Eagles' Lame Play Continues | The Observer at Boston College

BC’s less than impressive play continued Sunday evening as they lost another easy game at home. This time the ferocious Rhode Island Rams came in and ran all over Al Skinner’s soft Eagles. The Eagles were outplayed in the 69-80 loss from the get-go and dropped another costly non-conference match up.

The team’s intensity matched the fans attendance and enthusiasm. There were an overwhelming twelve students in the section opposite the band. Meanwhile I think most of Kingston, Rhode Island caravanned up to witness another trouncing of the Eagles.

The Eagles first possession of the game was ominous to the disaster that would follow. Following the Rams’ first basket of the game, the Eagles were unable to break URI’s full court press. BC displayed horrific ball handling throughout the contest, if one could even call it that. Joe Trapani consistently struggled to inbound the ball. He would often loft a soft pass to a tightly covered man who sauntered to get open. The receiver rarely stepped to the ball with authority.

The turnovers put the Eagles in an immediate hole. Their apathetic play wasn’t just on the offensive side of the ball, unfortunately. Their effort on defense was less than valiant. There were several occasions that URI sprinted 94 feet while the Eagles were caught admiring one of their handful of baskets. When they did get back on defense, they struggled to switch off of screens which led to a parting of the paint. Even if the Eagles were in position, URI’s superior athletes did not seem to mind their presence. The men proudly representing the Ocean State connected on 9 of 15 three-point attempts. It is safe to say that Al Skinner doesn’t exactly coach defense to the same excellence of Larry Brown. BC’s perimeter and interior defenses were lacking.

It might be time to say that the Eagles are officially in a crisis in terms of big men. While they have three fairly large human beings, none of them are able to produce in the game. To save time, space and anger, let’s just say that I’d recommend the Eagles go with a small lineup and maybe eliminate the center position. While that could put them in a hole, especially defensively, the men they are plugging in there are just flat out not getting the job done.

A smaller lineup would probably help protect the ball better as well. A lineup of Biko Paris, Reggie Jackson, Rakim Sanders, Corey Raji and Joe Trapani would certainly help beat the press. They aren’t gaining much by inserting Southern, Ravanel or Dunn into the game. Al must recognize that it is time to mix it up. It can’t get much worse than the current state. The losses to Harvard and URI are not only infuriating, but might even prevent the Eagles from playing late in March if they do turn it around.

Before the Eagles can even begin to think about beating mighty Bryant University, they must take a long, hard look into the mirror. While they have a week to regroup, I am pessimistic in thinking that they can do it. While the players themselves must start to give a rat’s ass, Coach Skinner might have to do something too. While I can’t see Al using any of Herb’s Brooks tactics, it’s about time he startles the Eagles’ comfort zone. I suggest he tighten up ship because it could sink very soon otherwise.

The team lacks leadership and enthusiasm for the game, which isn’t rare for an Al Skinner team. While the team has had moderate success in his tenure, it’s reaching a new point of impassionate basketball. While people often moan and whine about the monotony of the flex offense, it’s hard to prolong those complaints as it is usually somewhat effective and fitting for the athletes that Al attracts.

While I doubt Gene will look for someone to replace Al, I think Al should start to squirm a little bit. Perhaps a spontaneous team meeting, excessive conditioning or an inspirational speech will do the job, but I don’t think this pony is picking up any new tricks any time soon. Al is very rigid.

If Al’s Wednesday afternoon games in the Plex are too demanding for him to change his routine, the players will have to pick up their own slack. What an absurd thought, players solving their own problems. Perhaps the leader will be Rakim Sanders. The junior returned Sunday and recorded 15 points, even though he was far from 100%. The swing man was limping a bit but toughed it out. His beef is still there which he could use to his advantage this year. Combined with a sweet stroke and impressive athleticism he may be just the man to get this thing going. He won’t be able to do it single handedly though. The Eagles must have an epiphany and begin to hustle if they want to start beating up on some A-10 schools, let alone ACC teams.

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