But the University of Vermont junior forward was none of those things during the first half of Sunday’s men’s basketball game against New Hampshire. Instead, he sat on the bench in foul trouble.

It’s been a recurring problem for the America East’s reigning player of the year and defensive player of the year, who has had his playing time limited during several games this season after getting tacked up with early fouls.

“It’s my fault,” Blakely said before Monday’s practice. “I have to learn how to play with one foul in the first half. I have to learn to be a little less aggressive at times and avoid tic-tack fouls.”

A couple questionable calls aside, UVM coach Mike Lonergan feels Blakely gets burned by taking unnecessary gambles on steals and blocks.

“He’s got to start using his experience and he’s got to become a smarter player,” Lonergan said. “You’ve got to pick your spots and let some things go. Maybe fake at a guy. He might even miss a layup because he’s afraid of you, but you can’t put yourself in the air all the time.

 

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