VT Preseason Projections: First Team All-D1
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I had a long list of guys on this one, and making the final selections was a doozy. Alas, I’ve collected my top 5 and there’s no looking back! Get a preseason glance at my First Team All-D1 crew! Kyle…
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Continue ReadingI had a long list of guys on this one, and making the final selections was a doozy. Alas, I’ve collected my top 5 and there’s no looking back! Get a preseason glance at my First Team All-D1 crew!
Kyle Eaton Kyle Eaton 5'9" | PG Champlain Valley Union | 2024 New E , 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024
Gamer alert! With Kyle’s foot speed and handle, he’s able to handle ball pressure, organize the O, and get to his spots at ease. Eaton’s 3-level scoring often comes from of his own creation, yet he moves wisely off-ball too and knocks down looks off the catch. Moreover, he’s a fierce defender who gets into ballhandlers with his agility and anticipation. The best player in last year’s Championship game, Eaton relishes big moments and continues to build off of last year’s success.
Tyler Bergmans Tyler Bergmans 6'2" | SG South Burlington | 2024 State New E , 6’2 G – South Burlington H.S. Class of 2024
The most efficient guy around, Tyler Bergmans Tyler Bergmans 6'2" | SG South Burlington | 2024 State New E . Kid must shoot upwards of 70% at the rim via his savvy, physical drives that he takes at his own pace. Furthermore, he’s an aware facilitator of the offense, has shown a sharpened mid-range game and 3-ball, and can serve as a true PG or a smart off-ball player. On the defensive end he’s physical, smart + anticipatory on the perimeter, rebounds at a high rate, and plays bigger than he is around the rim. Tyler’s game is solid all the way around.
Rex Hauser Rex Hauser 6'5" | SF St. Johnsbury Academy | 2025 State New E , 6’5 W – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025
I’ve got Rex down as the most versatile guy in the state. Hauser can legitimately defend 1-5 with his athletic, hawk-like perimeter defense and length + strength around the paint. He’s a prolific rebounder and can run the break himself or sprint lanes for transition buckets. In the offensive halfcourt, Hauser’s comfortable in every position and role: post flasher/facilitator against zones, perimeter shooter, screener and cutter, the list goes on. He’s decisive with the rock and makes the basketball play.
Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , 6’8 W/F – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2024
Bessette’s game transfers seamlessly to the next level. He’s a rangy, measured defender who can cover 3-5 and switch onto most anyone for a possession. He locks down the paint with his solid frame, rim protection and rebounding, yet moves well on the perimeter too. Offensively, Drew’s a certified 3-level scorer and can really get it going from 3. He finds his looks in the flow of the offense and is a great connector with his quick reads. Talented and unselfish.
Tucker Tharpe Tucker Tharpe 6'6" | PF Champlain Valley | 2024 State New E , 6’8 F – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024
Tharpe’s defensive chops are clear cut as a strong post defender, rim protector, and a rebounder who can push the break. Yet he’s an excellent help defender and rotator, an athletic forward who can command the second layer of the defense naturally. Tucker can also switch onto the perimeter too and hold it down. On the other end, Tharpe’s blend of passing, post work, and perimeter comfort coalesce nicely. He makes plays around the post both as a scorer and a distributor, yet can step out, work the ball, and cut + screen from the arc. The RPI commit is solid as they come.