Keys For Boston College As They Prepare To Open The Season

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There are many questions surrounding Boston College as they prepare to begin their 2009-2010 regular season.

For starters, they look to replace All-ACC performer, Tyrese Rice. Where will the leadership come from on this Eagles squad? Or, who is expected to step up on the offensive side of the basketball?

1. Boston College’s Point Guard Play:

As I just mentioned, replacing Tyrese Rice will be the first order of business for head coach Al Skinner. The intensity and offensive prominence that Rice brought to the table might just be irreplaceable.

Junior point guard, Biko Paris, is expected to get the first shot at filling in at the position. The depth at point guard for the Eagles is a problem, as only Paris and sophomore Reggie Jackson have had experience in handling the ball in the past.

Paris dished out a team-high nine assists in their only exhibition match-up of the season, a 99-58 victory over St. Michael’s, however he did not score. Expect the Eagles to form a solid rotation between Paris and Jackson at the point guard position.

2. Contributions From Their Big Men

 Inside play may have been what ultimately held Boston College back from really exploding onto the national scene last year. With plenty of weapons on the perimeter, the Eagles were never able to establish any strong presence in the paint.

Juniors Corey Raji and Rakim Sanders, along with senior Tyler Roche can each play the forward position, but none of them have the size and strength to bang with the big men of the ACC. Each of them will probably see minutes at the three and four positions on the court, but having the ability to step out onto the perimeter and be effective is the true advantages that each of them bring to this Boston College team.

True big men, juniors Courtney Dunn and Josh Southern, have provided the most experience at the center position and it should be Southern who starts the season down low. Sophomore Dallas Elmore, who scored 10 points in their exhibition, might have an opportunity to earn some minutes. The improvement of their big men is a vital key to whether or not the Eagles can compete in the tough ACC.

3. Offensive Production By The Eagles Wingmen.

With Tyrese Rice gone, the Eagles will need to replace their leading scorer from a year ago. Reggie Jackson and Rakim Sanders will be the first options offensively for Al Skinner. Their ability to score, is something the Eagles will definitely need.

Joe Trapani can step out and hit jump shots as well, but will most likely be effective at the power forward position. Trapani can score in bunches and at numerous times last season reached the 20 point plateau. They will be the first options offensively and should by among the leaders in scoring for BC this season.

4. Defensive Improvement

At times last season, the Eagles defense struggled. On 12 different occasions last season, they gave up more than 75 points. Boston College was forced to outscore teams at times and although it may work for some teams, the Eagles were not one of them.

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