150 replies to this topic

[SteveCrawford]

http://www.boston.co..._eagles_errors/

HC was without two of their best veteran starters as well.

[BigSoxFan]

I think this BC team is going to win 7 or 8 games this year. Not enough talent and the talent we do have is extremely raw.

[ifmanis5]

Hoops and football programs both feel like they're back in the late 80's/early 90's again.

[BigSoxFan]

Hoops and football programs both feel like they're back in the late 80's/early 90's again.

Yup. Definitely rough times in Chestnut Hill right now. At least the basketball program has a direction. It'll take some time but I have faith in Donahue. On the football side....

[Hendu's Gait]

Your chance to boo the Penn State Athletic Department for $8 via groupon:

"In 1891, James Naismith mounted two peach baskets on opposite walls of a gym, inventing the rudimentary version of what we know today as “shelving.” Take your basketball off this grand innovation with today’s GrouponLive deal: for $8, you get one ticket to see a Boston College men's basketball game at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill (a $15 value). Choose from the following games:

Against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Wednesday, November 30, at 7:15 p.m.
Against Boston University on Saturday, December 3, at 2 p.m.
Against the Harvard Crimson on Thursday, December 29, at 7 p.m.

The Boston College Eagles men's basketball team soars over opponents with a fast-paced style of play and young roster of budding stars. Second-year Head Coach Steve Donahue helms the talented troupe of hoopsters, who enter this season seeking to build on last year's impressive showing, which netted 21 victories and 48 line dances hosted on the court. After landing atop the ACC in field goals and three-point percentage a year ago, the Eagles' continued success relies heavily upon freshman guard Patrick Heckmann, who sank a team-high 19 points in a season-opening victory over New Hampshire. Alongside Heckmann, forward Ryan Anderson will attempt to add to an already stellar resume, which includes Los Angeles Times Player of the Year honors for outstanding play and fanciest yearbook signature while in high school. Conte Forum boasts free parking for men's basketball and hockey events."

[DukeSox]

groupon writers are so damn annoying

[SoxScout]

Umass kicking the ever-loving shit out of BC right now.

[SaveBooFerriss]

Umass kicking the ever-loving shit out of BC right now.

Ouch. That was a beating.

[SoxScout]

Not looking good, as expected.

Edited by SoxScout, 21 November 2011 - 09:25 PM.

[BigSoxFan]

We're officially back in the late 90s. Skinner suffered through 3 bad years before he broke through in 2000-2001. Of course, he had Troy Bell and a bunch of seniors. I think we're looking at the same timeline with Donahue. This year is going to absolutely suck. Next year will be a little less sucky. And hopefully by the 4th year, we'll have a legit blue chip recruit on campus. If we don't...

[SoxScout]

We're officially back in the late 90s. Skinner suffered through 3 bad years before he broke through in 2000-2001. Of course, he had Troy Bell and a bunch of seniors. I think we're looking at the same timeline with Donahue. This year is going to absolutely suck. Next year will be a little less sucky. And hopefully by the 4th year, we'll have a legit blue chip recruit on campus. If we don't...

During the UNH broadcast Meter said Donahue said something like, "Things will really be clicking with this group by game 50."

[berniecarbo1]

BC Hockey....need I say more??

[Dave Stapleton]

During the UNH broadcast Meter said Donahue said something like, "Things will really be clicking with this group by game 50."

I think that's about right.

[BigSoxFan]

That's probably because by game 50, we'll actually (hopefully) have a real ACC-calibre PG in either Hanlan or Rahon. The guards on this team are simply terrible. Moton will never be anything more than a defensive replacement. Daniels' ceiling is as a career backup. And Jackson is more of an undersized 2 guard. If Hanlan is legit, then the offense will open up because it'll allow Heckmann to focus more on scoring.

[Captaincoop]

BC is a legit contender for worst BCS conference team in both major sports right now. Absolutely amazing.

[mandro ramtinez]

Gene DeFilippo's legacy is firmly intact. Ugh.

I do have high hopes for what Donahue can do with the program but the current situation is very frustrating. It's a shame Reggie didn't stay around for one more year, if only so he could keep building his skills while the NBA carpet bombs its season.

[BigSoxFan]

BC is a legit contender for worst BCS conference team in both major sports right now. Absolutely amazing.

It really is when you think about it. Four years ago, our football team was #2 in the nation and our hoops team was on its way to its 6th NCAA tournament appearance in 7 years. Fast forward to 2011 and our football team is an absolute joke with no direction and our hoops team is getting blown out by dogshit teams. And they won't be "good" for at least 2 more years.

Solid work, Gene. Why don't you induct yourself into the BC HoF again, you pompous midget prick.

