150 replies to this topic

[SoxScout]

[SoxScout]

Thought it's time to start focusing on a BC program that seems to have its shit together, even though it’s expected to be a tough season.

- Posted above are the roster and schedule. As you can see, Donahue had to bring in 9 freshmen, along with an Oregon transfer. Seems like a lot of system-style gems.

- The guys at BC Interruption have the low down on just how weak the non- conference schedule is.

- Yesterday Donahue received his first 2012 recruit, 3-star PG Joe Rahon from San Diego. Offers: SD St, USC, Washington St, Oregon, Georgetown, St. Mary's

- Jeff Goodman says Donahue is the perfect guy for BC. I know after a few months on the job last year Goodman was pretty down on him.

- Maybe I am over-blowing it, but I freaking love the fact that Donahue reached out on Twitter looking for the couple “Donahue Disciples” a few weeks ago, brought them in for a meeting, and are now working together to helping them recruit more of the student body to be involved with the basketball program. It’s a nice fresh breath of air and something I hope makes even a small difference. Twitter: @BookofDonahue

Edited by SoxScout, 13 October 2011 - 11:46 AM.

[RedOctober3829]

I'll be in attendance for the Stony Brook game. I think that's a game that we have a decent shot in. We return a veteran core that is the favorite to win the America East.

Edited by RedOctober3829, 13 October 2011 - 01:24 PM.

[BigSoxFan]

It's a mystery to me why GDF has done so well with the basketball program while managing to completely screw up the football program. He got rid of Skinner at the perfect time before he was going to fall into a TOB-esque malaise and brought in a young, hardworking coach who seems to have the program on the right track. This team isn't winning more than 12-15 games this year but I like the direction the program is heading.

[Izzy Alcantara]

Weak OOC schedule yes, but good chance BC loses to both Harvard and BU this season. Just throwing that out there now so people don't get surprised if/when it happens.

[BigSoxFan]

Weak OOC schedule yes, but good chance BC loses to both Harvard and BU this season. Just throwing that out there now so people don't get surprised if/when it happens.

No shame in that this year. Our team consists of like 100 raw freshmen, an unproven JR transfer, and some mediocre, at best, sophomores. In short, we're going to suck but hopefully we see some development along the way.

[BigMike]

It's a mystery to me why GDF has done so well with the basketball program while managing to completely screw up the football program. He got rid of Skinner at the perfect time before he was going to fall into a TOB-esque malaise and brought in a young, hardworking coach who seems to have the program on the right track. This team isn't winning more than 12-15 games this year but I like the direction the program is heading.

He got rid of Skinner to late.

I like I I really do, but in my opinion Al should have been fired in 2007 for the stench that Akida McClain and Sean Williams left on the program. I tend to believe that while he wasn't fired he had his hands tied at that point which lead to the later step back for the program.

I am happy with the news of the Rahon committment, I would love to hear more that BC is looking for an athletic big, which doesn't really seem to be a huge priority for the staff, but I still have concerns about the size of the team moving forward.

[mikcou]

He got rid of Skinner to late.

I like I I really do, but in my opinion Al should have been fired in 2007 for the stench that Akida McClain and Sean Williams left on the program. I tend to believe that while he wasn't fired he had his hands tied at that point which lead to the later step back for the program.

I am happy with the news of the Rahon committment, I would love to hear more that BC is looking for an athletic big, which doesn't really seem to be a huge priority for the staff, but I still have concerns about the size of the team moving forward.

While I would like to see another big as well, I like what theyve assembled with the current freshman class. From what I've heard both Anderson and Clifford can really play and if they get anything out of Caudill, they should have a nice rotation going. That, and the standard of big play in college is pretty low - the game is much more reliant on guards and wings than the pro game is.

While this team might struggle, I think some people here will be surprised - they aren't a tourney team, but they arent going to be horrific either.

[SoxScout]

"The theory is if we see someone we like, that does what we want -- which I think is kinda unique -- and maybe they're physically not there but they're going to be there [we offer them a scholarship]," Donahue said. "Down the road maybe we redshirt one or two of those guys, but we've got guys that are high-character, skilled and can play, and in a couple of years they're gonna be really good. I think that was the theory of trying to get this foundation built."

Ultimately the Eagles ended up with nine freshmen, and also added two grad students with a year of eligibility left to a roster that otherwise consisted of two sophomores, one junior and one senior.

