King Of The Court

Laughing hysterically at the artwork radiating from Sean Marshall's bicep has long been a favorite past time of mine. However, the "King of the Court" tattoo seemed to have predictive ability, revealing a destiny that was realized tonight. Sean Marshall is finally becoming the player that BC fans all hoped he would be when he joined the team in 2003. After being sidelined with four fouls and forced to watch his teammates struggle, Sean returned to the floor to provide much needed leadership and a last second bucket that may change the course of the Eagles' season.

There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team after Sean Williams and Akida McClain were given the Skinner Salute. The debacle at Clemson spurred criticism from fans and media alike. Despite sitting atop the ACC, the Eagles' season was considered over by many.

Tonight, Boston College got the result it needed. The victory was nice (to be honest, a loss would have been tragic), but the manner in which the team won cannot be overlooked. By overcoming a late deficit and winning on a last second heave by the team's senior captain, the victory inspired supporters everywhere and may have brought the spark that will carry the team over the rough road ahead.

To be successful, the Eagles need confidence. There was a lot of sulking around the floor against Clemson. Players appeared helpless, and the loss could have been recorded before the opening tip. Different story tonight; the big three (Dudley, Marshall, and Rice) each rose to the occasion with over 20 points, Spears contributed inside, and Blair exhibited a newly found confidence (however warranted).

There were a lot of things that I did not like about tonight. BC did not take care of the ball, they discovered the importance of foul management with a short bench (the hard way), and the Eagles allowed far too many points off turnovers. But who cares?!

All that matters is that the Eagles have proven able to compete without Sean Williams! This is a lesson that must be drilled into the players' heads. Confidence is key, and confidence is what will enable this year's team to overachieve in a talent-heavy ACC conference.

Marshall was the hero tonight, and he deserves it. ESPN just flashed the night's Top Ten Plays, a list that Sean has been campaigning for since doing cartwheels in his cradle. The King was rewarded with the number one spot. Now that his life's mission has been fulfilled, I hope that he wakes up tomorrow... we will need him against Duke.