Basketball Previews: Will John Oates stay within his role?

This will be an important year for BC basketball. Skinner has to mix his most touted recruiting class with one of his thinnest rosters of returning, productive players. I'll take quick glances at the new and old faces as the season approaches.


RETURNING PLAYER

John Oates, C/F, 6'10

John Oates is the most experienced guy on the team. He'll never be someone to win a game, but the guy has his moments. And Al is sure to use all his fouls. He's battling an injury now.

Strengths: Gives Al five fouls. Works hard on defense to overcome slow feet. Decent rebounder. Occasionally gets hot from beyond the arc.

Question: Will he chuck up too many 3s? When will he be healthy this season?

OUTLOOK: Oates is a role player. He's a Senior now...there is no upside. But that is fine. He just needs to give Al 10 to 15 minutes, give his five fouls and get a few points and boards. The problem is when Oates thinks he can do more and he drifts out to take 3s. He's never been that great from outside and this team doesn't need him to do that. We'll already have enough perimeter shooting from Rice, Sanders and Roche. With Dudley gone we need Oates to pick up some of the rebounding slack. If Oates can hustle and bang a little, he'll have a nice end to his career. If he wastes time and shots trying to be the hero from outside, he'll be doing the team a disservice.