2006 Boston College Eagles Basketball Preview

2006 Boston College Eagles Basketball Predictions

Everyone agrees that Boston College made a solid transition from the Big East to the ACC last season. The problem for BC this year will be the loss of senior forward Craig Smith (17.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG) and senior guard Louis Hinnant (7.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.7 APG). Still, the Eagles have returning talent and a strong foundation.

The point guard position, so ably manned in past years by Hinnant, is a priority for this club. Look for sophomore and ACC-All Rookie Tyrese Rice (9.3 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 43.2 GG%, 77.3 FT%) to be given the opportunity to start. Rice can hit threes, slash into the basket and generate point-producing ball movement. Guard/forward Sean Marshall (11.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 38.7 FG%, 60.0 FT%) returns for his senior year as the second leading point scorer. He can hit threes.

Senior Jared Dudley (16.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 49.4 FG%, 71.0 FT%) is back without his counterpart Smith and many wonder how effective he’ll be. It’s time for Dudley to become the team leader and he looks ready to go. Also in the frontcourt are junior Sean Williams (3.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.4 APG, 55.2 FG%, 51.4 FT%), a potent shot blocker and John Oates (3.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 44.5 FG%, 81.8 FT%), who can hit from outside and post up for rebounds. Along with defense from Williams, the Eagles need more offensive output.

Coach Al Skinner knows how to mold talent, especially in players that are often overlooked by other schools. Skinner is without two key assistants—Bill Coen, now head coach at Northeastern and Ed Cooley, now head coach at Fairfield. But Skinner has size and depth on his roster and will continue to emphasize strong defense, ball movement and the inside game. He’ll have his players ready by the start of the season.

Although they’ve lost some key guys, the Eagles have a good mix of experienced seniors and up-and-coming new guys. They may not finish first in the ACC, but they will be in the top three again.

If you want more info on the 2006 Boston College Eagles College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Duke Blue Devils and Maryland Terrapins .