The college basketball season is upon us, and the countdown to March Madness has begun. There are some familiar teams at the top of the rankings, while others look to make a surprising run. Undoubtedly, there will be upsets this year as there are every year. We may just witness some of those surprises here in Chestnut Hill.
We all know how much Boston College lost from last year's team - both Jared Dudley and Sean Williams have taken their talents to the NBA, while Sean Marshall is playing professional ball in Europe. Essentially, the Eagles are starting from scratch. Tyrese Rice, junior guard, has emerged as the on-court leader with the departure of Dudley and Marshall. Last year, BC fans witnessed Rice come into his own as a floor general; this year we expect even more. A second-team all-ACC performer last year, Rice has been selected to the preseason first-team this year and could contend for Player of the Year honors.
While most of us know what to expect from Tyrese Rice, it is the rest of the team that has us asking questions. Tyrelle Blair has taken over starting center duties this year, already shining on the defensive side of the ball, totaling 11 blocks in just three games thus far.
Shamari Spears and Tyler Roche both were part-time starters for the team last year as freshmen.
This year, they look to cement themselves in the starting lineup. Roche looks to be more comfortable in the offense this year; BC will depend on his outside shooting especially against the zone, which the Eagles have already seen quite a bit in the young season. Spears appears to be a changed man thus far. Rumors of his rigorous offseason training seem to have been true, as he has provided the energy and ferocity that the team has needed thus far. In BC's most recent game against Mercer, Spears recorded a double-double, 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Additonally, four freshmen will undoubtedly be serious contributors to the team. Rakim Sanders finds himself in the starting role and looks comfortable there. He is a natural scorer who can both get to the basket and stroke the three. Biko Paris will be one of the first off the bench along with fellow freshman Corey Raji. Paris reminds many fans of Tyrese Rice, often using his great quickness and superb ball handling to get to the basket and make things happen. Raji is the definition of a defensive stopper. His combination of height (he is 6-foot-5) and quickness allows him to stick with anyone on the floor.
2008 Woodie Awards