Asked if bringing in nine raw recruits in one fell swoop could serve as a deterrent to future recruits, Donahue said he didn't think so.

"Obviously I've gotten that question a lot," he said, "and here is what I'd respond to you if you're a prospective student: You know what, you don't have two seniors, four juniors ahead of you. ,,, You've got kids that are one year ahead of you.

"Not only that, they're gonna play with you. There's only one or two at each position, max, if that. You've got a chance to play with this group. [There's] not a lot of upperclassmen to hog the time for a couple years, you've got a chance to come in and play."

The Eagles' top-rated recruit is Ryan Anderson, a 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward from Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.), who Donahue compared to a young Joe Trapani. The 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year in California, Anderson can play inside and out and is likely to be one of the Eagles' best athletes.

Donahue is also excited about point guard Jordan Daniels (Fontana, Calif./Etiwanda) -- "He's as quick as there is with the ball in college basketball. He's a jet. He can go. I think he makes good decisions" -- and big men Dennis Clifford (Bridgewater, Mass./Milton Academy) and Kyle Caudill (Brea, Calif./Brea Olinda).

"The point of emphasis for our recruiting was, in general I think we have to be big. I think we have to be a bigger team," Donahue said. "If we're not gonna be the most athletic and longest team out there, somehow we have to combat that. We're gonna have great skill, I think you'll see that from the start, a good passing, shooting, dribbling team.

"I still think you need size and I think we did that with Dennis Clifford and Kyle Caudill. Both of those kids are as good as it gets at that size at being skilled in passing. & They're gonna have to get used to the speed and athleticism around the rim, staying out of foul trouble. But I feel great about those guys coming in and making an impact and getting better each and every day."

The coach is also excited about his international import.

"I think Patrick Heckmann is another kid that's as ready as anybody to play because he played high-level international competition, he played in professional leagues for a couple of years," Donahue said. "He's been through a lot. If we had a game today, he's a kid who I think would understand what the level's like."

http://espn.go.com/b...ilds-foundation

[Captaincoop]

This team is going to be intriguing. Either Donahue is building something really competitive and entertaining over the next few years, or we're looking at an unmitigated Spaz-esque disaster in our two major sports at the same time. Either way, it's going to be fun to watch.

Personally, I have some faith that he can make this into a pretty competitive program with B-level prospects because the guy is a truly great system coach. That roster last year was an island of misfit toys, and he had them competing with everybody in the ACC.

[Dave Stapleton]

This team is going to be intriguing. Either Donahue is building something really competitive and entertaining over the next few years, or we're looking at an unmitigated Spaz-esque disaster in our two major sports at the same time. Either way, it's going to be fun to watch.

Personally, I have some faith that he can make this into a pretty competitive program with B-level prospects because the guy is a truly great system coach. That roster last year was an island of misfit toys, and he had them competing with everybody in the ACC.

While W-L will not matter this year we will learn quite a bit I think. Donahue seems really excited about Clifford and has been singing Daniels praised (no one quicker with the ball). Also, he's been quite honest that he really didn't try to do much "molding" last year but that this year will be his full system and that players were recruited with this in mind.

Heckmann and Humphreys will probably dictate how much success they have this year. They are most capable of playing to ACC level this year.

Also refreshing to see a coach that actively seeks out the press but to sing the praises his program and not himself.

[UNCSoxFan5]

What's the early word on Clifford?

[Dave Stapleton]

What's the early word on Clifford?

Early word is that Donahue got a steal here. He is continuing to grow, is highly skilled and an excellent passer for a big man. Donahue jumped on him very early before he blew up and he is a local kid who really wanted to go to BC. I think it is very interesting that Donahue brought Heckmann and Clifford (both freshmen) to ACC Media Day. When asked about it, Donahue said that he brought Clifford and Heckmann becuase he believes they will be the foundation and getting them this [media] experience will benefit them.

[mikcou]

Early word is that Donahue got a steal here. He is continuing to grow, is highly skilled and an excellent passer for a big man. Donahue jumped on him very early before he blew up and he is a local kid who really wanted to go to BC. I think it is very interesting that Donahue brought Heckmann and Clifford (both freshmen) to ACC Media Day. When asked about it, Donahue said that he brought Clifford and Heckmann becuase he believes they will be the foundation and getting them this [media] experience will benefit them.

