In order for the Boston College men's basketball team to overcome their predicted eighth-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference, some players will have to step up and be difference-makers. They don't have to be superstars who score 30 points per game, just players who can take care of the intangibles that win basketball games.
Boston College found those players.
One of them starts for the Eagles, and the other comes off the bench. But both have that thing we call "it."
Tyrelle Blair and Corey Raji: the X-factors for this year's men's basketball team.
Blair has looked more and more impressive as this short season has progressed. After the loss of Sean Williams, no one was quite sure who would take his spot.
The role seemed to fall to John Oates, but Blair showed up and gave us glimpses of brilliance at times last season.
This year, he has been nothing short of a savior. His presence on the defensive side of the ball is the difference in this basketball team. Without Blair on the court, the Eagles cannot dominate in the way they should.
"He's been a defensive factor," said head coach Al Skinner. "And they continue to challenge him. If they are going to challenge him, he's going to continue to contest shots." Blair finished the game with seven blocks - a truly mind-boggling number.
Saint Louis and many other teams have found the clogged-up middle of the lane an unwelcome sight this season.
Not to pick on John Oates, but he does not bring the intimidation factor that Blair does. Blair's presence changes the way the game is played and makes people think twice before driving to the hoop.
Off the bench comes our sixth man, Corey Raji. Raji has grown in each of the season's first seven games, coming into Tuesday's contest following a 24-point, seven-rebound effort in the loss to Providence. Tuesday night was no different, as Raji led the Eagles with 13 points and seven rebounds in only 23 minutes of play and four-of-five shooting.
2008 Woodie Awards
