The 2009-2010 Boston College Men's basketball team will have a scrimmage Sunday November 13 at 2pm in Conte Forum before opening up the regular season at home versus Dartmouth on November 18.
The Eagles were picked 9th in the league in the Pre-Season ACC Media Poll, although if you watched any games last season it is obvious this team has the talent and potential to perform well beyond those expectations.
Projected Starting Lineup
C-Josh Southern
PF- Joe Trapani
SF- Corey Raji
SG- Rakim Sanders
PG- Biko Paris
BC loses leading scorer Tyrese Rice from last year but Biko Paris and Reggie Jackson are more than capable of running the point for BC. They should give BC a strong defensive presence and good ball security. Biko came on strong late in the season and Reggie also played well as a reserve freshman last year.
For two seasons now we have seen the raw ability of Rakim Sanders although to this point he has yet to string together much consistency. This year will hopefully be his breakout year. Rakim has tremendous athleticism and has added muscle which should help his interior game. Sanders will be able to over-power any guard in this conference. The key for him is to focus mentally and keep his focus throughout the length of the game. We need him to emerge as a top point producer this season.
Corey Raji has found his niche on the team; as a tough, scrappy rebounder. Raji is a force on the glass, particularly on the offensive end. He is long and a quick jumper and should continue to have success inside against much bigger opponents.
Joe Trapani is a versatile forward. His skill set and ability to knock down perimeter shots makes him a great fit for Coach Skinner's offensive system. Look him him to continue where he left off last year in terms of productions at both ends of the floor.
Josh Southern could be the difference maker for this squad. BC desperately needs his help in the paint, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. Southern has been slow to develop in his first two years but the staff has worked with him closely to improve his footwork and positioning down low. If he can give BC consistent 8-point and 8-rebound type performances this team could go very deep come tournament time.
On the bench we have Jackson, Courtney Dunn, Dallas Elmore, Tyler Roche, and Evan Ravenel. Each player will likely see time this year, particularly Dunn and Ravenel. Dunn emerged as a great hustle player off the bench and Ravenel could fill that role too. Ravenel has more upside of the two and it will be interesting to see how he performs this season with an increased role. Roche will see time behind Trapani and Elmore will play the wing.
I certainly expect this team to build off their 22-win output from last season. A finish near the top of the ACC should be expected from this group.
