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.
The educational function of this trip appears to have been a dinner presentation on Friday night titled "BCS Football: An Economic Engine for Arizona" featuring guest speaker, Gene Defilippo, the Boston College Director of Athletics. According to Martin, Defilippo's presentation "was not so much educational." Martin explained, "We had a dinner like we always do and Gene Defilippo spoke at the dinner. That was our training, but it was more like a welcome speech" Keogh further stated: "the Boston College Director came and talked to the group...you know, to fill the 'business purpose' obligation part."
Now let me be clear: Gene has not done anything illegal. How much he knew about this boondoggle cannot be proven. But we all know that there was no way that the Fiesta Bowl was ever going to select BC for their bowl. So Gene's sole purpose for this was to give a fluffy speech, make a toast and give the fat cats an excuse to write off their $65,000 trip to Boston. He just helped grease the engine that is the college football bowl system. If they're happy, Gene's happy. And that has been Gene's MO. He's an insider and a glad hander. That skill has benefited BC at times, like the move to the ACC. My frustration lies in that he is enabling all this bowl nonsense and it doesn't really serve BC's goals or purposes. We get the short end of the stick regarding bowls. We are the type of school that would benefit from a playoff. A playoff will never happen though as long as the Presidents and ADs are in bed with the Bowls.
Unfortunately, my theory as to why BC fans behave comes back to football culture and fans passion, and is less about integrity. We know money is not the issue. There are plenty of BC grads with big wallets and big egos. If the going rate to get a Cam Newton to campus was $180,000, there are plenty of BC grads who could have doubled that. But to even be in on those conversations, you have to really be into BC football and have a lot of excess cash. We just don't have many of those guys. Just look at Donor Based seating -- not enough demand to fill all the spots. Our luxury boxes rotate pretty regularly due to faining interest. The Yawkey Center was driven in part by money freed by the Red Sox sale, not by someone attaching his name and ego to BC sports.
But we also have a culture around BC sports that doesn't really cater to the big donors' needs. Sure the bigger checks get Gene's attention and some nice perks, but it doesn't get you a say in anything (see Greg Barbour's frustration with the coaching transition from TOB to Jags). At other schools, the donors call the shots and run the fundraising. Since we are a private school, the fundraising and athletic budgets can be housed under one roof.
I would also be very surprised to ever hear of BC boosters slipping high school kids cash. Once again, there is just not that much interest. Rival's BC site has less than 1,000 paid subscribers. So there are only a limited number of BC fans/boosters who even know who BC is recruiting. When you have ten times that amount from a SEC fanbase, you increase the odds of a rogue fan showing up at a high school and handing out hard cash.
I also think it is a cultural issue. Our fanbase is still primarily from the northeast and reared on pro sports. So the mentality of supporting the team is more about watching and cheering and not getting actively involved in recruitment. Sox fans may pay top dollar for their seats, but they're not going to go up to David Ortiz and slip him a hundred. In fact they are more likely to call him out for the money he is making.
I love college sports, but I also turn a blind eye to the hypocrisy around it 90% of the time. I like BC's image and culture but would also like our moment in the sun. I know Auburn fans who say the Cam Newton situation was worth it for the championship. I don't think many BC fans would say the same. Whether it is because we hold ourselves to a higher standard or just don't care enough, I will never know.
Jimmy Hayes is foregoing his senior year to sign with Chicago.
After dominating the indoor track season, BC's Caroline King earned performer of the week honors for her 1500 time.
On the recruiting front, New Jersey line prospect Ray Korang plans to visit BC. Tight End prospect Colin Thompson likes BC, Florida and Wisconsin.
In this interview with the Globe, Skinnner states that he wants to coach again. He also says it is important for him to coach in a major conference. Given the tone of the piece and the lack of gossip surrounding Skinner, I don't think many are calling. But why? Al's age is probably a factor. Hiring a fired coach is always tougher than hiring a rising coach. But I think Al's biggest challenge remains perception. Why would a school hire an unassuming, laid back coach when there are dozens of so many young coaches who have the potential upside and wear their emotions on their sleeves?
I am not here to rehash the Skinner firing at BC. I disagreed with Gene's move but like Donahue. I also agree with those who felt Skinner and BC basketball had become stale. But regardless of how it ended you cannot question Skinner's success. Al has an incredible eye for coaching and player talent. He had a deadly efficient offense. He's a much better game manager than people realize. I am confident that Al could go to any BCS program and have them in the tourney within four years. But I don't think it is going to happen. I think if Al wants one last run, it will have to be at a smaller school.
I loved the Al Skinner era at BC. A big part of that was the identity his teams had and his ability to win differently. I also think many of the complaints regarding Skinner are mistated and uniformed. Al Skinner is a great coach. He deserves another chance and any school that rolls the dice with a young unproven coach is missing on a sure thing.
