Updates from Jackie Parker

The Boston Hockey Blog has a story with comments from Coach Parker, regarding a number of things. Namely:
-Expect to see Kevin Shattenkirk gone within the next week, with Cohen likely to follow
-2010 recruit Yasin Cisse is now coming to Boston in 2011, due to setbacks from an ankle injury
-If both Shatty and Cohen leave, Parker will probably have to accelerate a 2011 defenseman to be ready for the fall
-Perhaps most surprising is that next years captains will not be selected by the players - due to Parker's problems with leadership and attitude in his team during the 2009-2010 campaign

Patriots' Pre-season schedule announced, draft talk heats up

The Patriots' pre-season schedule was announced today by the NFL and looks as follows.
2010 PATRIOTS PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Aug. 12 -- vs. Saints (time TBA)
Aug. 19 -- at Falcons (8 p.m.)
Aug. 26 -- vs. Rams (time TBA)
Sept. 2-5 -- at N.Y. Giants (time TBA)

The Pats get the defending champ Saints in the first of the four meaningless games that are played to prepare for the regular season. They also play the Rams at home which will be interesting to see how the number one overall draft pick(Sam Bradford or Ndamukong Suh) play for the Rams in the most significant of the pre-season scrimmages.

Also today, the Denver Post released an article explaining how former Patriot defensive end, Jarvis Green, never considered coming back to New England. He talks about his desire to play for former fiery coach Josh McDaniels in Denver. The article quotes Green's explanation of how McDaniels' exuberant reaction to a regular season win over New England sold Green that an 8-8 team is where he wants to be. Green is quoted in the piece saying "I was in New England for all that time, and I was ready to move on, period," which I will rephrase as " Belichick didn't give a shit if I came back or not because players like me are dime a dozen in the NFL and he can just get a younger,better, cheaper version of me in the draft or free agency." Green's resentment may be justified towards Belichick who runs the organization like the business that it is but I will always stand behind the coach over an aging third down lineman.

Also many draft analysts are taking their best guess at who the Pats will take with their first round pick(22nd overall). Popular picks include Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle, Michigan linebacker Brandon Graham, Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick, and Clemson linebacker Ricky Sapp. There are other names being thrown around such as Florida QB Tim Tebow, whose visit with New England has been highly scrutinized. Some experts believe there is a possibility that it is a bluff to throw other teams for a loop and add trade value to the Patriots pick for a team who wants Tebow. Tebow is a projected late- first to second round pick but some believe he will be taken in the first by some team who wants a spark to their organization. Stay tuned for developments as the draft approaches in the next couple weeks. Below is a series of "experts" opinions on Tebow and the Patriots taken from ESPN Boston.

NFL Live produced a segment for ESPNBoston.com (above) asking the question: Is Florida quarterback Tim Tebow a good fit for the Patriots? Here are some thoughts:

-- Mark Schlereth thinks Tebow-to-New England is a “perfect scenario” for a guy like Tebow, who could “learn from one of the best” in Tom Brady.

-- Marcellus Wiley thinks drafting Tebow (“second round at the highest, maybe even third round”) would help the Patriots get more creative on offense in a Wildcat-like scenario.

-- Chris Mortensen put the brakes on the Tebow hype, wondering aloud whether Bill Belichick’s public gushing over Tebow and the quarterback’s trip to New England isn’t just a smokescreen by the Patriots’ coach.

John Holland Isn't Funny

According to junior BU Baller John Holland's Facebook , he "Isn't coming back [to BU] next year". Upon first seeing this, it worried me. But then I realized anybody with half a brain isn't posting something this important on Facebook. Clearly this is John's idea of an April Fools Day joke...except that it isn't April Fools Day. Seriously does he not know how many days are in the month of March?? There's 31 John...come on.

Of course, if it turns out that he really is leaving and seriously posted this on Facebook for everybody to see...then he lacks intelligence. Also, I'd look like an idiot for ridiculing him about not knowing the calendar, but I'll take that chance.

On an unrelated note, Nick Bonino's Anaheim Ducks take on BU-West [read: Colorado Avalanche] tonight, as Nick looks to post goal number 2 in his professional career...

Odds and Ends (and a Corey Lowe Update) - UPDATED: Colborne signed

Former University of Denver sophomore Joe Colborne has officially inked a deal with the Boston Bruins, according to Steve Conroy at the Boston Herald. The 3 year entry level deal is reportedly worth $787,500 annually, with the potential for up to 1.1 million. Colborne will report to Providence tomorrow.

The Daily Free Press has a great article explaining the whole Corey Lowe debacle, from explaining Corey's injury up to his dismissal from the team. According to the article, Corey talked with an agent briefly (not about his pro intentions) shortly after informing Coach Chambers of his decision to sit out the remainder of BU's CBI tournament games due to a persistent groin injury. Chambers reportedly jumped to conclusions, and dismissed Corey from the team...

