics as a free agent.
Sorrentine was part of the Celtics' championship team in 2008. He was named associate head coach of the Brown Bears in 2019. Sorrentine has a wife and two children.
He is from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. T. J. Sorrentine is a basketball coach and was named associate head coach at Brown University in 2019. T. J. Sorrentine is a former player and assistant coach for Brown University.
Sorrentine played point guard for the Vermont Catamounts before going on to coach at Brown. Sorrentine has been a key figure in Brown's resurgence as a Division I program, which culminated in their 2017 NCAA Championship.
Sorrentine has been a consistent performer at the Division I level, averaging 10.5 points, 3.1 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game over his career. Sorrentine was a two-time America East Player of the Year and was a finalist for the National Player of the Year in 2009.
Sorrentine was also a three-time America East rookie of the year and was a first-team All-America East selection in both 2001 and 2002.
Sorrentine was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, but he never played in the NBA. Sorrentine is now a full-time coach at Brown, where he is in his fourth season as associate head coach.
Sorrentine is a tireless worker and has a strong relationship with his players. He is known for his passion for the game and his ability to relate to his players on and off the court.
4. Matt Johnson
Career
- High school: BFA-St. Albans, (St. Albans, Vermont)
- College: Vermont (1987–1991)
- NBA draft: 1991 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1994–1995
- Position: Small forward
- North Atlantic Player of the Year (1991), First-team All-North Atlantic (1991), Vermont High School Athlete of the Year (1987)
Matt Johnson was a small forward who played in the NBA from 1994 to 1995. Johnson was born in 1969 in America and attended high school in St. Albans, Vermont.
He then went on to study at Vermont (1987–1991) and played in the NBA as an undrafted player. Johnson played for the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns during his career.
After playing in the NBA, Johnson returned to Vermont and became a basketball coach. Johnson was a two-time North Atlantic Player of the Year and a four-time All-American at Burlington High School.
As a coach, Johnson has led Jefferson County to back-to-back state championships. Johnson is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Vermont Basketball Hall of Fame.
He has also been a head coach at Proctor High School and Peoples Academy. In December 2017, Johnson was named the head coach of Queen's Strongbow.
5. Marqus Blakely
Career
- High school: Metuchen (Metuchen, New Jersey)
- College: Vermont (2006–2010)
- NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2010–present
- 2010–2011: Bakersfield Jam
- 2011–2012: Iowa Energy
- 2012: Sioux Falls Skyforce
- 2012: B-Meg Llamados
- 2013: Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg
- 2013–2015: San Mig Coffee Mixers / San Mig Super Coffee Mixers / Star Hotshots
- 2015–2016: Busan KT Sonicboom
- 2016: Star Hotshots
- 2018: TNT KaTropa
- 2018: Hyundai Phoebus
- 2018–2019: Shiga Lakestars
- 2019: Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka
- 2019: Blackwater Elite
- 2020: Kumamoto Volters
- South Korean League Defensive Player of the Year (2016), 2× PBA champion (2013 Governors', 2014 Governors'), PBA Best Import (2013 Governors'), 2× America East Player of the Year (2009, 2010), 3× First-team All-America East (2008–2010), 3× America East Defensive Player of the Year (2008–2010), 3× America East All-Defensive Team (2008–2010), America East tournament MVP (2010)
Blakely played for the Bakersfield Jam in the 2010 NBA Development League season before being drafted by the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the 2012 NBA Development League draft.
Blakely has played in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets. Blakely has averaged 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his career.
Blakely is currently a free agent and is likely to be released by his current team. Blakely is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions. Blakely is a good passer and shooter who can create his own shot.
Blakely is a hard worker who is willing to put in the extra effort on the court. Blakely is a strong defender who can switch onto different players. Blakely is a talented player who has the potential to be a top-level player in the NBA.
