2008 Boston College Eagles Basketball Preview

Under coach Al Skinner last season, the Boston College Eagles (14-17 overall, 4-12 ACC) finished next to last in the conference. They did not get invited to the Big Dance nor did they go to the NIT. It was the first time since 2003 that the Eagles missed the NCAA Tournament.

The frontcourt has lost three key players, including forward Shamari Spears, who averaged 9.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG and center Tyrelle Blair who managed 5.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 3.4 BPG in 2007-2008. The center spot looks to go to sophomore Josh Southern (14.9 MPG, 5.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 55.6 FG%, 64.7 FT%). Last season in 20 games, Southern, who at 6’10” is undersized, put up some solid numbers. Sophomore forward Corey Raji (20.3 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 60.8 FG%, 55.6 FT%) and Vermont transfer forward Joe Trapani will play on either side of Southern. There are other guys ready to contribute to the frontcourt, including junior Tyler Roche (17.2 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 38.5 FG%, 45.4 FT%).

Senior guard Tyrese Rice (38.1 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 43.3 FG%, 84.6 FT%) scored a boatload of points last season. But as far as point production goes, it would be good if Rice could get some help from his teammates. The two-guard spot will go to Rakim Sanders (27.7 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 43.6 FG%, 46.2 FT%). Last season, he was Boston College’s second-highest scorer. Two freshmen will come off the bench to help out—both Dallas Elmore and Reggie Jackson offer solid defensive chops.

This season the Eagles will have a tough time showing much improvement. Although seven guys return from last season, that doesn’t mean a whole lot unless they can step up. This team will need major contributions from its sophomore class. In 2006, the Eagles got to the Sweet 16 and in 2007, they went two and out in the Tourney. Don’t expect much better than a 10th place finish in 2008-2009 with a trip to the tournament being a tough-to-reach goal.