SPORTS

Mazzulla lives dream at March Madness

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 3/30/22

The No. 13 University of Vermont men’s basketball team returned to the NCAA National Tournament and fell to No. 4 Arkansas 75-71.

UVM had another impressive season, taking home the America …

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SPORTS

Mazzulla lives dream at March Madness

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The No. 13 University of Vermont men’s basketball team returned to the NCAA National Tournament and fell to No. 4 Arkansas 75-71.

UVM had another impressive season, taking home the America East Conference title to qualify for March Madness once again.

Emerging as one of the Catamounts’ top players this season was Johnston native and Bishop Hendricken alum Justin Mazzulla. The senior guard started 26 games, averaging 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. He finished with 13 points in the game against Arkansas last week.

“We thought that we could go further in our run in March Madness, that’s what we are hoping for, but unfortunately it didn’t go that way. Despite that, I think we succeeded in all of our goals that we had. (UVM) Coach (John) Becker laid out our goals, we wanted to achieve them and we did,” said Mazzulla.

Mazzulla began his college career at George Washington University but would transfer to UVM after two seasons. Ultimately, the move paid off as Mazzulla had the chance to play in one of the country’s biggest annual sporting events.

“It was a blessing in disguise. Choosing Vermont was one of the best decisions I ever made in college basketball. I entered such a great culture and atmosphere where the coaches love you and want to see you succeed with everyone around you. Making that decision was fairly easy,” said Mazzulla.

Mazzulla comes from one of the Rhode Island’s most storied basketball families, with his late father Dan playing professionally then becoming one of the greatest high school coaches in state history at Johnston. His older brother Joe also played collegiately, and is currently an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics.

“It was full circle. I spent so much time at March Madness but I was in the stands watching my brother. Growing up, that’s everything that you dream of with March Madness. People making brackets, when you play basketball that’s all you talk about. When standing on the court with the March Madness logo in the middle, there’s nothing better than that,” said Mazzulla.

Mazzulla plans on either playing overseas upon graduating, or joining the coaching ranks. He is looking forward to taking the next step and thanks his father for his success in the sport.

“It shows how much our dad instilled in us with basketball,” said Mazzulla. “How his teachings have led us two brothers to so much in basketball.”

Mazulla, March Madness

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