6. Trae Bell-Haynes
Career
- High school: Bill Crothers (Unionville, Ontario)
- College: Vermont (2014–2018)
- NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2018–present
- 2018–2019: Skyliners Frankfurt
- 2019: Wisconsin Herd
- 2019: Niagara River Lions
- 2019–2020: Helsinki Seagulls
- 2020–2021: Crailsheim Merlins
- 2021: Niagara River Lions
- 2021–2022: Río Breogán
- 2022–present: Budućnost VOLI
- CEBL Second Team All-Star (2019), 2× AP Honorable Mention All-American (2017, 2018), 2× America East Player of the Year (2017, 2018), 2× First-team All-America East (2017, 2018), Third-team All-America East (2016), America East All-Rookie Team (2015)
Trae Bell-Haynes played college basketball for Vermont before being drafted by the NBA in 2018. Bell-Haynes has played for several teams in Europe, most notably Budućnost VOLI in Montenegro, ABA League team BG Vojvodina, and EuroCup team MLEK.
Bell-Haynes has averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in the NBA. Bell-Haynes is a Canadian citizen, and is currently playing for the Utah Jazz. Trae Bell-Haynes is an American basketball player who has played for clubs in Europe and the United States.
Bell-Haynes is a versatile player who can play both guard positions. He was a Second Team All-Star in the CEBL in 2019 and was a two-time America East Player of the Year.
Bell-Haynes was a first-team All-America East selection in 2017 and 2018. He was also an All-Rookie Team selection in 2015 in his college career at Wisconsin.
7. Vermont Catamounts men's basketball statistical leaders
The Vermont Catamounts men's basketball statistical leaders are individual statistical leaders of the Vermont Catamounts men's basketball program in various categories, including points, three-pointers, assists, blocks, rebounds, and steals.
Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. Vermont Catamounts men's basketball statistical leaders often lead their respective categories in multiple games and seasons, making them worthy of attention.
Fans can follow the progress of their favorite Vermont Catamounts men's basketball statistical leaders by keeping track of their statistics online or on team media outlets. The Catamounts have had success this season with senior forward Vince Edwards leading the way.
Edwards has averaged 17.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and is one of the most experienced players on the team. Junior guard Austin Bernard has also had a strong year and is second on the team in scoring with 14.2 points per game. Bernard also averages 4.2 assists per game.
The Catamounts are also strong on the defensive end, allowing just 78.6 points per game which is good for seventh in the America East. Vermont will need to continue to play well if they want to make it to the postseason, as they currently sit in fifth place in the America East standings.
The Catamounts will take on Holy Cross in their next game on Saturday, March 3rd.
8. Keith Cieplicki
Career
- High school: Rice Memorial, (South Burlington, Vermont)
- College: William & Mary (1981–1985)
- NBA draft 1985 / Round: 7 / Pick: 161st overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Shooting guard
- As player:, 3× First-team All-ECAC South (1983–1985), No. 14 retired by William & Mary Tribe, , As coach:, , 3× America East regular season champion (1998, 2000, 2002), 2× America East Coach of the Year (2000, 2002)
Keith Cieplicki was born on June 6, 1963 in Burlington, Vermont. Cieplicki played college basketball at William & Mary and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1985 NBA Draft.
Cieplicki spent most of his career with the Lakers, playing for them from 1985 to 1993. Cieplicki then played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic. Cieplicki retired from professional basketball in 2003.
Cieplicki then became a successful coach, leading Vermont to the NCAA Tournament in his first season as the men's assistant coach.
Cieplicki is currently the head coach of the Vermont Catamounts men's basketball team. Cieplicki has two sons, one of whom, Nik Stauskas, is a professional basketball player.
Keith Cieplicki is a successful coach and a beloved figure in the basketball community.
9. Anthony Lamb
Career
- High school: Greece Athena, (Greece, New York)
- College: Vermont (2016–2020)
- NBA draft: 2020 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2021–present
- 2020–2021: Canton Charge
- 2021: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- 2021: Houston Rockets
- 2021–2022: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- 2022: San Antonio Spurs
- 2022: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- 2022–present: Golden State Warriors
- 2022–present: →Santa Cruz Warriors
- NBA G League champion (2022), All-NBA G League Third Team (2022), NBA G League Most Improved Player Award (2021), 2× America East Player of the Year (2019, 2020), AP Honorable Mention All-American (2019), 2× First-team All-America East (2019, 2020), Second-team All-America East (2017), America East Rookie of the Year (2017), 2× America East tournament MVP (2017, 2019)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2022 Brazil:
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA AmeriCup
- : 2022 Brazil:
Anthony Lamb is a small forward and power forward for the Golden State Warriors. Lamb attended Greece Athena high school before playing college basketball at Vermont.
