Spring injuries and other links

It is tough getting through Spring Practice without some problems. Addazio didn't get lucky this year. Two promising players went down this week. Elijah Johnson suffered a knee injury. BC isn't talking specifics but social media is saying it is a ACL. We will see how long he is out. The other loss is linebacker Max Richardson. He broke his foot. That recovery shouldn't be as long.

If Jared Dudley really does plan on coaching after the NBA, this season is another example of his instincts and ability to develop young players.

Former Eagle Ryan Quigley signed with the Vikings.

Basketball announces more schedule info and other links

Basketball announced they will take part in the Birthday of Basketball Doubleheader. BC plays Fairfield in the opener followed by Auburn-Oklahoma.

BC is making a big push at North Carolina RB Larry Rountree.

Jared Dudley seems ready to come back to Boston as a Celtic.

TBT: Ten Years ago BC lost to 'Nova in tourney

Exactly 10 years ago today, BC lost to Villanova in the NCAA Tournament. Although a decade removed, it feels longer. That was probably the last time I thought BC could actually win the Tournament.

Even if they had made the stop in OT, hindsight also tells us that would have been the end of the road. Craig Smith was hurt and Florida proved to be a great team.

There were certainly good moments after with Skinner and even Donahue, but that team had the rare combination of talent, depth, great assistants and a coach at his peak. Plus they were likable. Maybe not to non-BC fans, but they were scrappy, funny and smart.

BC will get back to that level again. I just hope we don't have to wait ten more years.

Hanifin signs and other links

The Hurricanes signed Noah Hanifin to a three-year contract with the standard AHL-NHL payouts. Good luck to him.

This Washington Post story on Jared Dudley starts with a BC anecdote. He only has a one-year deal in DC, but it seems like a good fit.

The BU alums won the Comm Ave Classic 7-5. The event raised over $55,000.

Dudley traded and other links

Good news for BC fans in D.C.: Jared Dudley is coming to town. Dudley has done many events for BC alumni over the years and I am sure things will be similar in Washington. Plus he will serve as a nice replacement for Paul Pierce.

Another BC guy excited about a trade is Jimmy Hayes. The Massachusetts native is coming home to play for the Bruins.

Anthony Castonzo is now giving cooking tips.

BC pitcher John Nicklas didn't get drafted this June. That has him motivated for a big Senior year. His teammate Justin Dunn is playing in Cape Cod this summer.

Tweets of the Week

UConn goes from sanctions due to terrible APR to one of the best in the country. That doesn't seem suspicious at all https://t.co/QtW9SwLvG8

— A.J. Black (@BCHysteria) May 28, 2015

Great run by @BC_Saililng today - 2nd place at the National Champ. #WeAreBC http://t.co/xjAIb8I0Yo

— BC Athletics (@BCSportsNews) May 29, 2015

Ok Kobe fans listen to the interview. I said Kobe one of the greats! I'm laughing about his shot attempts . Most people not taking less $

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) May 27, 2015

Jared Dudley is trending. What about Craig Smith?

— Greg Gagliardi (@greggagliardi) May 27, 2015

I Applaud Jared Dudley for telling it how he sees it. Athletes are usually safe. He has valid points. People can hate all they want. @ESPN

— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) May 27, 2015

The SEC used to revel in the power of national titles. Now it just whines when it doesn't get its way. http://t.co/Bch8HG34mQ via @usatoday

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 27, 2015

Tweets of the Week

The QB and his receiver!!! Show me love!!!!! #milwaukeegrinders #whataplay #werenotdoneyet https://t.co/STtkbq7o5J

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 26, 2015

Thanks to our staff & faculty members for everything you've done! pic.twitter.com/qEFv9pjmRZ

— BC Softball (@BC_Softball) April 29, 2015

Anyone that can't appreciate what Al Skinner accomplished during his career at URI and BC is either ignorant or vindictive. Great hire!

— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) April 26, 2015

Congrats to my boy @ReseRice4! 2014 #Euroleague Final Four MVP, 2015 #Eurocup Finals & 14-15 Season MVP @Euroleague pic.twitter.com/1QBJf8SJ3a

— Will Blackmon (@willblackmon) April 29, 2015

3rd @Cycle4Survival is underway! @BC_Softball @BCFencing @BC_Sailing & @BCFootballNews riding for @BCforFabuLisa! pic.twitter.com/gOQKzSIWVv

— BC Athletics (@BCSportsNews) April 29, 2015

Dudley does it all

We are in the middle of a Jared Dudley renaissance. The Clippers gave him away in the offseason and I worried his meaningful NBA career might be over. Thankfully I was wrong. Dudley has proved critical to a surprising Milwaukee team and now playing better, is getting media attention again. If you're a Dudley fan, this podcast with ESPN's Zach Lowe is definitely worth a listen. In it he talks about role with the Bucks, his health, life on the road and his future. He's serious about being a college coach and you can tell from his comments that he's already thinking about recruiting and scouting. I know he's going to be successful when he does make the transition. Let's hope it is at BC.

