Boston College Basketball: Young Team Must Stay Focused

At 12-5 (3-1), the Boston College Eagles' basketball season has really been a mixed bag. When you have a roster with just two seniors, surely, that is an okay way to start the season.

However, if you told BC before the season two of their five losses would have come at usual wins over local rivals Umass and Providence, and they would lose to a cupcake team like Robert Morris, they might give you funny look.

Ironically, this Eagles team beat Maryland, Miami and Wake Forest all in conference play.

They are in third place in their conference behind usual powerhouses North Carolina and Duke.

Do not become too excited however, these Eagles are not the Craig Smith and Jared Dudley teams you have seen in the past. They lack leadership with only two seniors in John Oates and Tyrelle Blair.

Boston College only one true established scorer is on the team in junior PG Tyrese Rice, who is averaging just under 20 PPG.

It is highly unlikely BC will have an inside presence, Shamari Spears is very unlikely to be able to play with the likes of a Tyler Hansborough.

Over the next three weeks Boston College plays conference powers Duke, North Carolina and Clemson.

After that the only ranked team they play until the ACC Tournament is North Carolina at home.

If BC can go 2-1 in those three games, then they will be in good shape.

Al Skinner's teams have hit rough patches in mid to late February in recent years so if this young Eagles team wants to be successful they must stay focused all season and set the tone for the 08-09 squad.

Do I see BC making it to the tournament? Yes.

Do I see them making it far? No.

I envision a similar situation to last season with BC being around a six, seven, or eight seed depending on how the ACC Tournament goes.

They will most likely lose to a one or two seed in the second round.