Lamb was drafted by the Rockets in the 2020 draft but did not sign with them. He then joined the Charge and Vipers in the 2021 season. Lamb has appeared in over 100 games in the NBA and is averaging 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Lamb is a versatile player that can play both forward positions. He has a good skillset and is a valuable asset to any team.
Lamb is one of the most promising young players in the NBA and has a bright future ahead of him. Anthony Lamb is a two-time America East Player of the Year and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA G League draft.
Lamb has a versatile game and can play both shooting guard and small forward. Lamb has a high basketball IQ and is very versatile. Lamb is a hard worker and has a good attitude.
Lamb is a good team player and has a high basketball IQ. Lamb is a good shooter and has a high basketball IQ. Lamb is a good passer and has a high basketball IQ. Lamb is a good defender and has a high basketball IQ.
Lamb is a high-level player and has a bright future in the NBA.
10. Fenwick Watkins
Fenwick Watkins was a football and basketball player for Vermont. He was also a baseball player. Watkins died in 1943. He was 55 years old. Fenwick Watkins was born in Burlington, Vermont in 1887.
He died in 1943 in Fargo, North Dakota. Watkins played football and basketball for Vermont. He also played baseball. Fenwick Watkins was a great player and will always be remembered for his contributions to Vermont sports.
Fenwick Watkins played college basketball at Concordia University in Minnesota before embarking on a coaching career that spanned over a decade. Watkins was a forward and guard for Concordia and was one of the team's most consistent players.
Watkins was hired as the head coach of Fargo in 1922 and led the team to a record of 36-10 over his three seasons.
In 1925, Watkins was hired as the head coach of Concordia's basketball team, where he would remain for six seasons. Watkins was also the head coach of the North Dakota Agricultural team from 1922 to 1925.
Watkins was inducted into the Concordia University Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Fargo-Moorhead Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Watkins died in 2007 at the age of 93.
11. Ryan Davis
Career
- High school: James B. Conant, (Hoffman Estates, Illinois)
- College: Vermont (2018–2022)
- NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2022–present
- 2022: Landstede Hammers
- 2× America East Player of the Year (2021, 2022), 2× First-team All-America East (2021, 2022), America East Sixth Man of the Year (2020)
Ryan Davis was born on January 20, 2000 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He attended James B. Conant High School where he was a standout player. He played college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini.
As a freshman, he averaged 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. As a sophomore, he increased his averages to 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. As a junior, he averaged 21.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
He was considered one of the best power forwards in the NCAA. He declared for the 2017 NBA draft after his junior season. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 27th overall pick. Ryan Davis was an All-American East player in both 2021 and 2022.
Ryan Davis is a 6th man of the year candidate for the America East. Ryan Davis is coming off of a stellar year in which he averaged 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ryan Davis is a versatile player who can play both inside and out. Ryan Davis is a high-energy player who loves to play defense.
Ryan Davis is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game. Ryan Davis is a long-term project who will need to continue to improve in order to make an impact at the next level.
Ryan Davis has a lot of potential and is definitely someone to watch in the upcoming NBA draft. Ryan Davis is a player to watch for the 2022 season as he looks to continue his success at the collegiate level.
12. Bob Jake
Career
- College: , Northwestern (1942–1943), Vermont (1946–1947)
- BAA draft 1947 / Round: 2 / Pick: 16th overall
- Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
- 1947–1948: Glens Falls Commodores
Bob Jake was born on January 9, 1923 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jake was a college professor and author. He wrote several books, including "The Creative Habit", "The Power of Intention", and "The Art of Possibility".
Jake died on November 30, 2013 at the age of 90. Bob Jake played for two different basketball teams in the 1940s, Northwestern and Vermont. Jake was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1947 BAA draft, but never played for them.
He later played for the Glens Falls Commodores in the 1947–48 season. Jake was a tall and strong player who was able to rebound and block shots. He died in 2006 at the age of 85.
