back on tr-ACC

Most Boston College Alumni, Students, and Friends are focused on the alleged coaching vacancy at The Heights. With Tom O'Brien out the door, a huge opportunity exists for the program to make a big hire that is positive for the future of the program. Do not fret- GDF will undoubtedly bring in someone who will bring our beloved program to the next level. While there are many things in life you should question, Gene should be toward the bottom of your list. He has the support of Father Leahy, and the resources to bring the BC program to glory.

What cannot be overshadowed is a very uplifting reality... It is college basketball season, and the season is the most highly anticipated in history.

Boston College tips-off its conference schedule at 6:30 on Sunday night, when the Eagles play host to the Terrapins of Maryland. After a rocky start, with unforeseen losses to Vermont and Providence, the refocused Eagles look prepared to successfully replicate a brilliant inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The highly touted programs down on Tobacco Road have received the majority of the press this season, with North Carolina being an early favorite to take the national championship. A ripe class of McDonald's All-Americans join incumbent Tyler Hansborough (a projected mid-first rounder) to help the Tar Heels bring the hardware back to Chapel Hill. But, the ACC-Big Ten Challenge proved that the conference is full of talent, and the Heels road to victory is far from paved.

The Eagles' early struggles were marked by inconsistency, lethargy, and poor decision making. The group is led by seniors Jared Dudley and Sean Marshall, who have more court experience than the late Johnie Cochran. Each has been a member of the starting five since arriving to Conte in 2003.

Jared and Sean each bring a lot of passion to the game, and their emotion shows through in very unique ways. While Jared has earned his "Junkyard Dog" nickname by tirelessly scrounging for loose balls and hitting the offensive glass, Sean is the self-proclaimed "King of the Court" (see tattoo) who actively seeks ESPN Top Ten opportunities. Routine layups bring the chance for Sean to showcase his dunking ability, and each successful attempt is followed with a few minutes of self-advocacy.

Sean returned to the court this year with more accessories than Claires, and a hairstyle that had Indians trying to rid themselves of their Mohawk heritage. It was not the most elegant of "dews," and the team's early performance was equally repulsive.

"Sloppy" is the perfect adjective to describe the Eagles' early performance. Preseason All-ACC Sean Williams and returning letter-man Akida McLean were kept out of action for disciplinary reasons. Akida rocked his full sweatsuit, which appeared as impressive as the full leather and chains I wore to my Goldman Sachs interview. Akida, I didn't get the job...

With Akida on the bench, Tyrese Rice capitalized on the chance to wear his shorts. Our flashy point guard was handicapped as ran down the floor struggling to keep his clothes on. Honestly, I thought it was a Subway commercial (Tyrese lost 14 inches from his waist in just ten weeks...)

The sloppy appearance seamlessly translated into performance. We dug ourselves into deep holes early on in games, plagued by lack of hustle and lazy passing. Battling back was unrealistic at this point, as teams recognized that sending us to the free throw line was equivalent to forcing a turnover.

Poor game management augmented the problems. Down by 12 with less than two minutes left in the Vermont game, we were whistled for a 35-second violation! Are you kidding! Luckily, are early misfortunes taught the team that last year's success cannot be taken for granted.

After losing to Providence at the forefront of Boston College's worst sports weekend in memory, Co-captain Sean Marshall showcased his leadership skills. He wrote individual letters to his teammates, specifying how they could improve and add value to the team. Additionally, Marshall pulled out the clippers and freed himself of the hideous haircut. The team's indifference left with Sean's mohawk, and the refocused Eagles have looked sharp ever since.

Wins over UNH, UMass, Michigan State, and Fairfield have brought hope to Conte Crazies everywhere. UMass has its strongest team since Marcus Camby brought his antics to the NBA, and perennial powerhouse Michigan State can never be overlooked. Sean Williams is back on the floor, reinvigorating the Eagles with his inhuman athleticism. He has hops that keep Jim Koch up at night.

Maryland travels to Chestnut Hill on Sunday, and this is a great test for the Eagles. We are still searching for an identity, but recent flashes of brilliance are cause for optimism. If the Eagles come to play, the Terrapins will be forced to retreat into their shell.