Vandermeer is set to be a true anchor this season, bringing a defensive presence that instantly changes the feel of the game. He applies pressure from the opening tip, using active hands to disrupt passing lanes, poke balls loose and make opponents uncomfortable. What makes him so valuable is how well he holds his ground and doesn’t get pushed around, doesn’t bite on fakes and forces players into tough shots or turnovers. On top of that his guard instincts really stand out. He sees opportunities developing before they happen, turning stops into scoring chances and jump starting the offense with smart decisions. Vandermeer’s toughness, awareness and relentless defensive mindset make him a key piece who will elevate Lewis Palmer all year

Vandermeer’s stats don’t tell the full story of his production for Lewis-Palmer, and we saw that on display at Colorado Live as well as this summer. He’s the team’s defensive anchor and a true menace on that side of the ball as he’s a guard who plays on-ball who pressures opponents, disrupts passing lanes, and makes life challenging for scorers. Offensively, he handles the rock, attacks gaps, and finishes when needed. It’s hard to keep a guy off the floor when he impacts the game on both ends like Vandermeer does, and he makes a debut in our rankings. 

Nolan Vandermeer Nolan Vandermeer 6'0" | CG Lewis-Palmer | 2026 State CO is outstanding at minimizing his dribbles and maximizing his moves coming out of the triple-threat. Able to accelerate to the rim and keep the ball, Vandermeer finds himself earning multiple trips to the free throw line and giving his squad a massive spark of energy. When Nolan isn’t on the floor, you can find him cheering on his teammates and motivating them to be at their best. The 6’0 combo guard is everything a coach wants in a player.

Vandermeer epitomizes what Lewis-Palmer has done to be a successful organization, through timely cuts and maximizing opportunities within a few dribbles. Still a dynamic finisher around the rim, the guard continues to provide a spark off the bench. 

Vandermeer works well either on or off the ball, effectively reading the floor to take advantage of openings in the lane. Often taking advantage of ball watching opponents, the guard is quick to slash at the rim once the opponent takes their eyes off of him. His efficiency around the rim has taken strides of recently, getting more comfortable versus opposing contests. Vandermeer’s growth as a playmaker with the ball will be worth following this coming season, although with his recent development, there is no doubt the guard has a bright future on his hands.