2013/14 BC Basketball -- Coach D on the hot seat

Dave Stapleton

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Given that yesterday was ACC Media Day, I figured now was a good time to kick off the discussion of the upcoming season.  BC was picked right in the middle of the pack (8th) which seems fair, although I think I may have had them a spot or two higher (over MD for example).  Given the team's finish last year, the fact that the entire starting five returns (including ACC FOY Olivier Hanlan) and the additions of Drago and Magarity, I think it's fair to expect this team to make the tournament assuming no major injuries.  I say this even with Clifford being a question mark.  He had surgery on both knees and is expected back by December 1.  If he can contribute that would be a huge benefit given the length he adds on both ends but I make this prediction without relying on Clifford's presence.
 
In past years I have started this thread with a list of question marks.  Not this year.  This team is now full of experience and talent.  Olivier is a legit talent and I expect even bigger things from him.  Odio is up to 209 lbs and has added some muscle.  Drago is in great shape and looks to be a real player.  Brey's comments about him at yesterday's media day (we didn't want to lose him and now we have to face him twice) are encouraging.  Anderson is solid and with better shooting on the perimeter his game should open up more.
 
The schedule is a beast.  ESPN and other outlets have already noted BC's schedule as one of the toughest in the country.  While it's not loaded with worldbeaters, it is filled with some tough teams and many neutral/road games.  Depending upon how the 2K Classic progresses, the schedule could upgrade more.
 
It should be a fun year.  Anything less than being on the bubble will be an immense disappointment in my opinion.
 
November
 
Friday, Nov. 8 at Providence Friars, TBA
Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. UMass Minutemen @ TD Garden, TBA
Thursday, Nov. 14 vs. Toledo Rockets #, TBA
Sunday, Nov. 17 vs. Florida Atlantic Owls #, ESPNU, TBA
Thursday, Nov. 21 vs. Connecticut Huskies # @ Madison Square Garden, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 22 vs. Indiana Hoosiers / Washington Huskies # @ Madison Square Garden, ESPNU / ESPN2, 5/7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26 vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers, TBA
 
December
 
Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Purdue Boilermakers $, ESPN2, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8 at USC Trojans, TBA
Thursday, Dec. 12 vs. Maryland Terrapins, ESPNU, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Philadelphia U. Rams, TBA
Sunday, Dec. 22 at Auburn Tigers, TBA
Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Va. Commonwealth Rams % @ Barclays Center, TBA
 
January
 
Wednesday, Jan. 1 at Harvard Crimson, TBA
Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Clemson Tigers, RSN/ESPN3, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11 at Virginia Tech Hokies, RSN/ESPN3, Noon
Monday, Jan. 13 vs. Syracuse Orange, ESPNU, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18 at North Carolina Tar Heels, ESPN/ESPN2, Noon
Tuesday, Jan. 21 vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, ESPNU, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 29 vs. Virginia Tech Hokies, RSN/ESPN3, 7 p.m.
February
Saturday, Feb. 1 at Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ACCN/ESPN3, Noon
Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Virginia Cavaliers, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8 vs. Duke Blue Devils, ESPN, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, RSN/ESPN3, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 16 vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ESPNU, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Syracuse Orange, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22 at Miami Hurricanes, ACCN/ESPN3, Noon
Wednesday, Feb. 26 vs. Pittsburgh Panthers, ACCN/ESPN3, 8 p.m.
 
March
 
Saturday, Mar. 1 at #TheRivalry, RSN/ESPN3 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 4 vs. Florida St. Seminoles, ESPNU, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 9 at N.C. State Wolfpack, ESPNU, 6 p.m.
Mar. 12 - Mar. 16 ACC Tournament, ESPN Networks / ACCN, TBA
 
@ Coaches vs. Cancer Boston Tip-Off
# 2K Sports Classic benefiting Wounder Warrior Project
$ Big Ten/ACC Challenge
% BROOKLYN HOOPS Winter Festival
http://www.bcinterruption.com/boston-college-basketball-season-2013-2014/2013/8/22/4648628/boston-college-basketball-releases-2013-14-schedule-syracuse-notre-dame-duke-pittsburgh
 

mikcou

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Donahue stated in his presser that Clifford had been cleared to practice and that they expect him to be back in games by December, so I wouldnt count him out just yet. He may never be what I hoped he would coming off his freshman year but theyll need him to defend the rim and board since Anderson should play as few minutes as possible at the 5. 
 