I've heard nothing but raves about him around campus. Donahue locked him right before he blew up over the summer before his senior year. Some big time programs made a push in the fall of his senior year but were told that he was solid to BC.

[4 6 3 DP]

This team is going to be intriguing. Either Donahue is building something really competitive and entertaining over the next few years, or we're looking at an unmitigated Spaz-esque disaster in our two major sports at the same time. Either way, it's going to be fun to watch

Fair or unfair, there's a method to the madness here. You're right it could be Spaz-like if the recruiting was bad, but the kids will be coached well.

[SoxScout]

FWIW, even after the PG commit last week, top 25 PG Olivier Hanlan was in for a visit last week. He's making a trip to South Bend, then is deciding between BC, VT, and ND.

[Dave Stapleton]

FWIW, even after the PG commit last week, top 25 PG Olivier Hanlan was in for a visit last week. He's making a trip to South Bend, then is deciding between BC, VT, and ND.

If they get this kid then they might be done for the year. I agree with Mike that I'd like to see them try to get an athletic big but they may be playing the wait and see game on what they have since they do have some size coming this year in Clifford, Caudill and Anderson.

As an aside, Caudill is down to 270 and Danny Rubin is up to 170 lbs (he was 150). I remember that Donahue said that Rubin really would/should have redshirted last year but they couldn't afford it. He's not a starter for sure but given his pure stroke he could still be a contributor as a sniper off the bench for 10-15 min a game.

[4 6 3 DP]

People aren't sure whether Joe Rahon is a 1 or a 2, and from Donahues comments I suspect he doesn't like having one true point on the roster. I'd expect he'd be pretty happy about having Daniels/Rahon/Hanlon to cover 40 minutes at PG and 10-15 at SG (assuming Humphrey is the 2 on this year's team.

The question I have is what happens if there are issues with Heckmann or Anderson - Humphrey can probably play the 3, but they'll get killed defensively. Every article I've seen suggests Caudill really isn't ready yet (saying nice things but when conditioning keeps getting mentioned, thats a pretty good sign he's got some issues).

One interesting thing to see is Donahue's comments about getting big men, yet focusing a 2013 recruiting class on guards, and openly suggesting that's the focus, when all they have for size at all are Clifford, Caudill, and Anderson.

[Dave Stapleton]

The question I have is what happens if there are issues with Heckmann or Anderson

I think the answer is simple. If neither of them work out then they are deep trouble. If one of them doesn't work out then they are going to need a surprise from someone like Odio. Lonnie Jackson is said to be the best pure shooter so he may turn out to be something down the line. Heckmann is valuable because he can play anywhere 1-3. He has played a bit of point guard. Anderson was probably the most highly touted recruit in the class.

[BigMike]

I think the answer is simple. If neither of them work out then they are deep trouble. If one of them doesn't work out then they are going to need a surprise from someone like Odio. Lonnie Jackson is said to be the best pure shooter so he may turn out to be something down the line. Heckmann is valuable because he can play anywhere 1-3. He has played a bit of point guard. Anderson was probably the most highly touted recruit in the class.

Anderson will be an interesting one. I only saw him play one game on TV in HS, and safe to say I was underwhelmed. Not that he will be a bad player, but I didn't see the type of athlete I was expecting to see. He is the only real PF there is on the roster, so there is going to be a lot of pressure on him this year

I do like what I have heard on Heckman. So I am really looking forward to seeing him play; although, I am highly suspicious of the PG talk with him

[Captaincoop]

I hear from west coast coaches that Daniels and Jackson can both really stroke it from outside. Also that several Pac-12 coaches saw Anderson in person this year after his commit to BC and felt like they really let one get away there.

That being said, there is also word that people here thought Daniels wasn't good enough to play WCC basketball, let alone ACC.

[BigSoxFan]

I've seen highlights and one game of Anderson and didn't come away overly impressed. I think he'll probably be a solid rotational player but I'm hoping for another more elite prospect at that position in the next couple of years. He really isn't very athletic, which I guess isn't a big deal as long as you have the strength and skill of a Craig Smith or the intelligence of a Jared Dudley. If you don't...then you struggle in the ACC.