[Clears Cleaver]

Not looking good, as expected.

wait, what? losing by 36 at home to UMass? holy shit. Holy Cross lost to Fairfield by 22 after they beat BC.

Donahue is a good coach, can he recruit and coach non-Ivy kids? at what point does the flipper get the axe?

[Dave Stapleton]

Some flashes yesterday against a not very good UC Riverside school. Heckmann is a player for sure. Team needs a point guard.

This followed up a nice game with SLU who then has their way with Nova.

Looking forward to seeing what this team does agains New Mexico tomorrow. Baby steps for sure but I am starting to see steps at least.

[4 6 3 DP]

On the U tonight...

Some stuff to like, but they're young and play like it.

Matt Humphrey is a nightmare, though. Won't pass. Biggest ballhog ive seen in a long time. Not sure if you can coach that out of a guy like that.

[Dave Stapleton]

On the U tonight...

Some stuff to like, but they're young and play like it.

Matt Humphrey is a nightmare, though. Won't pass. Biggest ballhog ive seen in a long time. Not sure if you can coach that out of a guy like that.

I'm with ya but I am hoping that he's still trying to kick the rust off of the transfer year. Clifford and Anderson need a year to develop. You can see flashes but they'll need time. Lonnie Jackson showing his stroke tonight.

[scottyno]

they need a point guard really really really badly, and matt humphrey has to never take a shot again in his life, someone has to tell him hes just not a shooter, he wasn't with oregon either, though he was a tiny bit better than he's been so far this year, regardless a career 34% 3 shooter shouldn't be jacking up 7 a game

[Captaincoop]

Ummmm. Wow.

This has gotten so bad, I'm honestly not sure Donahue can ever recover. This is easily the worst BCS-conference basketball team in 2011-12, and 7 of the 9 freshmen look like non-Division I players.

[BS_SoxFan]

Ummmm. Wow.

This has gotten so bad, I'm honestly not sure Donahue can ever recover. This is easily the worst BCS-conference basketball team in 2011-12, and 7 of the 9 freshmen look like non-Division I players.

So we're now going to give up on a coach who has had approximately one month of game time with the players he actually recruited? Were you actually expecting this team to even sniff the NCAA tournament this season? I know I wasn't.

If this athletic department gives Donahue any less than two more season after this one to implement his system and get in his guys then they deserve everything they get. Cutting ties with him so soon would likely drive any promising coaching candidate from ever considering BC.

This is not a Spaz situation here, give the guy some time. Show me the great success that any team with ELEVEN new players has ever had.

[Clears Cleaver]

Whoop your ass in hockey...OK. Whoop your ass in hoops? bwhaaahahahahahahahahahaha

[Dave Stapleton]

This team is playing well in stretches but seems to fall apart at various points and can't recover. I am guessing that many who are commenting aren't watching the whole game and looking at the final score.

Can anyone point to a similar situation as this? All year players other than 3 second years players, only one of which is on scholarship?

Coach D can't recover from what?

[mikcou]

Ummmm. Wow.

This has gotten so bad, I'm honestly not sure Donahue can ever recover. This is easily the worst BCS-conference basketball team in 2011-12, and 7 of the 9 freshmen look like non-Division I players.

Its pretty concerning. This team is truly horrific at the moment. However, Anderson, Clifford, and Heckmann are all DI players and potential starters. Caudill looks like he has a good chance at being a contributor. However, most of the rest of the guys look like theyre way too limited to ever be even 20+ minutes a game types.

[4 6 3 DP]

The Curley/Huckaby/Abram team was I believe 6-21 as freshmen. The issue here is whether this group has ACC talent or not. Not every freshman is Craig Smith or Jared Dudley. Or Danya Abrams for that matter. If Clifford becomes a real player and not some sort of Nate Doornekamp (waiting for Stapes and BigMike here), they'll be fine, but hopefully this is ACC talent and not Ivy League. We just dont know yet.

[Captaincoop]

There's a pretty damned big gap between "make the tournament" and "lose convincingly to BU, UMass, and Holy Cross." It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, a BC team should never be THIS bad. Just by virtue of being an ACC program, even a freshman-heavy BC team should be winning most of these games.

There is no comparison between this team and Curley's freshman year. Curley and Eisley were big-time signees. We beat out Arizona and UConn for Curley. Where are those guys in this class? This team is more like the 89-90 BC team, before Curley and company arrived. The David Hinton/Doug Able team.

[DukeSox]

It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, a BC team should never be THIS bad. Just by virtue of being an ACC program, even a freshman-heavy BC team should be winning most of these games.

Agree. The ACC office cannot be too pleased about all this nonsense.

I am rooting for BC to get better and be a real team next year, but damn...

[Dave Stapleton]

Agree. The ACC office cannot be too pleased about all this nonsense.