Id also be surprised to see Owens jump over Jackson that quickly - hes pretty raw and Jackson can be a solid contributor off the bench. Owens also strikes me as a bit more of a 3 than a 2. Caudill is beyond useless. So Id say for the time ACC games start:
 
C: Clifford (25m)/Magarity (10m)/Anderson (5m)
PF: Anderson (30m)/Odio (10m)
SF: Drago (25m)/Heckmann (10m)/Odio (5m)
SG: Hanlan (30m)/Heckmann(5m)/Owens(5m)
PG: Rahon (35m)/Hanlan (5m)
 
This really shows how much the loss of incoming freshman Hicks hurts. They have very minimal depth beyond Rahon and Hanlan at the 1/2. I dont think either Heckmann or Owens works well there, but theyre going to have to play. 
 

Captaincoop

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I like the direction they're going, but also want to point out that I love that schedule.  Some big name opponents and several local/Catholic schools to fill it out - a lot better than the bizarre schedules Al and Gene put together.
 

Dave Stapleton

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Here are Brey's comments about Drago.  Donahue has also commented that when he came into BC he was really not in great shape for the pace of BC's offense.  It looks like BC is getting exactly what Brey wanted for him.  A year off to get himself in better position to contribute.
 
 
Brey revealed he tried to persuade Alex Dragicevich, who transferred to BC and will be eligible to play after sitting out last season, to stay at Notre Dame. "I never thought I'd lose him to another conference team at the time,'' Brey said. "I tried to talk him into redshirting because I thought he really needed a year [to season].

"Really, the way it's unfolded, that year has really helped him, but I didn't want to lose him.''

Dragicevich, a 6-foot-8-inch junior forward from Glenbrook, Ill., averaged 6.6 points and 20.9 minutes and made 10 starts as a Notre Dame sophomore in 2011-12. "Pat Connaughton really came on the scene and his minutes kind of changed,'' Brey said of Dragicevich. "But he's really happy and he's going to be a heck of a player and now we repeat him. They're our repeat opponent. You never thought you were going to release him to someone we're going to play twice.''

The Eagles travel to South Bend, Ind., to face the Irish Feb. 1 then return home to host Notre Dame at Conte Forum Feb. 16.

"I know in our business sometimes people are denied releases, but I don't agree with that,'' Brey said. "He's happy now at Boston College and I'm happy for him.''
 

Dave Stapleton

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I would suspect that we are going to see substitution patterns based upon match-up.  Jackson really turned into a consistent jump shooter last year and he should get lots of open looks.  If Owens can finish at the hoop he will get some points on back doors, etc.  Jackson really struggled finishing at the hoop.  He played decent team defense at times but had trouble man on man.  I think in the right spots Jackson can be very effective.
 

Dave Stapleton

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Season starts tonight. I am going to the game with the family and I am pumped for the start of the season. Dunn is out for PC and BC won't have Jackson tonight.

I am really interested to see how Anderson and Odio look after spending a lot of time on conditioning. Also can't wait to see what Drago brings to the team.
 

Bogaerts

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Hanlan has been maybe the worst player on the court tonight, basically blowing away what should have been a relatively easy victory for Boston C. However there is time and Anderson is keeping them in it.
 
The 1:00 to play and 22 seconds left on the shot clock 3 pointer attempt/jump/travel seemed to encapsulate Hanlan's night in a nutshell.
 
Until that filthy drive and-1 to tie it up.
 
Edit>>> That will leave a mark come bubble time.
 