[4 6 3 DP]

You HAVE to think that Donahue would be banking a schollie for a big man if he wasn't impressed with the big men - hell, at Cornell he had the 6'10 kid he ran the offense through (Wittman??). He's talked about getting bigger...Heckmann ain't gonna play the 4 in the ACC, I don't think, his highlights to me look more like a 2 or a 3, and the Euros are always suspect defensively (OK, not ALWAYS, but often).

They really need Kyle Caudill to be able to play by his sophomore year, at least in the 5 fouls/5 boards/15 minutes role.

[Dave Stapleton]

I've seen highlights and one game of Anderson and didn't come away overly impressed. I think he'll probably be a solid rotational player but I'm hoping for another more elite prospect at that position in the next couple of years. He really isn't very athletic, which I guess isn't a big deal as long as you have the strength and skill of a Craig Smith or the intelligence of a Jared Dudley. If you don't...then you struggle in the ACC.

I think folks are going to have to wait on Anderson. It looks like he may be the "diamond in the rough" type player. I can't find the link but I thought I saw somewhere that he's already added 3" to his vertical. Coach D keeps referring to him as like Joe Trapani, an inside out player.

[Captaincoop]

I've seen highlights and one game of Anderson and didn't come away overly impressed. I think he'll probably be a solid rotational player but I'm hoping for another more elite prospect at that position in the next couple of years. He really isn't very athletic, which I guess isn't a big deal as long as you have the strength and skill of a Craig Smith or the intelligence of a Jared Dudley. If you don't...then you struggle in the ACC.

The guy I was talking to yesterday (DI coach who saw a lot of Anderson the last two summers) said that as of 2009, early 2010, the feeling was that he was not a legit player. But having seen him this past year, he compared Anderson to Dudley in terms of athleticism (i.e. just athletic enough), and said he's a really smart player who can face up on 4s and stroke it. Sounds like a good Donahue player.

[Dave Stapleton]

Wrong thread.

Edited by Dave Stapleton, 22 October 2011 - 03:36 PM.

[mikcou]

I've seen highlights and one game of Anderson and didn't come away overly impressed. I think he'll probably be a solid rotational player but I'm hoping for another more elite prospect at that position in the next couple of years. He really isn't very athletic, which I guess isn't a big deal as long as you have the strength and skill of a Craig Smith or the intelligence of a Jared Dudley. If you don't...then you struggle in the ACC.

If youre waiting for a recruit that is better than Anderson, youre going to be waiting for a while. Hes pretty much universally thought of as a top 100 type - something that BC hasn't really gotten with the exception of Rakim Sanders.

[kenneycb]

According to the Twitters and Internets, BC got Hanlan.

[Dave Stapleton]

According to the Twitters and Internets, BC got Hanlan.

It's been confirmed by a few sources. Looks like Coach D got his targets. Probably done until the spring and even then may be done with the class.

[mikcou]

It's been confirmed by a few sources. Looks like Coach D got his targets. Probably done until the spring and even then may be done with the class.

Its a great get. Gives them a legitimate true point guard that they will need to compete in '12. I have to imagine they're done completely with the class. The Don is going to want to have some scholarships available for the '13 and '14 class years.

[Captaincoop]

Its a great get. Gives them a legitimate true point guard that they will need to compete in '12. I have to imagine they're done completely with the class. The Don is going to want to have some scholarships available for the '13 and '14 class years.

This program feels so much healthier right now than it ever did during the Al era. Even when Al had some success, during the Troy Bell years and the Dudley/Smith years, it was always a one step forward, two steps back deal.

It's great having a coaching advantage most nights - that's the only way a BC hoops program is going to consistently compete.

[DukeSox]

I am very excited to see how this team evolves over the course of the year. Gotta think if they can play to their strengths and play well together they'll have at least two upset wins in the ACC -- either beating a top-half of ACC team at home or winning a few games on the road.

[Dave Stapleton]

I am very excited to see how this team evolves over the course of the year. Gotta think if they can play to their strengths and play well together they'll have at least two upset wins in the ACC -- either beating a top-half of ACC team at home or winning a few games on the road.

I think BC will be a team that loses many of its games this year but that teams hate to play. I am going to track the team records of games following a BC game (win or loss).

