Boston College Eagles
After losing ACC player of the year and NBA first round pick Jared Dudley, this will be a season of transition in Chestnut Hill. Coach Al Skinner always seems to do more with less, instilling a tough, defensive minded team that is patient running its version of the flex offense. Tyrese Rice returns after finishing sixth in the league in scoring at 17.8 ppg last season.
Key Losses: Losing the do it all forward in Dudley, along with fellow four year starter Sean Marshall, leaves big holes on the perimeter for the Eagles to fill. Additionally, first round pick Sean Williams was dismissed in the middle of last season for smoking the dope. Guard Marquez Haynes decided to transfer after averaging 18 minutes per game last season off the bench (51% of scoring, 44% of rebounding, 47% of assists).
New Additions: The Eagles welcome in a five man recruiting class that will be needed to fill in on the perimeter immediately. Guards Biko Paris and Rakim Sanders, along with wing Corey Raji, will compete for spots on the wing alongside returning point guard Rice. Posts Josh Southern and Cortney Dunn will add depth to an already loaded front court.
Projected Lineup:
- PG- Tyrese Rice (6'1", Jr.)
- SG- Rakim Sanders (6'5", Fr.)
- SF- Shamari Spears (6'6", So.)
- PF- Tyler Roche (6'7", So.)
- C- Tyrelle Blair (6'11", Sr.)
Key Reserves:
- PF/C- John Oates (6'10", Sr.)
- SG- Daye Kaba (6'4", So.)
- SF- Corey Raji (6'5", Fr.)
- PG- Biko Paris (6'1", Fr.)
- C- Josh Southern (6'10", Fr.)
Outlook: The gaping holes on the perimeter may be this team's undoing, but they will certainly be strong in the post and at the point. Rice has the potential to be a top three point guard in the league, along with Lawson and Singletary, but has to hold up during the season. An injury to him would be devastating. If Roche and the freshmen can be reliable shooters to go along with Rice and the strong inside game, BC will be a threat night in and night out in the conference.
The out of conference slate is pretty soft, except for games against Kansas and UMass at home, and traveling to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge.
Prediction: 8-8 finish, T-6 in ACC; 19-10 Overall.
ACC Preview #9 - UNC
ACC Preview #8 - Virginia
ACC Preview #7 - Wake Forest
ACC Preview #6 - Virginia Tech
ACC Preview #5- Miami
ACC Preview #4- Florida State
ACC Preview #3- NC State
ACC Preview #2- Clemson
ACC Preview #1- Georgia Tech
