When he watched Vermont upset Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA Tournament two years ago, it left a lingering impression on Evan Field.
The 6-8 Durham Academy senior hopes he’ll get to be a part of more magic moments for the Catamounts in the future. Last week, he gave his verbal commitment to Vermont and Coach Mike Lonergan.
“They have a chance to get back to the NCAA Tournament, and that was important to me,” Fjeld said. “And watching that game, I remember it was interesting to see the number of fans they had there. It’s big for them.”
A visit to the school’s idyllic campus in Burlington, Vt., sealed the deal, he said, leading him to choose Vermont over offers from Elon, UNC Wilmington and American.
“It’s right on the lake, and it’s a really neat college town,” he said.
Fjeld averaged 15 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks last season, mainly playing in the post. DA coach Tim McKenna said that Fjeld has worked on his strength with trainer Brian Diaz at ActivEdge in the offseason to get ready for college ball.
In McKenna’s view, Fjeld’s versatility along with the departure of two seniors in Vermont’s frontcourt should help him compete for playing time right away in 2007-08.
“He can take a man on inside or in the perimeter, and he shoots well for someone his size,” McKenna said. “He’s got a real good knack for the game.”
Fjeld is the second area forward to commit to a Division I school. Southern’s Julian Gamble, who also is 6-8, committed to Miami in August.