Keys For Boston College As They Prepare To Open The Season

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.

Without Tyrese Rice, their offensive numbers can only be expected to dip this season, that is unless returning players can step it up. However, defensive improvement may be something they ultimately need in order to pick up victories.

The top example from last year has to be the loss at the hands of Harvard, one that had some people shaking their heads. The Eagles gave up 82 points in that game, clearly proving their defensive problems.

5. Ability To Win The Big Game

Over the past few seasons, Boston College has flown under the radar. The Eagles have an ACC team that may not have had the top players to compete on the national stage. However, the Eagles have had their fair share of big wins that certainly have raised eyebrows about just what they may have the ability to do.

For example, last season a shocking victory over No. 1 North Carolina to open ACC play shot them up into the Top 25 polls, only to lose in their following game, a loss to Harvard. A big win that was aided by 25 points by Tyrese Rice, but also 22 from Rakim Sanders, and 17 from Reggie Jackson. The Eagles proved they have the ability to play with the nation’s best.

Playing in the ACC offers the Eagles many opportunities to prove this once again. The Eagles were picked ninth in the ACC Media Poll heading into the season, so clearly they are not expected to hang with the cream of the crop in the conference. However, expectations have never slowed down Al Skinner’s team and opponents should be aware of how dangerous Boston College can be on any given night.

There will be more issues raised as the season continues for Boston College, but to start, these are a few things they might want to focus on.

Boston College will open their season tonight, Friday, November 13th at 7:00PM, with a home match-up against Dartmouth. The Ivy League opponent is not expected to finish among the top in their conference this season and the Eagles enter tonight’s game as a heavy favorite.