2005 Boston College Eagles Basketball Preview

2005 Boston College Eagles Team Preview

The Boston College Eagles are no longer in the prestigious Big East. Instead, they’re in the equally, and some would say, more prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference. Last year the team from New England went 13-3 in their conference and 25-5 overall. And even though they lost half of their final 10 games and bowed out of the Tournament by losing in the second round to UW-Milwaukee, the Eagles were more a team of consistency than inconsistency. Chances are with one of the finest frontcourts in the nation, four out of five starters returning, and a sound defense that can press, trap, and rebound, the Eagles should prove to be as tough this year as they were last year.

Senior forward Craig Smith and junior forward Jared Dudley are about as good as it gets. Last season Smith recorded an average of 18.0 PPG and 8.5 RPG, while Dudley hit 16.5 PPG and swiped 7.5 RPG. Smith, who has problems with turnovers, is a tough player capable of leading BC by example in the physically rough ACC. Dudley can dish it off with aplomb as well as hit from the floor; he's a guard and playmaker who can strongarm opponents.

The backcourt is almost equally intimidating with guard junior Sean Marshall capable of hitting from three-point land and mid-range, while senior Louis Hinnant is once again ready to distribute the ball and control the tempo of the game. Marshall poured in 11.1 PPG at a 45.8% clip. Hinnant needs to improve his shooting (33.3 FG% and 5.3 PPG), giving the Eagles another threat.

Hinnant will have some competition from freshman guards Tyrese Rice and Marquez Haynes. Rice is a versatile performer who can hit from the perimeter and drive to the basket. Haynes, an all-around sound player, comes to the court with well-developed basketball skills.

But BC is lacking a true big man after losing 7’-0” center Nate Doomekamp, who provided defensive consistency under the basket and a dominating physical presence. There’s no one available to replace him. Additionally the team will have to do better on turnovers; in the 2004-05 season the Eagles committed 403 turnovers while forcing 424. That ratio has to improve in order for BC to prove themselves in their new conference.

For more info on the 2005 Eagles check out the official Boston College athletic site.