Captaincoop

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Not a good start for BC hoops.  Hanlan was invisible, PC had no trouble bottling him up, all his points seemed to come off FT's, courtesy of the new handchecking rule.
 
Got absolutely demolished on the glass (36-20). 
 

BigMike

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I was out taped the game,  but honestly tried to watch it, and just found the game unwatchable, and basically fast forwarded through the recording.  
 
I get what the NCAA is going for, and maybe players will adapt and the game will be better,   but right now it is just a joke.  Every time I stopped and watched there were 2 or 3 quick whistles.   55 PF in 45 minutes is just plain absurd,  especially when the vast majority I saw were little ticky tack calls that really have very little impact on the play. Dribble blows right by the defender, play stopped ticky tack foul. 
 
Anyway bad loss for the Eagles.   BC can't afford another miserable start to the season this year
 

Dave Stapleton

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Fire Donahue!

I just figured I'd get that out of the way.

Ok ... Now let's see how they can battle back and figure out how to rebound the ball. They have put themselves in a tough spot to stay the least.

Sorry ... I'm not ready to cancel the season after two games.
 

berniecarbo1

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I'm not a big hoops fan but am I wrong to say that if BC doesn't make the Field of 68 that maybe a new coach should be considered? 0-2 is no way to start and that disaster of a second half against UMass is not a good thing at all.
 

doldmoose34

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I turned over from red zone and we were up 46-38, clicked back and it's tied 50-50 watched the entire end of the fucking disaster. 1) Kellogg has done a good job at MassAggie they are going to be a tough out and that Chaz Williams can play 2) what the fuck is Donaghue doing Aggies must have got every offensive rebound and easy put backs. We have no size and our 'bigs' are getting pushed around like they're not even there. Keep playing like this and the ghosts on Conte will be out in force and the Don will be gone
 

Dave Stapleton

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berniecarbo1 said:
I'm not a big hoops fan but am I wrong to say that if BC doesn't make the Field of 68 that maybe a new coach should be considered? 0-2 is no way to start and that disaster of a second half against UMass is not a good thing at all.
I think they at least need to be a legit bubble team this year. Donahue's teams seem to be really slow starters and that is going to make things tough this year. Good news is that the schedule will give them lots of opportunities to make up for these losses. Then again, those games will be a lot tougher (VCU, UConn, Harvard).
 

BigMike

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Dave Stapleton said:
I think they at least need to be a legit bubble team this year. Donahue's teams seem to be really slow starters and that is going to make things tough this year. Good news is that the schedule will give them lots of opportunities to make up for these losses. Then again, those games will be a lot tougher (VCU, UConn, Harvard).
 
Third year in a row the team is completely unprepared for the start of the season.    Completely unacceptable. 
 
They have an easy stretch coming up here, some home games,  and then a couple of road games again big name programs who suck.   They should go at least 5-1 during the next 6 game stretch
 

Dave Stapleton

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Mike ... The PC game was coin flip but I get your point.

This is not an easy stretch. Toledo is a team they should beat but is the #1 or #2 team in the MAC.

I love that Donahue scheduled a tough schedule. I hate that we didn't give the team a few games to get into the flow.
 

scottyno

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So yea BC sucks again huh? They lost to friggin Toledo tonight 95-92
Whatever "adjustments" they're making at halftime are sucking badly. Outscored by 8 vs providence, 17 vs umass, and 11 today in 2nd half+ot
 

doldmoose34

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Lou, please change the title of this thread, unless we are talking about the MIAA State Tournament, and the way the Don is coaching, we'd go out in the first round to Cohasset
 
So Far Bates has done on with the Dazzler, lets hope he can find a Hoop equal because based on 3 games there is no way Donaghue is here next year
 

Dave Stapleton

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How's that title? 
 
I can't give up on the season yet and not only because I have my season tix, shea room pass and have already much invested in this team.  
 
I am not happy.  The last 5 minutes of last night's game was ugly.  I am just hoping they somehow get to 4-4 leading into the Maryland game.   One of the most depressing things about last night was that the students actually showed up.  Not sure they'll come back.
 