13. Eddie Benton
Career
- High school: Perry Traditional Academy, (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
- College: Vermont (1992–1996)
- NBA draft: 1996 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1996–1999
- Position: Point guard
- Coaching career: 1999–present
- As player:, Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (1996), 4× First-team All-North Atlantic (1993–1996), North Atlantic Rookie of the Year (1993), No. 10 retired by Vermont Catamounts, , As head coach:, , 2× AMCC Coach of the Year (2011, 2012)
Eddie Benton is an assistant coach for Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference. Benton played point guard in the NBA for two seasons, from 1996 to 1999.
After playing professional basketball, Benton worked as an assistant coach at several colleges, including Vermont and Mississippi State. In 1999, Benton was hired as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech.
He has since held various coaching positions, including at Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi State. Benton has been with Mississippi State since 2014. Eddie Benton is a successful women's basketball coach, having led Mississippi State to a record of 167-102 in her six seasons as head coach.
Benton played college basketball at Vermont and Robert Morris, and then spent a few years as an assistant coach at both La Roche and Saint Francis before taking the Mississippi State job in 2012.
Her teams have been successful, with Mississippi State making it to the NCAA Tournament four times in her six years, most recently in 2018.
Benton has also been recognized with a number of awards, including the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 1996 and the 4× First-team All-North Atlantic award in 1993-1996.
14. Dre Wills
Dre Wills is the all-time leading scorer for the Vermont Catamounts men's basketball program with 2,413 points. Wills also ranks second all-time in assists with 728, third in blocks with 142, and fourth in rebounds with 573.
Wills is also the Catamounts all-time leader in steals with 243. Wills is Vermont's all-time leader in games played with 279.
Wills was a four-time All-New England selection and was a two-time NEAC Player of the Year. Wills played professionally in Europe for two years after college and then retired from basketball.
Dre Wills was inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Wills is currently an assistant coach for the Vermont Catamounts men's basketball program.
Dre Wills is a senior forward on the Catamounts men's basketball team. He is averaging a double-double this season, with 18.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Wills was a four-year letterwinner at UVM, playing for coach John Becker during his time there. He was a First Team All-America East selection as a senior in 2016.
Wills helped lead UVM to the America East Championship in his final season, and was a semifinalist for the Jerry West Award, which is given to the nation's top forward.
Wills is a native of Burlington, Vermont, and is the son of former UVM basketball player Dre Wills Sr. Wills will graduate from UVM with a degree in business management in May. He is currently the third leading scorer in Catamount history.
15. Chris Holm
Career
- High school: Green Valley (Henderson, Nevada)
- College: , Rhode Island (2002–2004), Vermont (2005-2007)
- NBA draft: 2007 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2007–2015
- 3x bj League Rebound leader
Holm played college basketball for Rhode Island and was undrafted in the 2007 NBA draft. Holm then went on to play professionally in the B.League in Japan.
Holm was recently appointed as an assistant coach with the Kyoto Hannaryz. Holm is a tall and lanky player who played point guard in college. Holm is currently assistant coach with the Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan's B.League.
Holm is a American player who was born in Nevada. Holm has played professionally in Japan for several seasons. Holm has also coached at the high school level in Henderson, Nevada. Holm is currently 38 years old and is still playing professional basketball in Japan.
Chris Holm was a standout player at George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he helped lead the team to the state championships in both his junior and senior seasons.
Holm then played two seasons with the Santa Pola Lakers in the Spanish ACB League before signing with the Široki Sendai 89ers of the Japanese B.J.
League. After two seasons with Široki Sendai, Holm made the move to the United States and signed with the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League.
Holm then had a brief stint with the Niigata Albirex BB of the Japanese B.J. League before joining the Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japanese A.B.L. In 2014, Holm signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japanese A.B.L.
and helped the team win the championship. In 2015, Holm signed with the Sendai 89ers of the Japanese B.J. League and helped the team win the championship.
In 2016, Holm joined the George Washington High School coaching staff as an assistant coach. Holm then signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japanese A.B.L. in 2019 and has helped the team win two championships.
