Jackson signs new deal with Detroit

Congrats to Reggie Jackson on his reported $80 million deal with the Detroit Pistons. After he turned down a smaller extension with the Thunder, many questioned if he would ever get as good a deal elsewhere. Turning down the deal also led to the trade to Detroit and many wondering if Jackson was worth the money or the fuss. Fortunately for Reggie (and his fans), he played well in Detroit and is now part of the Pistons' plans going forward.

VCU thumps Hoops and other links

Basketball employed a 2-3 zone for much of the first half against VCU and it worked. However, in the second half things fell apart. VCU kept breaking down our sets before we could get into the 2-3 and the rebounding was terrible. There is so much wrong right now, I don't know where to start. We've all sat throw disappointing BC teams and seasons, but I can't recall one BC team -- in any sport -- that regressed so much from one season to the next.

Addazio picked up another decommit. NJ Lineman Austin Stevens flipped from Kansas to BC.

The Hockey team crushed Penn State.

With Westbrook going down for a few weeks, Reggie Jackson's productivity and scoring should go up.

Last scrimmage update and other links

Addazio sort of curtailed his scrimmage a bit and turned it more into a partial scrimmage and partial practice. The Heights and Globe both had write ups. The big concern is Bordner's continued absence, leaving Walsh and Marscovetra to battle for the back-up role. There is also no clear No. 2 at running back. Addazio was vague when explaining Moore's injuries, but he will miss the year.

Big things are expected of Reggie Jackson this season in OKC.

The ACC soccer coaches picked BC to finish 8th overall in the conference.

Mack Lowrie is adjusting to FBS football.

I mentioned this on the blog, but it is worth noting that Bruce Pearl's NCAA suspension is up a year from now. If Donahue struggles, Bates will have to at least explore Pearl as an option.

Tessitore feature and other links

SI.com posted a long feature on BC guy Joe Tessitore. Definitely worth the read. Joe is one of ESPN's rising stars and in my opinion the best college play-by-play guy they have. Of course now that BC has Friday night games in our future, Tess has moved on to ESPN's prime Saturday slots.

The players elected Jim Noel, Kaleb Ramsey, Emmett Cleary and Chris Pantale as team captains. Congrats to all of them.

The ACC is playing checkers with TV deals while the other major conferences play chess. This is pretty damning for any remaining Swofford defenders.

Ron Brace is ready for a big year. So is Luke Kuechly. Meanwhile Alex Albright might play both ways this fall. Mark Herzlich will get his shot at starting too.

CBS outlays pretty realistic best and worst case scenarios. I'll post mine closer to the opener.

Reggie Jackson has a chance to break into the Thunder's regular rotation.

Will Reggie Jackson see any playing time during the NBA Finals?

Reggie is close to the Championship, yet so far.

Reggie Jackson is four wins away from becoming an NBA Champion. Oklahoma City will be heavy favorites against whichever team wins the East and they will also have home-court advantage. The former BC star will have a front-row seat for most of the action. His problem? He's not likely to get on the court. 

Jackson had a decent start to his first professional season. A short stint in the DLeague did not hurt his confidence or the Thunder's faith in him. They recalled him, played him again and kept him on the active playoff roster. Once the postseason started though, Reggie has not come off the bench. That's only natural as the games are tighter and the rotations get shortened. But still...of the 15 players on the Thunder roster, only two -- including Reggie -- have not logged a single minute of playing time in the postseason.

Obviously Reggie has value to the team and his teammates. He's part of the preparation and his contributions helped OKC get to where they are. With the games now at their highest importance, I don't expect Reggie to come off the bench and catch the world by storm like a Jeremy Lin. I do hope that one or two of the Finals games are blowouts and Reggie can get some official minutes. 

It must be frustrating for someone like him. He knows he can play. He just can't get minutes on the NBA's best, young team. I think he'll persevere. Either another team will come sniffing or OKC will allow him to grow. Whatever his future, I hope he dose appreciate where he is. There are hundreds of BC basketball alumni who would kill to be part of an NBA Champion...even if they didn't play.

Another women's basketball blowout and other links

The good news: BC stayed within four points of Maryland in the second half. The bad news: they were already down 38 points at the half. I can't speak to the issues surrounding the program with any sort of expertise. But these scores are shocking and embarrassing.