I think the BC basketball program is very different than football.  The football program has many strengths which can be packaged the right way (which it seems Addazio has done).  I don't think BC can afford another rebuild.  If Donahue isn't the right guy, BC is in real trouble for many many years in my estimation.  I just don't think a coach can sell the BC program to recruits (particularly local recruits) without showing results on the floor. That's why I think this season is so crucial.  He's brought in some very nice under-recruited players, including Owens it seems but needs to show results on the floor to turn the corner.  I am still rooting for Donahue for this reason. 
 
If a new coach walked in the door and started bringing in Top 50 players I would be very nervous.  And please no talk about Bruce Pearl.  It's not happening.
 

berniecarbo1

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Dave Stapleton said:
 
 
If a new coach walked in the door and started bringing in Top 50 players I would be very nervous.  And please no talk about Bruce Pearl.  It's not happening.
 
 
Not to worry...he wouldn't be contacted and even if he was...he wouldn't take this job. He is looking for a program like Tennessee that had a long football history but whose hoops program was never quite there. If he comes back look at the Big XII at schools like Texas or Oklahoma,  The Pac 12 at places like Oregon or ASU, or back in the SEC at places like Texas A&M or Alabama.  In the ACC, maybe an FSU or a Clemson.  But if he does come back to coaching, I think he will be in the pros. But let's not turn this into a coaching search thread just yet. However, this looks real bad so far.
 

BigMike

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Well it took a half court buzzer beater in the first half,  27 points in the second half from Hanlan,  and FAU blowing a chance to tie at the end.    BUT its a win
 

DukeSox

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Teams playing as members of the [ACC] have earned 201 NCAA invitations, from one each by South Carolina in 1971 and Virginia Tech in 2007 to 42 by North Carolina through 2013. Of those 201 squads, exactly zero made the NCAA field with an opening record to match the 0-3 start incurred by BC in losses to Providence, UMass, and Toledo.
 
Let's say that again: 201 ACC teams in the NCAAs. None started 0-3.
 
Of those 201 NCAA teams from the ACC, a mere eight got out of the blocks as poorly as 1-2.
 
 

DukeSox

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Here's to hoping BC ends that trend...
 

BigMike

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Another could have would have should have BC game.  Game was winnable, but they didn't.    Coach inexplicable benches Heck, because as he said.  he wanted to try other guys. 
 
Donahue digs a deep hole for his team again this season. 
 
I would love to know what this team does in practice.  Everyone stops by and says how awesome everyone looks,   and then the season starts and they are completely unprepared to play.  I do think the team will improve during the year and maybe even make a run like they did last year by the end,  but that will simply put more focus on the fact they are unprepared to answer the bell when the season starts
 

Captaincoop

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His players at Cornell that earned this opportunity for him ran his offense like they were parts in a Swiss watch.  His current players run the offense like he explained it to them for the first time by drawing it on a cocktail napkin on the bus en route to the game.  That concerns me.
 

berniecarbo1

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1-4, no matter how you slice it is still 1-4. They play 31 regular seaosn games. They are on a pace to finish with about 7 wins. Are they that bad??, No, of course but they are digging a huge hole for themselves and with only FAU as a win, and a close one at that, this team is in real trouble. Looking at the balance of the non league scheduke I only see 2 wins guaranteed on it (Sacred Heart and Philadelphia Textile). If that is the case they could be 3-11 once they open up with Clemson on January 4th. Not good....Shouldn't they be better than this in year 3 of the Steve Donahue Experiment?
 

BigMike

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Finally a matchup against someone who really stinks. 
 
The last play of the half was just about as little effort as it is possible for a team to exert on defense
 

berniecarbo1

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I had to look at my smartphone twice. They were down by 7 at the half and had to go to OT to beat Sacred Heart? At home?? That's like having to go to OT in football and beat, IDK, Sacred Heart!! This is ridiculous. Time for a new coach fellas. This guy isn't it.
 

