2012-13 Boston College Basketball Preview: Introduction

Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Today, the floor in the center of Conte Forum is full of ice, as the #1 Boston College Eagles hockey team will host the UMass-Lowell River Hawks. Two weeks from today, however, that floor will be all hardwood. The return of BC men’s basketball is just 14 days away.

Prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, there were no delusions about what that year would be: a rebuilding season. That is precisely what happened, as the Eagles clunked their way along to a 9-22 (4-12) record. Head coach Steve Donahue, now entering his third year at Boston College, had to rebuild the roster from the ground up as many of his seniors graduated, Reggie Jackson left for the NBA, recruits changed course, and all would be replaced with some very green freshmen.

In fact, approximately two-thirds of the BC roster last season was freshmen, and at times, it showed. Despite opening the year with a win against New Hampshire, the Eagles suffered some embarrassing losses to schools like Holy Cross, UMass, and Boston University, while again getting dumped by the Harvard Crimson. The team got marginally better as the year went on, with the signature win coming at home in February against the #15 Florida State Seminoles. Though little else went the Eagles’ way, that victory showed the fans that perhaps, in future seasons, they could get the job done.

Now, those freshmen are sophomores, and some did themselves a lot of good by seeking out the weight room during the offseason. What’s more is that there are two good, well-regarded freshmen named Olivier Hanlan and Joe Rahon coming to lend their support. Make no mistake: the bar for this team will be higher this year.

How much higher? That question, along with many others, will be answered this week.

This is still a young basketball team, but it is one that now must show improvement if they are to eventually reach their goals, and if Donahue is to remain in the good graces of all parties involved.

Monday: Roster Turnover
Tuesday: 10 Most Interesting Games
Wednesday: Full Schedule Analysis
Thursday: Season Expectations
Friday: Season Prediction