Our ACC team previews kick off with the Boston College Eagles. Will Ojanen takes a look at a young team that could take a big step forward this season.
ACC Season Previews
Boston College
Boston College Season Preview
Projected Statistics (Returning Players Only)Explanation of Statistic Projections
Things to WatchGoing in to the 2011-12 season, the expectations weren’t that high for Boston College. There were freshmen all over the place, and the team certainly played like it. The Eagles won nine games, four of them in the ACC. This year, the Eagles return a giant portion of the team from last year. But with another year of experience, this team should be improved. Backcourt The only significant losses on the team are here. Matt Humphrey leapfrogged his way to his third school, and Gabe Moton transferred as well. There’s still plenty of experience though. Jordan Daniels and Lonnie Jackson played in all 31 games last year. Daniels averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 assists last year, but shot 34% from the field. Jackson averaged nearly 8.0 points per game, and shot just under 40% from the field. He was also one of the Eagles best three point options. They will be pushed for playing time by two true freshmen. Olivier Hanlan and Joe Rahon are highly thought of. Hanlan is a 6-4 combo guard who is more of a slasher than a true shooter, and Rahon is a good shooter who can also drive to the basket. Frontcourt This is probably the biggest strength of the team. Ryan Anderson was the team’s leader in scoring (11.2) and rebounding (7.4) last year, and figures to do the same again this year. Dennis Clifford is a seven footer who improved a lot as the season went on. He led the team in field goal shooting (51.9%), but needs to work on his rebounding. At the three, Patrick Heckmann was a solid scorer (8.3 points per game), but was very mistake prone. His 3.0 turnovers per game was the highest on the team. Schedule There are a few prominent names on Boston College’s schedule this year. And it comes early. They host Baylor in the second game of the year, followed by hosting Auburn. In this year’s ACC-Big Ten Challenge, the Eagles will go to Penn State. In addition, the Eagles will play Providence just before Christmas. The Eagles will get a rude awakening in to the conference schedule, as four of the first six games will be on the road. The good news for the Eagles is that they only play UNC once this year at home. Prediction This is still a team that is going from its infancy stages in to more of a toddler stage. They’re young and inexperienced still, but with more games comes more experience. Ryan Anderson and Dennis Clifford are a formidable duo near the rim, and if you miss, one of those two are likely to get the rebound. The frontcourt needs some work. They’re just okay right now. The best news I can give Eagles fans is that they will reach the double digit win mark this year, but they’ll still finish near the bottom of the ACC. by Will Ojanen @WillsWorldMN Fantasy Player to WatchRyan Anderson had an award winning freshman season and there is no reason to lower expectations going into his sophomore campaign. The sophomore is a legitimate inside/outside player who can play over smaller defenders in the post, go around bigger defenders with his quickness. The SCACCHoops.com projections have Anderson's production approaching 14 points per game this season to go along with 8 rebounds per game. Last Year's Player Statistics
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