Reggie Jackson is showing steady improvement in Oklahoma City.

Philly.com will follow Luke Kuechly's preparation for the NFL Draft.

Mark Herzlich is ready to go but the Giants haven't decided if he will be active yet.

A little info on new turf, Jesuits on sports and other links

I was curious about the timing of the change in Alumni's new turf, so I reached out to BC. The plan is to switch out after Spring Ball and graduation. It will be ready well before practice begins in August.

Tim Tebow's dad's church hasn't always said the nicest things about the Catholic Church, but I thought this Jesuit's thoughts on Tebow's praying was interesting and fair.

Here is one of the first take's on Kuechly as a draft pick.

Eric Hoffses talked to other writers who have covered Doug Martin in the past. The best recurring theme is that he adapts to his talent.

CBS thinks we still have work to do with our football recruiting. Top verbal commitment Akeel Lynch continues to talk to other schools. Cameron Shorey -- a New Hampshire DE -- is hoping for a BC offer.

Reggie Jackson is impressing folks in Oklahoma City.

Hoops thoughts: Jones to BU and Reggie to OKC

I thought our focus would be on Reggie's future. Instead the bigger news happened down Comm Ave...

When the BU job opened, I said they should hire someone with BC ties. My hope was that they would give an opportunity to someone like Pat Duquette or give a second chance to someone like Al Skinner. Instead they hired Donahue's top assistant Joe Jones. While I am happy for Jores, this is a setback for BC. Jones has been our lead recruiter and was critical for us landing much of our 2011 talent. He was also experienced at this level and someome Donahue trusted. It will be very hard to find an Ace recruiter who understands Donahue and "gets" what it means to recruit at BC on short notice. As for how Jones will do at BU...I am not sure. His run as Head Coach at Columbia wasn't inspiring, but BU will allow him to cast a wider net on the recruiting trail and he inherits a program on the rise. Good luck to him.

Reggie Jackson to Oklahoma City was also a surprise. With all the speculation of preDraft side deals, OKC rarely came up as a landing spot. In retrospect it makes sense. The Thunder are one of those teams that puts a premium on statistical metrics and Reggie was a very efficient coilege player. The selection has some pluses and minuses. The good news is that Reggie was selected and will get a guaranteed contract. This justifies coming out early. It is also good news that he joins one of the rising powers in the NBA and is surrounded with young talent. The downside is OKC already has a lot of minutes and money tied into guards and wing players. Where will Reggie fit in? My guess is they view him as a combo who can give them solid minutes at the 1 or the 2. Can Reggie thrive like that? I don't know. I would have preferred he landed at a veteran team like Boston or Miami that need his fresh legs and instant offense. Now he will have to work hard to prove he can compliment Westbrook and not just be a Westbrook clone. But in the end Reggie made the right call and I wish him nothing but the best.

Hockey players earn academic honors and other links

Even though many of our top players leave before graduation, the hockey teams have very good academic track records. To reinforce the point: 17 men and womens hockey players made the Hockey East All Academic Team teams. Congrats to both teams and their academic advisors.

This is a great article on Northwestern's coach Pat Fitzgerald. I hope BC benefits from some of Fitzgerald's questionable in game tactics.

Yet another post on Reggie Jackson's preDraft maneuvering. My only nitpick is the writer's opinion that the Celtics are not a good fit for Reggie.

Appreciating Matt Ryan and other links

When talking heads discuss Matt Ryan the usual theme is that he's good but not in the elite. Finally someone has crunched the numbers to show just how good Ryan really is. All he needs now a deep playoff run to change the perception about his style of play and his upside.

HD's posted a series of rankings articles. I ignored the coach version, but cannot let the QB one slide. I know Rettig still has a lot to prove but do how can he be ranked behind so many guys who have barely played?

Jason Sylva is excited about his BC offer.

Here is more speculation on Reggie Jackson having a wink-wink deal with an NBA team. I hope Reggie is getting good advice. If he doesn't get drafted, skipping the workouts will look like a huge mistake.

Finally, I just found out today that former BC linebacker and backup QB Kevin Kiley is now WWE superstar Alex Riley.