Thomas Claiborne knows he has a lot to prove to the NFL. Once a sure-fire draft pick, his uneven 2010 season has him looking like a free agent.
Bill McGovern told NFL scouts they didn't have to worry about BJ Raji's off the field issues.
Although they lost the finale, the baseball team took two out of three from Virginia Tech over the weekend.
Also, I am not ignoring this Skinner article. I just want to get my thoughts together before I rehash what so many have talked about already.
While there is a lot of disappointment, this year's team still won the Beanpot and the Hockey East. Not much solace, but I am trying to look on the bright side. Also thanks to John Muse. I tweeted that he should be pulled (and he didn't have a great night) but the guy still helped BC win two National Championships. That shouldn't be overlooked.
Now it is the offseason for most BC sports. I will have my thoughts on the Skinner article this weekend and promise to get to some of my overdue football and hoops stuff.
Here is a feature on Herzy. What's interesting is that Mark's friend and role model Tedy Bruschi still thinks Mark is yet to get to 100%.
Ohio WR prospect Cameron Wilson liked his visit to BC and hit it off with Spaz.
As usual other players from other New England schools were invited. Unfortunately due to the lockout, recent BC guys were not allowed to work out. That was a tough blow for some of the young guys trying to catch on with an NFL team as a free agent.
The knock on Castonzo still seems to be his ability to handle speed rushers. Most scouts project Herzy as a third rounder and have concerns about his speed.
The NFLPA is asking top draft picks not to attend the NFL Draft. This may effect Castanzo. Anthony doesn't seem like a boat rocker, so I predict he will not show up at Radio City.
Holy Cross beat the baseball team. Baseball's record now stands at 8-10.
Even thought BC was in early on Graham Shuler, it still seems like BC is a long shot to land the OL prospect.
BC's baseball series with Virginia Tech will be played in Rhode Island. The baseball only field can't get here fast enough.
Interesting article from Heisman Pundit. He lists Kuechly as one of the best players who will not be a Heisman candidate. While unfair, the logic is sound. A junior defensive player from a middle of the pack ACC team is not winning college football's beauty pageant.
After all the speculation, Providence hired Ed Cooley. It is a good fit all around.
The seniors are getting read for Pro Day. Although the Panthers's writers are covering Castonzo, I think there is 0% he goes No. 1 overall. If Carolina likes him, they can trade down.
BC is one of many schools interested in Florida DB Jordan Diggs.
As expected, Tennessee fired Bruce Pearl. Andy Katz explained how the smaller secondary violations really broke the camel's back. As I have said, BC shouldn't ever touch him as a coach, but I expect him to land at one of our rivals. If it is not Providence or NC State this year, it could be another ACC or Big East school in 2012.
Castonzo and Herzlich's bond continues to grow as they prepare for the NFL. This projection has AC going to the Bears. Would the Bears move on Castonzo (another BC product) after giving up on Beekman? Herzlich is considered a 3rd rounder.
The women's team will take on UVA in the next round of the WNIT.
One of our Donahue's walkons targets just got a few more scholarship offers.
Well two out of three ain't bad. I'll have a lot more about basketball's pathetic conclusion to their season and the women's NIT win later. For now, we celebrate yet another Hockey East Tournament title. BC locked up their 10th title with a 5-3 win over Merrimack.
The game was a back and forth affair for the first two periods. BC pulled away late. The conference named Cam Atkinson's the Hockey East Championship's Bill Flynn Most Valuable Player award for his two goals.
BC has probably locked up a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The official seed and where they will play will be announced Sunday morning on the Selection Show.
You can also follow my thoughts on Twitter.
The women are in Erie for their Frozen Four game against Wisconsin. If they win, they will face our friends from the other end of Comm Ave.
BC target Caleb Stacey just picked up an offer from USF. Another Cincy prospect Joe Bolden got an offer from Michigan. BC has an offer to Missouri LB Michael Scherer, but he really seems to want to go to Stanford.
More Ed Cooley to Providence talk continues.
Why is this important for students? Because, as I've mentioned before, the real world is right around the corner. Wasting your day watching two NIT games and the Hockey East Finals is something that can't be replicated. You will get free tickets. You will get to see BC play a decent Big 10 team! You will be able to say "I was there."
BC's 2011 NIT got off to a rocky start. After beating McNeese State the team endured a hellish series of flights in an effort to get home. They deserve a great home game. Be there to support them.
The BC women's basketball team is always overlooked. I understand. This Saturday is a chance to change that. After the BC men play their game, the women will take over the court. If you simply stay in your seat from earlier in the day, you can give the women the biggest home crowd of the season.