BoSoxFink

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This team is absolutely fucking horrific on the boards. They have no big men whatsoever and they are getting their asses handed to them because of it
 

BigMike

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BoSoxFink said:
This team is absolutely fucking horrific on the boards. They have no big men whatsoever and they are getting their asses handed to them because of it
 
Well to be fair all that is true,  but they are also being outplayed by the Purdue guards by a huge margin. 
 
Purdue looks like a final Four team against BC.  They seem deep, big, athletic, really skilled all around.   And yet they are solidly  in the second tier among Big 10 teams
 

4 6 3 DP

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The good news is that if Bates uses the same criteria he did to hire Addazio (recruit, recruit, salesman type) things should get better. This is purely an issue with Donahue's coaching staff and inability to recruit. Yes he had some bad luck with Clifford but it is ridiculous this team has had such a screaming need for a big for 2-3 years and gotten nothing. Plus no interest in playing defense whatsoever.
 
Kind of feel bad for the kids. They looked like they quit last night and I suspect they had high expectations. They need Clifford just to redshirt and get a coach in to put a defensive system in place and maybe just maybe grab someone who can rebound late after we can Donahue.
 

Captaincoop

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Time to start scouting out replacements.  If it's like every BC basketball search ever, we can limit our search to current head coaches at smaller conference schools in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic area. 
 
Early/Premature thoughts on good candidates after this season:
 
Tim Cluess, Iona
Steve Masiello, Manhattan
Mark Schmidt, St. Bonaventure
Mike Lonergan, GW
Steve Pikiell, Stony Brook
Ed Cooley, PC (not sure he would leave PC for BC?)
 

Jeff Van GULLY

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Lawrence Frank?
Bruce Pearl?
 
No chance they fire him now? Conference play hasn't even started. 
 
I guess Bates will use that as an excuse to keep him actually.
 

4 6 3 DP

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BigSoxFan said:
Leahy would convert to Islam before he allowed Bruce Pearl to coach at his alma mater.
 
Not sure that's true. There certainly would be a war within the administration/BOT if that's the direction Bates wanted to go in. But damn if he's not the perfect hire - a guy we could not get except for his transgressions looking for redemption. I'd be shocked if he didn't at least get leaked around to see what the media response was. Bates will know there's a contingent who is screaming out for him but ultimately, they'll go safer.
 

Dave Stapleton

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BigSoxFan said:
Believe me, I'd be all aboard the Bruce Pearl train but I refuse to get my hopes up. I don't think for one second that Bates would stick his neck out like this after having a successful football hire.
And he shouldn't. Given BPs history if he hires him and he has another (3rd) issue it's a fireable offense. I have no issue with calculated risk and going out on a limb. This would be negligent.
 

BigMike

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So all that needs to be said about this team tonight.
 
KC Caudill was the best player on the court for BC
 

berniecarbo1

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Just landed in NYC. When I planned this business trip I honestly debated to set the meetings up for Tuesday-Thursday so that I could go to this game at the Galen Center. Couldn't herd all the cats. Glad I missed it. Boy are they bad.
 

scottyno

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Benching Hanlan was smart. Something is going on with the coach and our best player.
Not sure if they had info or were just making an assumption, but the pac 12 network announcers seemed to think Jackson got the start over him as a gesture to Jackson because he's from the LA area.  Not that that makes it a good idea, but it may not have had much to do with Hanlan.
 

DukeSox

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VCU is good. Better than UVA or VTech
 

berniecarbo1

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mandro ramtinez said:
Another terrible blowout, 69-50 to VCU. Such a mess of a season.
Didn't think they would win this game especially in light of the way the season has unfolded. Time to start looking at possible candidates fior this job. Problem is that unless they redevelop the the entire program from mindset to vision (do you employ the Georgetown model and realize the hoops program is a bit different or the one and done model of Kentucky and turn your back in the graduation rates ) then this program is destined to be a second tier ACC program for the foreseeable future. It needs a complete revamp and not just in coaching.