Jackson looking like late 1st rounder

With the season over and the NBA Draft approaching, things are starting to come into focus for Reggie Jackson. Early speculation about him going undrafted or concern about his injury seem overblown. Here's what others are saying.

SI.com restates what we've all heard: the Celtics will take Reggie if he is available. Danny Ainge attended many BC games over the last three years. He probably has a better feel for Reggie than any other NBA GM. I believe the speculation. Plus Reggie could fit in with the C's as a backup for Rondo and Allen. The only question is whether Reggie could fit in defensively with Boston.

In Slamonline's Mock Draft, their Rockets GM selected Reggie at 23. That actually maes sense. Houston's big on metrics and versatility and Reggie would be an efficient scorer who can play multiple positions.

This roundup of the Heat's needs mentions Jackson as an option. Despite their success, I actually think Miami would be a bad fit for Jackson. He'd battle for minutes and they already are wing heavy and without a clear offensive philosophy.

Time for the media to pick apart Reggie and other links

Although Reggie Jackson decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft, opinion is still mixed. This ESPN report weighs Jackson's lack of resume compared to other players in the draft and recent NBA success stories. Charlotte has two first round selections and their beat reporter calls Jackson "intriguing".

The women's lacrosse team was knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The baseball team beat Le Moyne 4-0 on Sunday.

Interest in BC target Brandon Arcidiacono is growing. He's added some offers from our usual competition.

BC has not offered a scholarship to Pennsylvania QB Matt Johns. He seems like a decent plan B for the position.

Reggie's gone (officially now)

Although it looked like he might come back to BC, Reggie Jackson decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft.

We won't know if this was a good or bad move until the actual Draft. Word is there are enough teams interested that he should be selected in the first round. Regardless, I think Reggie will be a good pro. He's very versatile offensively and has a great frame for perimeter defense in the NBA. The only things he is missing has been consistent defensive effort and the ability to be a true point guard.

This is obviously a setback for Steve Donahue, but the coach must have known for weeks. The only brightside is that expectations will be very low. If Donahue can keep his new squad competitive it will be a good sign for future seasons.

Castonzo, Swords get one last honor and other links

BC named Anthony Castonzo and Carolyn Swords Eagles of the year. The highly decorated and accomplished pair join past winners like Doug Flutie and Matt Ryan.

While most predictions are doom and gloom, this assessment of BC with and without Reggie Jackson is closer to how I feel. We will be better with Reggie, but will surprise people regardless. Jackson has to make his decision this weekend.

Baseball lost to Wake dropping their record to 16-27.

Reggie to return? Buzz favoring BC

Even though the latest reports list him as a potential late first-round draft pick, things are looking better for Reggie's potential return to BC. The feedback on Reggie has been mixed. Some scouts say that there is a reasonable chance he will not be drafted at all.

I don't know how Reggie is feeling and if he thinks it is worth the risk. I also have no idea if he wants to come back to a very young BC team. He has until May 8 to remove his name.

I will obviously post more news and opinion as I get it. I still think he is one of the more talented 2 guards in the Draft...but then again I am a little biased.

Questions regarding Reggie and other links

When Reggie first declared for the Draft I argued that he was a first rounder and would keep his name in the NBA Draft. Now it is not so clear. While I don't know if Reggie is hedging, but NBA folks are split on Reggie to the point where he might not be a first rounder. NBADraftNet.com doesn't even have him among their second rounders in their Mock Draft. Draft Express has him as a late first rounder and only has him as the 34th best prospect. I obviously want Reggie to come back for selfish reasons, but if he is now considered a borderline prospect, wouldn't another year at BC help?

BC blog Around The Res held a Q&A with Gene that touched on a variety of BC fan hot buttons.

The Arizona politicians who were part of the Fiesta Bowl trip to Boston are apologizing for their mistakes.

BC unveiled a new look for BCeagles.com, their Facebook page and an iPhone app. Hopefully they don't forget a revamp of the mobile version of bceagles.com.

Castonzo might fall into the Patriots' lap and serve as a good replacement for Matt Light.

