Location: Chesnut Hill, MA
Nickname: Eagles
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last Year’s Record: 22-12
Why they’ll make it: The Eagles only lose one player from last year’s team and have some solid talent returning. Joe Trapani, Rakim Sanders, and Corey Raji will lead the Eagles this season and they’re all capable of that responsibility. Trapani and Sanders both averaged double-figures in scoring last season while Raji was close to that mark. They’re all good rebounders and they fit Coach Al Skinner’s mold. They’re tough, physical, and they won’t back down from a challenge. Playing in the ACC, those are necessary qualities. With those three leading and the rest of the team following, the Eagles should be a difficult team to match up with this season.
Why they won’t make it: While BC loses only one player from last year’s team, it still has a huge hole to fill. Tyrese Rice is one of the greatest players in the history of the program and now he needs to be replaced. He was a constant for four years in Chestnut Hill and he put up some legendary performances. Being that he was the point guard, perhaps the most important position in college basketball, compounds the issue. Not only do the Eagles lose his leadership and production, they must now find someone who can run the team. The Eagles have a lot of talent returning, but they’ll be in big trouble if they can’t find a suitable replacement for Rice.
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