ACC Countdown Preview

#9. Boston College

Games against 2009 NCAA Tournament teams: 10

Best non-conference game: Dec. 2 at Michigan

Projected Starting Five:

C - Josh Southern (Junior)

F - Joe Trapani (Junior)

F - Rakim Sanders (Junior)

G - Corey Raji (Junior)

G - Biko Paris (Junior)

Boston College seems almost like the odd man out of the ACC. They are nowhere near any of the other schools geographically, and have a hard time drawing packed houses for ACC games. That being said, you have to hand it to Al Skinner for his success there. Ever since Troy Bell, the Eagles have had a stream of solid players that have pushed this team to the NCAA Tournament.

Like Miami, Boston College loses the heart and soul of their team from last year, a great scoring guard. Tyrese Rice was a solid player for four years and had seemingly unlimited range. Looking at the team for this year, they have the potential to get back to the Big Dance, but I think without Rice it will be tough. I do really like Joe Trapani, a transfer from Vermont who really played well last year. I think he will be the number one scoring option. Rakim Sanders is also very solid, and can put up a 20 point game.

Besides them, I just don't see a lot. Josh Southern is usually good for about 15 minutes and 4 fouls. Raji and Paris are decent players but nothing special. I don't think they have the ability to beat UNC and Duke like they did last year. What it will come down to is if they can win the games against the mid-level teams. I think they'll win some of them at home but not enough to do better than the NIT.