Reggie Jackson has one foot out the door

As expected, Reggie Jackson declared for the NBA Draft (kudos to the Heights for their good interview). As long as he doesn't hire an agent, the rules give Reggie a window to return to BC prior to the actual Draft. This is a thin Draft so I expect Reggie to keep his name in the Draft and go within the Top 20 picks.

I wish he would return but don't begrudge him at all. His stock is still relatively high and I think his game and his build translate well to the NBA.

If he stays in the Draft, it is certainly a setback for Donahue Year 2, but I don't think it is as severe as some are stating. Even with all the new pieces, I don't expect our offense to fall of a cliff. Defense will be a different issue. My very early prediction is that BC will near .500 and win 5 to 7 ACC games.

ACC Honors and other links

As expected, the ACC named Reggie Jackson first team All-ACC. Trapani made the third team. Congrats to both.

I overlooked an important accomplishment over the weekend -- the BC women won the Hockey East! Congrats and now go get the big trophy.

HD has a pretty good take on our 2011 schedule. Obviously the ACC schedule is primary but I think how we perform in the non-conference will really impact perception among the fans and Spaz's progress. We only have on non-conference cupcake this year.

Montel Harris's injury put a damper on the end of his 2010 season. I wonder if it will mute some deserved publicity heading into 2011. Southern Pigskin thinks he is unappreciated.

Pre-snap read is following Emmett Cleary this spring. I actually think Cleary played well for Lapham at RT and wouldn't mind seeing him stay on the right side. Give one of the young guys a chance at LT.

Steve Donahue and Joe Lunardi go way back...not that it matters come Sunday.

I hope Charlie Davies new found maturity speeds his comeback with D.C. United.

Future Eagle Ryan Anderson is developing nicely.

Message sent in BC loss

BC may be one of the better ACC teams and may have an efficient offense, but we are not ready to knock Duke off. In the post game news and comments, you'll hear and read a lot about Reggie Jackson's benching. But that is not the reason BC lost. Reggie still played 32 minutes. We lost to Duke by making the same mistakes we always seem to make against the Blue Devils. Here are my thoughts. Leave yours in the comments section.

Likes
-- Dallas Elmore's contributions. Bill Simmons often likes to talk about what guys bring to the table and what they take off. Tonight was Dallas's night to bring something without taking anything off. He did many things well and made the most of his 32 minutes. I really liked his ability to cut to the basket. Next year he will need to contribute like this in each game. This was a good sign he still has upside.
-- Corey Raji's backdoors cuts. Like Elmore, Corey used the most of his additional minutes. He also showed that he can finally convert close to the basket.

Dislikes
-- The Reggie Jackson drama. It's Donahue's program, so he can decide who plays when. But by doing this against Duke, you draw even more attention to the incident and make winning that much harder. I hope the team responds because right now it looks like a hollow power move.
-- Defense off of turnovers. It is one thing to turn the ball over against Duke. They gamble on D so it is expected. I do have a problem when our guys couldn't get back on the turnovers. We need to be a bit more heady in our defense. I would also like to see Donahue emphasizing transition D when facing a team that likes to run like Duke.n
-- Guys forcing shots and passes close in the paint. Some of Duke's six blocks were gifts. Too often guys forced shots close. Also puzzling were a few unnecessary extra passes in the paint. It was just one of those nights...
-- "the last two minutes of the first half at Cameron". At this point it is a cliche. Which only makes watching the Dukies pull away right before half that much more frustrating. Can't we just stall or something? We know it is coming.

While I would have liked things to be more competitive, this wasn't a bubble burster. But the next few games will determine the season. Let's rally and let's hope Reggie has some big games ahead.

Kreider off to good start at World Juniors and other links

While most of the hockey team is off for the break, Chris Kreider, Brian Dumoulin, and Patrick Wey are part of Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship. In the US's opening game Kreider assisted on one of the US's goals in a 2-1 win over Finland. The tournament continues into January while BC's season restarts the 30th against Colgate.

Call it bitterness. Call it motivation. Call it redemption, but Dominique Davis is using his BC experience to succeed at East Carolina. I actually am rooting for the kid and glad he got his act together.

Great article on Reggie Jackson in the Globe. We sort of knew his story prior to the year but as the team grows and surprises I expect we will learn more and more about our star guard.