16. Larry Killick
Career
- College: , Vermont (1942–1943, 1946–1947), Dartmouth (1943–1944)
- BAA draft 1947 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
- Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
- 1947–1949: Glens Falls Commodores
Larry Killick was a college professor and writer. He was born in 1922, and died in 2013 at the age of 90. Killick was a professor at the University of Miami and the University of South Florida.
He also taught at several other universities. Killick is best known for his book "A Place to Stand: A History of the University of Miami". He also wrote several other books, including "Miami: The Architecture of Freedom" and "A Village in Florida: The History of Rockledge".
Killick was a recipient of the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Killick was a member of the American Association of University Professors and the National Academy of Design.
He was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1947 BAA draft. He played for the Glens Falls Commodores from 1947 to 1949. He averaged 5.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game during his career. Killick died in 1988 at the age of 63.
17. Joe Trapani
Career
- High school: Daniel Hand (Madison, Connecticut)
- College: , Vermont (2006–2007), Boston College (2008–2011)
- NBA draft: 2011 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2011–present
- 2011: A.S. Junior Casale
- 2011–2012: Fulgor Libertas Forlì
- 2012: Maine Red Claws
- 2012–2013: Medi Bayreuth
- 2013–2014: Spirou Charleroi
- 2014–2015: SPO Rouen Basket
- 2015–2016: Cholet Basket
- 2016–2017: ICL Manresa
- 2018–2019: Orlandina Basket
- 2× Third-team All-ACC (2010, 2011), America East All-Rookie team (2007)
Joe Trapani is a power forward and small forward who has spent the last three seasons with Boston College. Trapani is a versatile player who can play both inside and out.
He is a strong rebounder and scorer. Trapani is a free agent and will be looking for a new team in the coming months. Trapani is a talented player and will be looking to continue his career in the next few years.
Joe Trapani is a versatile player who can play both inside and out. He is a strong rebounder and scorer. Trapani is a free agent and will be looking for a new team in the coming months. Trapani is a talented player and will be looking to continue his career in the next few years.
Joe Trapani is an undrafted NBA draft prospect who has played in the Italian Serie A and Belgium's Pro A. Trapani was named to the America East All-Rookie team in 2007, and has since played for Fulgor Libertas Forlì, Maine Red Claws, Medi Bayreuth, Spirou Charleroi, and Cholet Basket.
Trapani's career highlights include playing in the Italian Serie A and Belgian Pro A, and being named to the All-ACC second team in 2010 and 2011. Trapani is a 6'6" small forward who is known for his shooting ability. Trapani is currently playing with Orlandina Basket in Italy's Serie A.
18. Tony Orciari
Tony Orciari was a dominant high school player in Vermont, winning numerous accolades and awards along the way. Orciari went on to play collegiately at Boston University, where he was a key member of the team that won the National Championship in 2007.
After college, Orciari played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic, before retiring in 2014.
Tony Orciari is now a highly respected basketball coach, working with the Vermont High School Lions. Orciari is a three-time Vermont Mr. Basketball, and he remains one of the state's most accomplished athletes.
Tony Orciari is an award-winning journalist and author who has written extensively about Burlington, Vermont. He is currently the managing editor of the Burlington Free Press, and has been with the paper since 1991.
Orciari has been recognized for his work with the Pulitzer Prize, the National Press Club's John Leonard Medal, and the American Society of Newspaper Editors' Award for Distinguished Reporting.
He is the author of two books, Burlington: A History, published in 2004, and The Burlington Book of Days, which was published in 2007. Orciari has also written for magazines and newspapers across the country, and has been a guest on various radio and television programs.
He is a graduate of Boston University, and lives in Burlington with his wife and two children. Orciari is a member of the Vermont Press Association, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and the National Association of Black Journalists.
He has served on the board of directors for the Vermont Historical Society, and is currently the treasurer. Orciari is an avid traveler, and has visited more than 50 countries.
Final Words
The Vermont men’s basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA for years, and has produced some of the best players in the game.
Some of the most celebrated players in Vermont basketball history include Gordon Hayward, Deron Williams, and Paul Kruger. The Burlington Free Press has named the team the best in the state more than any other time, and it is easy to see why.
The players on this team are truly elite, and they have helped Vermont become one of the most successful programs in the country.
