The University of Vermont’s basketball program is entering a pivotal phase as it gears up for the 2026‑27 campaign, with both the men’s and women’s squads facing a blend of continuity and change.
A Culture Reset
Head coach John Becker, who has overseen the men’s team for several seasons, spoke about the need to re‑establish a consistent culture after a period of player turnover. He was joined by Maureen Magarity, who was introduced as the new women’s coach on April 14, 2026, bringing a fresh perspective to the program.
Becker acknowledged that the roster has been reshaped dramatically, with eight scholarships opened last year and ten this offseason. The challenge, he said, is to blend experienced holdovers with promising newcomers while maintaining the standards the program has built over the years.
Returning Faces and New Additions
Noah Barnett, a redshirt junior, returns as the most‑tenured Catamount and is expected to lead the offense after posting his best season last winter. Gus Yalden, the America East newcomer of the year, averaged 16.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and will look to build on that breakout performance.
The incoming class includes guards Khalil Badru, noted for his athleticism and defensive skill, and John Broom, who transferred from South Alabama and is working to regain confidence after a challenging previous season. Freshman forward Marko Masić from Germany and walk‑on Zach Romich from New Hampshire add depth, while Cash Chism, a true freshman from Massachusetts, already impressed coaches with his scoring prowess.
Other notable additions include Daniil Glazkov, a versatile Russian junior, and Sublime Gbiegba, a French forward who averaged 13.2 points and 7.5 rebounds last year. Hayden Johns, a sophomore guard recovering from ACL surgery, is also expected to contribute across multiple positions.
Non‑Conference Roadmap
The Catamounts will test themselves against a varied schedule that includes exhibition games and matchups with Holy Cross, Iona, and Florida. These contests are designed to provide competitive experiences before diving into the America East conference slate.
Coach Becker emphasized that the non‑conference slate will serve as a laboratory for experimentation, allowing younger players to gain minutes and for the team to fine‑tune its identity ahead of the regular season.