Hughes to Oklahoma and other links

Former BC baseball coach Pete Hughes -- who recently survived a heart attack -- is leaving Virginia Tech to coach Oklahoma. From a baseball perspective, this is a major step up. It is also a huge salary boost. When Hughes left BC, it was because he wanted to go to a program with a commitment to baseball. He turned those resources into a Virginia Tech NCAA tournament appearance. I don't think many of us realized what Hughes would accomplish after he left BC. Best of luck to him and I hope that if BC makes a commitment to baseball, we will finally end our current tailspin.

Jared Dudley was part of a huge, three-team trade in the NBA. He's now a Los Angeles Clipper. I am sorry for the BC Club of Phoenix, since Dudley was a nice presence locally and was fairly active. But for Jared this is great news. He joins a team that wants him and returns to Southern California. The Clippers should be one of the better teams in the West and Jared will get to be a critical contributor again. Los Angeles is not a bad place to build your growing media career too.

BCEagles.com posted a Q&A with former star Victoria DiMartino.

Skinner and Donahue are separate issues

Jared Dudley's defense of Al Skinner in the Herald resparked the argument of where our basketball program is, where it should be and where it might have been had Al stayed. While we will know more about the state of the basketball program a week from now, dragging Donahue's progress in with Skinner's situation is not fair to Donahue.

I love Al Skinner. He's a fantastic coach who earned a better ending at BC. I am on record stating that any program that doesn't hire him is foolish. Dudley is right that "BC hasn't been the same since he left." But saying it now was probably not the best timing.

Steve Donahue is trying to build something. It's been fits and starts but we might just be turning the corner. I want Donahue to succeed and hope that he will, but Donahue's mission is why BC hasn't been the same since Skinner left. He is not trying to emulate Al or carry on Al's vision for the program. He made sure of that when he churned the roster quickly and changed the style of play.

We don't know where the program would be under Al now. And it doesn't matter since the guy who fired Skinner is no longer making decisions for BC. Steve Donahue has another week and then another season to show he has the program headed in the right direction. He should be given that time. We gave it to Al and it paid off in a big way.

Catching up with Jared Dudley and other links

SI.com featured Jared Dudley. He continues to do the little things the Suns ask. I also find it interesting that despite his growing media profile, Dudley still sees his future as a college basketball coach.

After spurning BC, Akeel Lynch officially committed to Penn State.

BC used the open scholarship to offer Massachusetts Tight End prospect Jameson Mcshea. BC also locked in a verbal commitment from Ohio DB Bryce Jones.

Dudley connects with Donahue and other links

I always thought Jared Dudley had the highest basketball IQ I had seen in a college player. Now I think it is pretty clear that he is a smart beyond basketball and understands relationships, marketing and giving back. While in Boston this week for his own camp, he also stopped in to see BC's new players -- even though he had no relationship with them or the coaching staff. Then he made the effort to get to know Steve Donahue (not his coach) and then used his twitter account to blow up Donahue's account.

The Sporting News and Orlando Sentinel both released BC previews. You would hope that with its resources and reputation the Sporting News would be better, but I actually think the Sentinel's version was superior.

We've known about German signee Patrick Heckmann but now it is official.

Florida DB Justin Simmons joined Spaz's recruiting class. At this rate Spaz will have the class closed out in August. Here is more on his future teammate Michael Strizak.

Mark Herzlich signed a deal with Saucony. I found it interesting that one of the bigger name companies didn't work out a deal. Even if they think Mark is a longshot, there is very little downside in him endorsing your product. Good luck to both Saucony and Mark.

Here is a story on incoming BC player Spencer Rositano.

BC's growing army of talking heads

With Jared Dudley headed back to ESPN's First Take I thought is was time to look around at the growing wave of BC guys on sports TV and radio.

Malcolm Huckaby. I was pessimistic about Malcolm taking over for Bill Ebben. Fortunately for BC fans, Malcolm has been a nice addition to the radio team. He's got a great voice and he can desibe the plays well. He's also able to work in more neuvo basketball lingo related to stats and pace. He and Meter have good chemistry too. I also think Huckaby is the right sort of age for the job. He's played in the modern big tourney, AAU era but also is a bit older so he has an informed perspective on players and coaching.

Tim Hasselbeck. Tim's been on TV for a while, but seems to get more and more exposure each year. He's actually become quiet good. Tim gives good insight and is not afraid to criticize. I've also heard him on ESPN Radio throughout the winter and he's even good there. At this point I think the sky is the limit for Tim. I could see him grow to become ESPN's key guy on various NFL shows.

