Severna Park guard/forward Brendan Bald will bring his high-flying, headband-wearing act to Vermont next year.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder committed to the Catamounts on Saturday, choosing Vermont over offers from Quinnipiac, Centenary, North Florida, Rider and St. Francis (Pa.) among others.

“It was a big weekend. A lot of pressure off my shoulders,” Bald said. “It feels really good.”

Bald, who averaged approximately 15 points and six rebounds as a junior, visited Vermont’s campus unofficially over the summer, but wanted a return trip to Burlington during the school year. Bald said he was impressed with just about every aspect of the visit.

“I got to hang out with everybody and loved it. I love the team and love the school,” Bald said. “It’s a big college town and there are no professional teams. ... So basketball players are like celebrities there.”

Severna Park head coach Paul Pellicani said Bald’s game and personality will make him an immediate hit with Vermont fans.

“He’s extremely athletic,” Pellicani said. “More than one coach likened him to Rex Chapman when he was young. He’s a slasher, he can finish and penetrate. He has a very good perimeter shot. ... [The Vermont staff feels] he can be an impact player right away. With Vermont and the university community, they just feel that he’s going to be a rock hero up there. [The] kid jumps out of the gym; he’s just going to be electrifying. They feel he’s going to turn the basketball fan base up there inside out.”

Bald will join a program just two seasons removed from a regular-season America East championship. In 2005, Vermont stunned Syracuse, a No. 4 seed, in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“They’re definitely a powerhouse in their league,” Bald said. “My recruiting class is going to be a monster this year. The other ‘09 guys are really good as well, so I’m really pumped for that.”

Bald said it was helpful going through the recruiting process just a year after his older brother, Brad Bald, committed to UNC Wilmington. After tagging along with his older brother to numerous college visits, the younger Bald knew exactly what he was looking for in a school, and found it all in Vermont.

“It’s definitely a great feeling,” Bald said. “Now I can just concentrate on my senior year and not worry about recruiting. I can just work on my game and focus on the season. ... [Next year Vermont fans] can expect a show.”

Click on the video player for highlights of Bald.