JOHNSON, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson men's basketball program and Head Coach Miles Smith have gained their second commitment for the 2019-2020 upcoming season.
Dylan Young has signed the necessary paperwork and has made his commitment to the Badgers for the 2019-2020 season. Young a product of Lyndonville, Vermont played his high school basketball at Lyndon Institute under Head Coach Patrick Rainville. Young is excited for the next chapter in his life attending Northern Vermont University-Johnson. "NVU-Johnson is a school that really fits what I need as a student and as an athlete. From my conversations, this community is one of the most caring places a student could find themselves in. The University also has the programs I desire to study and has the culture of basketball athletics that I strive to be a part of. I knew that this is the program I wanted to be part of and was the only school I visited. From the very beginning I knew this is where my heart was and is where I wanted to continue my career". Young will pursue a degree in Exercise Science at NVU-Johnson. He also has a passion for art and could potentially find himself pursuing a degree in a concentration involving art.
Head Coach Miles Smith is excited for the addition of Dylan to the roster and knows that Dylan can find ways to contribute while continuing to grow over the course of his career. "I strongly believe that Dylan will grow as a player each year", said Smith. "Dylan attended my hoop camp when I was first hired, and I enjoyed watching his growth. He will be one of the toughest competitors on our team this upcoming season. He is always willing to learn, and we are very excited to add Dylan to the Badger family".
Johnson basketball and playing for Coach Smith won't be new for Young. "Playing for Coach Smith is exactly where I wanted to find myself after attending his Badger Camp four years before during summer basketball. His ability to push you, but to also be calm during games was very intriguing to me. His IQ on the game was also astounding and was something I was searching for in a coach. Lastly, his ability to bond players together and create a "family" atmosphere is what I have been searching for," Smith continued by saying; "Joining the Badger family is really something I have had set on my mind for years. Ever since my first experience playing in the summer basketball camp I knew where my heart was set. Also knowing alumni from the Johnson community and constantly hearing the high praises about the team and school itself. I knew that this was going to be my next path. Basketball for me is something I love and to have a group of guys that want "family" first is what I cherish".
Young was a standout player at Lyndon Institute being named to the Caledonia Dream Dozen. In his senior campaign Young was named to the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association North/South All-Star game. Off the court, Young has received honors in the classroom being named to the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), National Honor Society (NHS) and was a school student council member representing his graduation class.
Lyndon Institute boys' varsity Head Coach Patrick Rainville will miss the impact that Young had on his program but is hopeful that he will see success at the next level. "Dylan has been a difference maker for Lyndon Institute Basketball. He became a coach on the floor as our point guard. Opponents had to worry about his ability to hit from the outside, get to his pull up, and create for his teammates. He often had to exhaust the oppositions best defender, and on the other end guard the competitions best player. His approach and commitment level to his game has prepared him well for the next level and served as a great example for his teammates within our program. We are thankful for what he has done for Viking Basketball and look forward to watching his continued growth at the collegiate level."