Mike Mayock. Mayock doesn't have Kiper's brand yet, but he is also becoming closely associated with the NFL Draft. Some joke about his speech impediment, but I must not be hearing it. I like Mayock and appreciate his candidness on prospects. This fall he'll also be part of the NFL Network's play by play team on Thursdays. (And he's also on NBC's Notre Dame broadcasts.)

BC beats Bryant and other links

As expected BC handled Bryant. Not much to take away. If you want to nitpick you could criticize the early defense that allowed Bryant to keep it close early. Most of the guys shot well. Biko Paris and Josh Southern kept up their high level of play. Reggie was Reggie. Our next two games will be better tests for the ACC season.

Here is a Q&A with Jared Dudley. He mentions coaching at BC, but refers to the job as a stepping stone. Et tu, Jared?

Now that Pitt has a new coach, BC is trying to talk one of their commits Terrell Chestnut into coming to Boston.

Ohio lineman Joe Thuney is still waiting on a BC offer.

Future BC QB Christian Suntrup is playing basketball for his high school. That sort of athleticism is usually a good sign of a recruits athleticism.

Behind the scenes with Herzy and other links

Here is a behind the scenes shot of Herzy's ESPN Magazine photo shoot. I was a little surprised that the Dark Knight inspired the eye black. I know he was only about 10-years-old at the time, but didn't anyone tell Mark about Chris Hovan using the eye black while dominating at BC?

The USA Today also featured Mark and included quotes from McGovern.

When I read this piece on Jared Dudley's basketball camp, it became pretty obvious to me that Jared not only has his head on straight but has a long-term plan for himself and his career.

A few BC names popped up on HD's best position's piece.

Providence basketball announced our game is scheduled for December 8.

This is a roundup of Donahue's latest recruiting efforts.

Busy Day

House keeping first, I apologize for not having more updates during such a big day, but real life comes first. Also, please follow me on Twitter, where I can send out short little bursts or retweet good things others have written. Thanks to all of you who have sent me emails. I read them all and just haven't had time to write back (I will soon).

One of the reasons BC did not have a press conference this afternoon was because Donahue wanted to got back to Cornell. He felt it was important to speak to his team before he spoke with the Boston media. Classy move on his part.

Everyone back in Ithaca has good things to say about Donahue and is sad to see him leave.

Former Ivy League coaches also think Donahue will transition well to Boston.

Cornell assistant Nat Graham will be joining Donahue at BC.

Cam Atkinson is looking forward to Detroit.

This is older, but the Bill Simmons-Jared Dudley podcast is worth a listen.

A night with Jared Dudley

While most BC fans were watching hockey and freezing on the east coast, our Arizona Alumni held their night with Jared Dudley. Thanks to Jared for being so supportive of BC and congrats to the club for pulling together a great event. (Jared is the tall guy in the back.)

Comm Ave Rivalry gets WSJ treatment and other links

York and Parker share the spotlight in this WSJ piece on BC and BU hockey. It is a shame that BC fans (including this one) don't always appreciate what we have in hockey.

Josh Southern is excited about playing in Michigan against former high school foes.

The key tonight is BC's defense of Michigan's perimeter shooting.

Seeing Evan Smotrycz at Michigan leads the Globe to ask if BC ignores local talent. In the article Duquette explains BC's philosophy.

For those who missed it, Kuechly picked up another award. This time as the ACC Defensive rookie of the year.

Jared Dudley's post NBA career plans include college coaching. That puts him inline to take over after Al's replacement retires.

The BC women will take on Iowa tonight as part of their version of the ACC/Big Ten challenge. The game will be on the Big Ten Network.

Alumni basketball news and other links

Tyrese Rice signed with Panionios (a Greek club). It's probably not where he wanted to be, but it is a chance to make money and work his way into the NBA. If Rice needs a role model, he should look no further than Jared Dudley. Dudley has fought for every minute and is now a key piece of the Suns' plans. You can follow Dudley on Twitter.

Dickie V has BC just on the outside of the Top 25.

The football team raised $28,000 in the Lift for Life event Thursday. Congrats to them for working hard and putting on a good show. Also thanks to those who gave. Although the event has passed, you can still donate.

Outsiders weigh in on BC and other links

Dr. Saturday has done a good job following the BC chaos this season. When it comes to the QB situation, he follow his hunches and predicts that Tuggle will emerge. The Doc is also covering the ACC all week and discussed the growing consensus that Florida State will win the division.

I think our DLine will be better than HD predicts. I also think our offensive line should be the best in the conference.

For some of us, our knowledge of BC history begins with the time we arrive on campus. This piece offers a good glimpse and discussion into BC basketball history. I don't debate the John Austin call, but I don't think the writer gave the '80s guards their due.

More on Chase Rettig.

Minnesota trade Craig Smith to the Clippers.

Jared Dudley was back in Boston for a basketball camp.