The other day on Twitter, I suggested playing the NIT game in Power Gym. My suggestion was not intended to mock the NIT. It was actually the opposite. I wanted the team to play in Power simply for the novelty. Power is not going to happen but you can do your part to make this unique. Get there early and make noise.
I know the hockey game is not on campus, but it is still accessible. Go to the Garden. This will be your chance to watch the best team on campus do their thing.
The NIT stinks. I know we would all rather be in the Big Dance. But the only redeeming aspect of the NIT are the on campus games. Take advantage of this.
I want the athletes to feel your support, but ultimately it isn't about them. It is about making memories...three of them. Go!!!
Please note: I know Hockey needs to win Friday to advance to Saturday night's game.
BC enters the season with a new offensive coordinator and three new starters on the Oline, so the excuse making is starting already. But we fans shouldn't accept this narrative just yet. Look at the talking points and then the reality.
1. BC lost three starters on the offensive line. Although it is technically true, the impact and importance of those starters is subjective. Castonzo started all 13 games and is a loss. Claiborne was in and out of the lineup last year and only started eight games. Lapham was inconsistent prior to his injury and the line play actually improved once Cleary stepped in for him. Lapham only started 8 games. Now the good news:
-- Cleary started 10 games
-- Richman started 10 games
-- Spinney started 11 games
-- White started 3 games
-- Davis earned 1 start
Plus BC has some promising depth on the roster. But look at that list of 2010 starters again. Spaz could open the season with an offensive line with an experienced starter at every position. That's a nice problem to have, especially since the media won't notice.
2. The offensive line has dealt with numerous coaching changes. The four oline coaches in four years was a nice tidbit excuse the media could trot out when covering BC the last few years. Now we've had a bit of stability. The current OL guys on the roster have only had two position coaches: Jack Bicknell Jr and Sean Devine. Most only know Devine. While they are learning another system, conceptually it is still "pro style" and shouldn't be a huge adjustment.
3. They were recruited for a different system. The zone blocking body type is overrated. Most good players on the Oline can do both. And if the oline and its coach are not capable of teaching and adapting then Spaz has a big problem on his staff.
I actually think the Oline will be good next year. If we get the right guys in the right positions things should be much much better.
Likes
-- Reggie Jackson's 3s. As I said, the game was never in doubt, but that was in part because Reggie killed any of their momentum with some killer 3s. He was especially good with the shotclock running down.
-- Raji and Southern on the low block. Raji got most of his points on putbacks and cuts, while Southern did his work with his back to the basket. It gave the offense some nice diversity. It also should be a blueprint anytime we go against a team that doesn't have strong interior defenders.
-- Road Warriors. This team could have mailed it in. But on short notice they traveled to a relatively remote area and strange gym and took care of business. The mental toughness is a little late for the games that matter but maybe it is a sign of what Donahue will establish next year.
Dislikes
-- Turnovers. Reggie got sloppy at times. So did Biko. Way too much dribbling into traffic and some careless passes that did not need to be made.
-- Trapani's touch. He missed some close ones and bricked a dunk. Nitpicky but needed to be said.
BC will play the winner of Northwestern and UW-Milwaukee this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that the game will be played at Conte.
The women had the big news. They beat Minnesota 4-1 to advance to the Frozen Four. They take on Wisconsin on Friday in Erie, PA. If you are in eastern Ohio or western PA, you might want to head over to the game.
Jerry York's crew swept UMass as expected and earned the right to face Northeastern in the Hockey East semis. Friday's game is a double-header at the Garden.
One of the silver linings of the NIT is it is a chance for Biko Paris to play in his home state.
Former BC assistant and current Fairfield coach Ed Cooley is a leading candidate for the Providence opening. It would be a great fit and I wish Cooley luck.
Kenpom gives us a 75% chance at victory on Tuesday.
While we whined, the team had the right perspective -- the team "got what they deserved." It looks like Donahue will use this as motivation for this postseason and for the years ahead.
The consolation, BC did earn the No. 1 seed in the NIT. If we advance will face the winner of Northwestern and UM-Milwaukee. Of course because this is BC and it is never that simple, BC will be on the road at McNeese State for the opener of the NIT. I am still waiting on official word as to why BC is traveling, but I imagine the excuse will be related to conflicts at Conte.
I never want to take anyone lightly, but McNeese State hasn't accomplished much. They lost to Washington and Miami in their only real tests. Their strength of schedule is terrible. They are not a good defensive team and they don't have much size. If we come to play, this shouldn't be close.
Our game will be on ESPNU Tuesday night. While it is not where I want to be, a BC game on TV is better than no BC game on TV.
The NIT is such an afterthought these days, but I hope we take this seriously. If BC wants to make a statement, if Donahue wants to show that he can put multiple good games together and if the seniors want to go out with their heads high, then they will go win the NIT. Ever to excel and get to the Garden!
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