I am rooting for BC to get better and be a real team next year, but damn...

Guys ... let's please at least wait until we get more into the season. Wake Forest won 1 ACC game last year and lost to such NCAA powerhouses as Stetson and Presbyterian.

This team looks really bad right now for sure but understand that Donahue could care less about the results of these games right now. I know this sounds crazy but you can see by watching the games that he has a larger purpose here. His rotation patterns are odd to say the least and it appears as though this is all in the name of development. Is it maddening? Sure, but I really don't think Ws and Ls matter to him right now. EVERYONE is getting minutes.

I am absolutely the most Polyannish of BC posters on here and I realize that so take everything I say with a grain of salt if you'd like. That said, here are a few quick hitters:

1. Lonnie Jackson -- He was hurt just about all of pre-season and way behind at the beginning of the season. In the last several games we've seen what he brings, a sweet shot and ability to get his own shot off from the perimeter.

2. Dennis Clifford -- Highly skilled but not there yet physically. I think Donahue wants him to handle the ball up top to draw out the defense but needs to find his flow.

3. Anderson -- Young and immature but also skilled. The beginning of yesterday's BU game shows his potential. Has an inside and outside game but needs to figure out how to finish around the hoop against Division 1 competition.

4. Heckmann -- Really good player trying to play on two bad ankles right now. Also better off the ball. I think Coach D may have overestimated his ball handling skills

5. Humphreys -- I am concerned. He has shown the deadly combination of poor shooting and lots of it. I hope he shows something but I have seen little.

6. Odio -- Freakish athlete who has no clue right now. Will get few minutes once ACC play starts but will contribute in future years.

7. Daniels -- Yesterday showed what he can bring when in control. Has shown he has decent range from 3. Question is how he holds up against ACC guards and can he play D as his size.

8. Caudill -- Much better than I thought. Will be a solid 15 minute player going forward who has decent ball skills around the basket and a big body.

Maybe I am torturing myself but I'd like to start tracking the games to see if I can prove out a theory I have. This team is not getting blown out buzzer to buzzer. They are "winning" certain stretches of the game but then fall apart and don't recover. I think it would be interesting to track 8-10 minute stretches to see how BC competes and then where the problems are.

Finally, this is a really unique situation. Other than the freshmen there is ONE SCHOLARSHIP PLAYER IN THE TEAM. Noone ever said this class was the Fab 5. Heckmann, Clifford and Anderson will be solid ACC players I am sure of it. The real problem this year from a short term perspective has been Humphreys. I think they expected him to score and help cover up some deficiencies. Not so much.

ACC is very weak this year and I think BC is only one their concerns. Fortunately for BC the overall sucktitude of the ACC doesn't matter to BC since there is no NCAA in play.

Let's look at this team 10 games into the ACC schedule, examine the rotations and see what we have.

Edited by Dave Stapleton, 04 December 2011 - 10:09 AM.

[Captaincoop]

I like Donahue and have supported him since day one. But let's put it this way - even with his young roster, he still has a team that BU's coach or Holy Cross' coach would sell his soul to have right now, and got beat pretty solidly by both of them.

That worries me. I'm not giving up on Donahue, but it worries me. Recruits see this stuff, and there is a difference between having a rough year while you're rebuilding, and being a total laughingstock. We're headed for the latter right now.

[BigSoxFan]

I like Donahue and have supported him since day one. But let's put it this way - even with his young roster, he still has a team that BU's coach or Holy Cross' coach would sell his soul to have right now, and got beat pretty solidly by both of them.

That worries me. I'm not giving up on Donahue, but it worries me. Recruits see this stuff, and there is a difference between having a rough year while you're rebuilding, and being a total laughingstock. We're headed for the latter right now.

These kids will get better but I don't see very much top end talent on this team. Rahon/Hanlan should help in the backcourt next year but there is no help on the horizon for the Clifford/Anderson/Caudill trio. And we desperately need an athletic wing next to Heckmann. I'm already counting down to Humphrey's graduation. Man, is he bad.

[Dave Stapleton]

Ok ... I refuse to call things moral victories because there are no such things. There are wins and losses only.

That said, BC played it's best game of the season so far last night at Providence. Anderson and Clifford really showed what their potential holds and Daniels showed some great flashes. Humphreys still needs to have better discipline shooting the ball from 3 range but he played extremely hard and was easily the best defender out there.

Rebounding is a challenge and may continue to be until these guys get bigger and stronger.

They are playing better D, turning the ball over less and hitting free throws at a better clip. If they continue to show this kind of progress things will look up in a hurry.

[Dave Stapleton]

I don't want to overstate it but BC with a nice win against Stony Brook last night. While not a world beater they were picked to win the America East Conference. Again, baby steps, but the team is definitely playing better as the season goes along.

