A PLEASANT SURPRISE

If you frequent this blog then this isn’t the first time you’ve seen a posting involving how much I enjoy the mid-major game.
So there I was again tonight, taking in an America East tilt featuring Vermont at Hartford. Much to my surprise, the game also received a visit from Tom Brennan, ESPN college basketball studio analyst and erstwhile Catamounts coach.
I had the luxury of sitting next to the ex-coach, who I know from my college days at Binghamton when he was still at Vermont. We talked a bit about the America East’s recent past and then discussed some UConn hoops along with a little running commentary on the game.
It’s always a pleasure to catch up with Brennan, who is among the most personable people I’ve ever met. Among my best memories are him giving opposing coaches an early wake-up call during his radio show when they visited Burlington.
He wasn’t the only member of ESPN’s team in the house. Andy Katz, a friend of Hartford coach Dan Leibovitz, also took in the game, prompting the school’s SID to joke it was All-Star night.
Vermont won what proved to be a very exciting game, 76-63, to remain atop the league standings.