Pass the Van Nest koolaid and other links

The Globe's feature on 5th year basketball transfer Andrew Van Nest has me fired up. Aside from being a good story, what if this kid can actually play? I know he didn't see the court much at Harvard, but do you trust Tommy Amaker when it comes to managing a roster? The best part of the Van Nest situation is that there is no risk to BC. If he doesn't pan out, he is gone within a year. But who knows, maybe he can give us 10 minutes a game. We need another big body and 6'11 with shooting touch translates into most leagues.

Earlier in the week, the ACC locked in a deal with the Orange Bowl. There is still plenty of conjecture about what it means but there are some strong points in the deal. First the ACC will be able to sell the media rights. That gives us the chance to earn similar dollars to the Big Four conferences. Second, the Orange Bowl will be a New Year's Day game. That's huge as it should help travel and ticket sales. Finally Notre Dame will have an affiliation to the game. One more tie to the Irish is a good thing from a TV standpoint.

Connecticut WR Dave Coggins supposedly verbaled to BC the other day. Rivals says it is not a sure thing yet. BC offered a scholarship to Ohio Dlineman Truman Gutapfel. BC is hoping to get two Florida targets as a packaged deal.

Another Cincinnati-area BC target Evan Jansen committed to Indiana. BC also lost out to California offensive lineman Alex Redmond. Florida LB Nick Internicola seemed like a solid BC target, but he committed to Rutgers earlier this week.

Matt Humphrey is adjusting to his third college team.

Parker Milner has impressed the Bruins at their developmental camp.

Hoops transfer and other links

Former Harvard forward Andrew Van Nest transferred to BC Friday. A fifth-year senior and Harvard grad, Van Nest is eligible to play next season. The question is how much will he actually play. Van Nest was highly regarded (for a Harvard recruit) out of high school, but saw his freshman season and subsequent career derailed by injury. Because he is only around for one season, this is a low risk flyer for Donahue. If Van Nest stays healthy, he gives us some additional depth on the front line. If not, he doesn't tie up a scholarship beyond 2013.

New Jersey guard Kelly Hughes committed to BC.

In this article from earlier in the week, Andre Williams explains how the offense less complex this year. It sounds like Martin will be using various formations -- instead of plays -- to keep the other team off balance.

This isn't BC specific, but Rivals published an interesting survey of elite recruits. Position coaches are far more important to the process than most realize. It also was refreshing to see so many recruits say academics  were important. Of course they rarely follow through with that come signing day.