[BigSoxFan]

Nice addition of Hanlan. The Captain definitely seems to be building something good here, which will hopefully be able to take our minds off the horrible football program soon. I think BC has enough talent to put a serious scare into most ACC teams but we'll probably lose a ton of close to relatively close games as we figure out how to win against quality opponents. However, I do agree with DukeSox that there will probably be a couple games where the 3 point shooting is on so I wouldn't be surprised to see us upset a couple teams. Duke and UNC will roll us by 30 but no other team in the ACC really is THAT scary.

[4 6 3 DP]

We are a legitimate 4 (which we may or may not have in Anderson) from being a team that could be very good in 2 years.

[BigSoxFan]

We are a legitimate 4 (which we may or may not have in Anderson) from being a team that could be very good in 2 years.

Agreed. That's the missing piece. Clifford is getting good reviews, our guards will be solid once the 2012 class comes in, but we need another big man since Caudill projects to be a 10-15 min guy and Anderson is a wild card. Donahue is clearly intends to make BC like a better version of his 2010 Cornell squad. I'd be happy with that.

[BigMike]

We are a legitimate 4 (which we may or may not have in Anderson) from being a team that could be very good in 2 years.

Well, lets see these guys hit the floor here one time before we go to far.

I do think this team will be good in time, but really I want to see them play

[Captaincoop]

This reminds me of the 1991 team that ultimately went to the Elite Eight a few years later as seniors. Same deal - a bunch of young talent that was dangerous but inconsistent as freshmen and sophomores, then became a contender as upperclassmen.

Just watched some video of Hanlan and Rahon - clearly Donahue is not looking to out- athletic anyone in the ACC. But that's the right approach at BC and in his system. He needs smart guards who can play under control and catch-and-shoot. Both of these guys are exactly that.

[Dave Stapleton]

Well, lets see these guys hit the floor here one time before we go to far.

I do think this team will be good in time, but really I want to see them play

I hear ya. I think we are so depressed about the football team that we are clearly getting ahead of ourselves but it's FUN!!

[FelixMantilla]

Looks like GDF got at least one hire right.

[4 6 3 DP]

http://aroundtheres....nahue-part.html

http://aroundtheres....ue-part_02.html

[SoxScout]

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Freshmen Dennis Clifford and Patrick Heckmann combined for 33 points to lead Boston College to a 70-66 exhibition win against American International College Saturday afternoon at Conte Forum.

Clifford finished 8-for-9 from the field for his 17 points while Heckman went 8-for-10 from the foul line.

Graduate student John Cahill was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Freshman Ryan Anderson led BC with seven rebounds while Heckmann, junior Matt Humphrey and sophomore Gabe Moton each had three assists.

http://www.bceagles..../110511aaa.html

[BigMike]

http://www.bceagles..../110511aaa.html

Good to see Clifford and Heckman doing well. Bit of a scary score to beat a really awful team by 4.

I guess it is nice to see Cahill back. the kid played hard last year, but it is disturbing to hear reports that he was the 3rd best player on the court for BC

[Dave Stapleton]

First game tonight against UNH. I have absolutely no expectations (i.e. no idea what to expect). I can't make the game but hope to find a stream online as was the case most of last year.

[SoxScout]

video http://www.vipbox.tv...on-college.html

2H: This is brutal, Heckmann starts dominating, BC goes up by like 13. He twists and ankle, UNH ties it up in like 3 minutes, and it's tied with 9 left.

Edited by SoxScout, 14 November 2011 - 08:38 PM.

[DukeSox]

good win to start the season.

[Dave Stapleton]

This is going to be a work in progress but Heckman, Clifford and Anderson looks to be a good foundation.

[SoxScout]

Those three were impressive, Heckmann looked like a man playing with boys a lot of time. He probably would have been a 4-star guy if he was playing Prep in NH last year.

Missed FT and dunks really let UNH hang around when it should have been a 20+ game in the 2H at a point.

[Dave Stapleton]

Those three were impressive, Heckmann looked like a man playing with boys a lot of time. He probably would have been a 4-star guy if he was playing Prep in NH last year.

Missed FT and dunks really let UNH hang around when it should have been a 20+ game in the 2H at a point.

And BC did start to pull away when Heckmann rolled his ankle. That's when UNH closed the gap. He then came back in and they finished it off. Defense and rebounding are going to be an issue this year.

[SoxScout]

38-30 HC at half. No Heckmann. HC shooting just lights out from 3.

86-64

Edited by SoxScout, 18 November 2011 - 09:26 PM.