Basketball Primer: Transfer Joe Trapani

Al Skinner is coming off his worst year since the Troy Bell turnaround. He has a solid nucleus of young returning players, some new faces and a star in Tyrese Rice. Can it all come together and get BC back in the postseason? We will soon find out. In the meantime, let's take a closer look at one of the new pieces: Joe Trapani.


Joe Trapani; F, 6'8, 218lbs

What you need to know
Trapani was actually around last year. Unfortunately he had to sit out a season after transferring from Vermont. The buzz is good on his ability and he should be a contributor (if not a starter) right away. Given his size and shooting touch he'll be more of a wing player. But he can play closer to the basket and rebounds at a similar rate (8.07 per 40 minutes) to the departed Spears (9.10 per 40 minutes) and Blair (8.48 per 40 minutes).

Strengths
He can shoot from outside, yet is also capable of picking up garbage points in the flex. Although it was Vermont, he proved that he can compete at this level.

Issues
Not a great foul shooter considering how well he strokes it from outside. We'll ask him to guard big men, which could be a problem considering his frame.

Miscellaneous
He scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as a freshmen guard when Vermont upset BC in Conte in 2006.

Outlook
Trapani is another reason for optimism this season. Unlike other newcomers, he has played in the offense and with these guys for a year. With him in the rotation, we become much more skilled offensively. Defense remains an issue (but it always is with Al). If he can help get us back to our productivity levels of old on offense, then we can certainly improve our ACC win total.