Preview #3: Boston College Eagles

Last Season:  28-8, 11-5 ACC

Key Losses: Craig Smith, Louis Hinnant

Backcourt: With the loss of the steadying, experienced, Louis Hinnant, Al Skinner will turn to perhaps his complete opposite, Tyrese Rice.  While Hinnant managed games last season, Rice often pushed the issue.  Rice can be an adept scorer, but will need to consider his shot selection this season and get others involved.  Next to Rice in the backcourt will be Sean Marshall.  Marshall is an intense defender, and offers a nice shot and the ability to help out on the boards at 6’6”.  Likely backing up both will be sophomore Marquez Haynes who saw some time last season, but will play a much bigger role this season.  Freshman Dave Kaba, a 6’4” combo guard noted for his athleticism, and freshman, 6’7” Tyler Roche, a reputed shooter should help some as well.

Frontcourt: Al Skinner returns arguably the best player in the conference in Jared Dudley, who will fill up a box score.  Dudley averaged 16.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 3.2 apg last season and is incredibly difficult to guard with the ability to shoot beyond the arc, take a defender off the dribble, and post up.  Anchoring the defense will be junior, Sean Williams.  Williams is a gifted shot blocker with all the skills to be an NBA-caliber player.  Williams has the skills to be a successful scorer, and should emerge in that role this season.  Replacing All-American, Craig Smith, will be either junior Akida McLain or junior John Oates.  McLain is a lanky, left-hander who can block shots and is a decent scorer in the post, while Oates is noted for his shooting ability beyond the arc.  Transfer, Tyrelle Blair might help down low as well, and 4-star freshman, Shamari Spears, is reported to be a Craig Smith clone.

Intangibles: Sean Marshall is often overlooked by opponents, but the senior averaged 11.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg while being the Eagles’ top defender.
Potential Breakout Player: Tyrese Rice should play 35+ minutes a game since BC has no other options at point guard.  Rice shot nearly 40% from beyond the 3 pt arc last season, and should see his scoring jump to 13-15 points per game this season.

Summary: Al Skinner lost 2 players from a team that went to the sweet sixteen last season, but returns a team led by a solid core of players.  Arguably, adding Tyrese Rice in the place of Louis Hinnant could be seen as an improvement in the lineup, as Rice is a much better scorer and creator on the offensive end.  The loss of Craig Smith will hurt, but the offense installed at BC, a system of angles and interior passing, should continue to succeed with the size the Eagles boast this season.  Al Skinner still has some questions to answer:

1. With a 1/1 Assist to Turnover ratio from a season ago, can Tyrese Rice take care of the ball?
2. Will Sean Williams fulfill his potential on the offensive end?
3. Can Jared Dudley perform at a high level on a team without Craig Smith?

This team is going to be very good and has a chance to win an ACC crown and possibly more.  The team is woefully thin in the backcourt, so Rice’s play is crucial to the success of the team.  Odds are this will cost the Eagles a few games, therefore leaving them behind both Duke and UNC in the standings.
Top Returning Fantasy Player: Jared Dudley averaged 16.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.2 apg in conference play last season.

Up Next: #2 Duke Blue Devils