2011-2012 Boston University Terriers Basketball Preview

Boston University Terriers - America East

2010-11: 21-14, 12-4

2010-11 postseason: NCAA

Coach: Joe Jones (First year at Boston University, 86-108 overall)

Replacing the scoring left behind by John Holland will be new Boston U coach Joe Jones’ biggest issue this season. But there are some perimeter scorers back who are capable of picking up the slack. Darryl Partin, a 6-6 guard, averaged 14.3 points per game last year and is a great all-around scorer. He has a decent outside shot, but he will do most of his scoring damage by attacking the basket. If Partin spends too much time at the small forward spot, which is possible while the newcomers adjust to life in Division I basketball, he will need to get tougher on the glass. Another returning scorer is Matt Griffin. While Griffin is pretty much a catch and shoot guy, he did knock down an incredible 45.8 percent of his attempts from long range. He may be better off as a shooter off the bench, but he is an experienced player who has the potential to add more of a scoring dynamic to his game and make the starting five.

Who’s Out:

Holland averaged 19.2 points per game during his senior campaign and took home all sorts of America East accolades. He was a prolific shooter from long range and used his 6-5 frame to score inside as well. Holland also added 5.8 rebounds per game and 1.4 steals per contest. Replacing those numbers will have to be a group effort. Fortunately, the Terriers have the personnel to replace those numbers.

Who’s In:

The Terriers do have some newcomers who can help fill in on the wings. Zach Chionuma is a big 6-5 wing who can do a lot of scoring and a little bit of everything else. Chionuma can score from anywhere on the floor and he is decent passer and has the size to help out on the glass. Redshirt freshman Malik Thomas is a lanky 6-7 wing who should be a good fit at the small forward position. His year on the sidelines should have him ready to contribute if Coach Jones needs him. The frontcourt adds incoming freshman James Kennedy and redshirt freshman Matt Piotrowski. Piotrowski, a 7-1, 265 pound Port Republic, New Jersey native, is an intriguing prospect. He may not be ready to play major minutes, but he can make an impact on the game by just being on the floor.

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Who to Watch:

The frontcourt has a slew of options. Jake O’Brien missed 20 games last season, but he is a dynamic scorer who the Terriers missed last season. O’Brien, a 6-8 senior, is a fine scorer both inside and out and does a fine job on the glass. His interior scoring presence will open up shooting lanes for his teammates and his outside shooting opens up driving lanes. With O’Brien hanging out on the perimeter, Patrick Hazel will do the work in the paint. Hazel is only 6-6, but he is a tough rebounder and a menace on the defensive end. Dom Morris, Travis Robinson and Jeff Pelage also have some starting experience. Morris had a fine freshman campaign, averaging 5.7 points and 4.6 rebounds. A year in the system should boost those numbers, but with O’Brien back, he will likely have to come in off of the bench. No matter who plays where, this is a very deep and talented frontcourt that most teams in the conference will struggle to stop.

Final Projection:

D.J. Irving is the guy who will make the offense go. As a freshman he was thrown into the fire and did an admirable job. He dished out 3.6 assists per game and did a relatively good job of keeping himself and his teammates under control. With a little more consistency on his jump shot and a year of experience under his belt, Irving could emerge as a great scoring point guard this season. And with all of the weapons at his disposal, Irving should help lead the Terriers back to the postseason.

Projected Postseason Tournament: CBI/CIT

Projected Starting Five:

D.J. Irving, Sophomore, Guard, 8.0 points per game
Matt Griffin, Senior, Guard, 6.4 points per game
Darryl Partin, Senior, Guard, 14.3 points per game
Jake O’Brien, Senior, Forward, 10.9 points per game
Patrick Hazel, Senior, Forward, 4.6 points per game

By Joel Welser courtesy of www.CollegeSportsMadness.com
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Basketball Writer

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