Donahue has tightened up rotation and overall the defensive play has improved.

[RedOctober3829]

I don't want to overstate it but BC with a nice win against Stony Brook last night. While not a world beater they were picked to win the America East Conference. Again, baby steps, but the team is definitely playing better as the season goes along.

Donahue has tightened up rotation and overall the defensive play has improved.

We were absolutely awful last night. Nobody can put the ball in the basket. Dougher and Hayes have been up and down for us all season and lately it's been all down. Defensively, I thought we did a good job the first 10 minutes or so but Heckmann started to knock down shots and we couldn't put the ball in the ocean.

[BigSoxFan]

I don't want to overstate it but BC with a nice win against Stony Brook last night. While not a world beater they were picked to win the America East Conference. Again, baby steps, but the team is definitely playing better as the season goes along.

Donahue has tightened up rotation and overall the defensive play has improved.

Stony Brook is a 3-5 America East team with wins against Mount Ida, Columbia, and Fairleigh Dickinson. In short, I can't get too excited. However, some of the guys appear to be settling down a bit. Of course, that will change when they see their first ACC fullcourt press.

[Dave Stapleton]

BC continues to show improvement with a 20 pt win against a Bryant team that played providence tight. Lonnie Jackson was lights out with 26 pts and Daniels had 9 assists with zero turnovers.

I know I know it's only Bryant but this team seems light years ahead of the team that got smoked by HC and UMass and it's been steady improvement.

Next game against Sacred Heart before we get a sense of where the team really is at this point against Harvard.

[Captaincoop]

Any other local teams waiting to humiliate BC by 20 or 30 points? Maybe JOB wants to bring Emerson over for a quick win?

[DukeSox]

"It was the fourth straight season that Harvard has beaten Boston College on the Eagles' home court."

"The Eagles didn't have a basket in the final 8:30 and shot just 18.2 percent (4 of 22) in the second half."

I want BC to be good, because they're a fun addition to the ACC when they are, but holy fuck.

[Dan Murfman]

Things looking up. It took 3-12 URI 2 OTs to beat BC.

Edited by Dan Murfman, 02 January 2012 - 03:39 PM.

[BigSoxFan]

Things looking up. It took 3-12 URI 2 OTs to beat BC.

We appreciate your concern, UConn fan.

[BigMike]

I predicted 5-7 wins and an 0-16 record in ACC play before the year, so I am neither surprised nor overly dissapointed with the play of the team.

I still don't really know the answer as to how good this unit can be in 2-3 years. Of course they will be better because they will be older and more experienced, but is there a player on the roster who will develop into an ALl conference type player (first or second team)? I am not really sure.

Heckman maybe can be, but I wonder if he will be at BC long term or if he will go back to play in a German league for big money after a year or two

[BigSoxFan]

I predicted 5-7 wins and an 0-16 record in ACC play before the year, so I am neither surprised nor overly dissapointed with the play of the team.

I still don't really know the answer as to how good this unit can be in 2-3 years. Of course they will be better because they will be older and more experienced, but is there a player on the roster who will develop into an ALl conference type player (first or second team)? I am not really sure.

Heckman maybe can be, but I wonder if he will be at BC long term or if he will go back to play in a German league for big money after a year or two

I agree with this. I think people are putting too much faith in the development of current players. I see some nice players in time but not many "difference makers", even after the physical maturation process takes place. Skinner's biggest problem was that he assumed that his 2007 class of Sanders, Raji, Southern, Paris was going to be a building block class. It obviously wasn't. And he lost his job largely because of this.

[Hendu's Gait]

Welcome to Conte Forum, where according to the Deuce visuals, there are more security/usherpeople than fans (yeah, yeah, I know that's it's break and competition from Bruins-Habs)

[mandro ramtinez]

BC leading Clemson by 2 with 1:30 left. Progress may be slow and inconsistent but this is at least a little bit encouraging.

[scottyno]

ugly last minute or so trying to close out the game, but clemson was even worse

[Dave Stapleton]

Are you guys serious?!?!? This was a team folks were claiming wouldn't win a single ACC game. If you are a fan of BC and havent paid attention you've missed out. This team has shown improvement game over game.

Who knows how many games they win but it was great to see these kids get a win after the effort they've been putting in all season.

[mandro ramtinez]

At least the predictions of a winless ACC season have been proven unfounded.

[mandro ramtinez]

Are you guys serious?!?!? This was a team folks were claiming wouldn't win a single ACC game. If you are a fan of BC and havent paid attention you've missed out. This team has shown improvement game over game.

Who knows how many games they win but it was great to see these kids get a win after the effort they've been putting in all season.

I completely agree. Clifford and Jackson both made big plays. The team looked callow in the last minute but this win will be a building block.