Click here for post game comments from Nick Bonino, who scored his first career NHL goal last night in a 3-1 Ducks win over Dallas. Bonino is currently filling in for the injured Ryan Getzlaf, and is playing on the second power play unit...

Former Terrier Brandon Yip, who has missed the past 13 Avalanche games with a shoulder injury, skated and practiced like normal with the rest of team at practice today but will not play Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks (and under performer turned goal scorer Nick Bonino). Coach Joe Sacco said Yip will be available to the team shortly, according to the Denver Post ...

2010 recruit Charlie Coyle is currently participating in the USA Hockey Tier III Junior Nationals with his team, the South Shore Kings. They are playing in the championship game today, in Marlborough, MA. Coyle is the tournaments leading scorer, with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) through 4 games...

Also saw current Terrier and Avalanche draft pick Kevin Shattenkirk in the College of Arts and Sciences building here at BU today...if I'm a 21 year old college hockey player about to sign a pro contract, where's the last place you would find me? Oh yeah, class. Maybe this is a good sign?

Tebow Meets with Pats

This is the beginning of previews(mostly on the Pats) I will give leading up to the NFL draft which starts on Thursday April 22nd at 7:30 on ESPN and lasts over a period of three days. My mock draft of the first two rounds will come out in the next week or so.

According to ESPN Boston, former Florida quarterback Tim (I'm a Virgin despite winning two national titles) Tebow spent Monday and Tuesday with Patriots coach Bill Belichick and director of player personnel Nick Caserio. According to the Boston Herald, the three had a romantic dinner in the North End Monday night. My best guess is it was around 6 so they all could in front of a TV for Jack Bauer messing shit up in 24. It probably started even earlier if they got Mike's Pastry cannolis which is a must in the North End. Tebow, has been praised by Belichick for his work ethic and devotion to the game so this visit should come as no surprise. According to ESPN football insider Adam Schefter, Tebow is also scheduled to visit with the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns next week. A trip to Seattle might also be scheduled in the coming weeks leading up to the draft.The former Heisman Trophy winner has already met with former Buffalo Bill great Jim Kelly about his possibility as a Bill. Tebow is expected to go somewhere in the mid to late first round which would be right around the Patriots first round selection ,which is 22nd overall.

Gryba Signs...Prepares to Smash, Popko featured in Free Press

Former Terrier defenseman and assistant captain, Eric Gryba, has officially signed a three year deal with the Ottawa Senators. He has joined their AHL affiliate in Binghamton and expects to play in his first professional game Friday night against Wilkes- Barre/Scranton. Gryba, a third round draft pick of the Sens in 2006, will play his first game against two former Terrier teammates in Brian Strait and John Curry. Gryba will see lots of these two as the Baby Sens and the Baby Pens play each other three times in April. Gryba joins three other signees in the Ottawa organization including UNH forward Bobby Bulter, who signed a three year deal as a free agent. Look for Gryba's first penalty(ies)/fight on the blog Saturday morning.

Also, senior forward Luke Popko is featured in the Daily Free Press today for his work ethic on and off the ice along with his role as the team jokester during the past season.

Bonino Nets First NHL Goal, Colborne Update

On Monday night, current Anaheim Duck and former Terrier center Nick Bonino netted his first career NHL goal in a 3-1 win against Dallas. It came at 8:11 in the second period, and set off the start of a 3 goal period for the Ducks. Bonino was assisted on the goal, a power play goal, by Duck standout and recent 600 goal scorer Teemu Selanne. According to the LA Times , Selanne has been impressed with Bonino's talent: "A first NHL goal is always something," Selanne said. "You know you can see what kind of skills he has. He's so calm". In the same Times article, Bonino was quoted as telling Selanne he wouldn't soon forget this career achievement: "Yeah, he said he still remembers his first NHL goal. I told him I'll probably remember this one as long as I play, as long as I live too." See Bonino's goal here .

Nick's first career professional goal comes only a couple of days after former Terrier Zach Cohen achieved the same feat in an AHL game with the Avalanche Affiliate.

On a Bruins note, there have been multiple conflicting reports about the future of Denver sophomore Joe Colborne. Currently, all signs show that Colborne has not yet signed, but the signing appears to be eminent .

Joe Colborne Signs With The Bruins? Maybe?

According to multiple sources, it seems that Joe Colborne, sophomore forward for the UDenver Pioneers has signed a contract with the Boston Bruins, following his college squad's defeat at the hands of Cinderella team RIT. In the rankings on hockeysfuture.com, Colborne is the number two prospect that the B's own the rights to, behind only Tuukka, and was the team's first round pick in the 2008 draft.
Colborne was named to the all-WCHA 3rd team this season and was named one of the conference's top scholar athletes. He was tied with Rhett Rhakhshani for the team lead in goals (21) and tied for second on the team in points (40) with Tyler Ruegsegger. Was on the all-WCHA Rookie team as a freshman.

(Thanks to WCHA.com and denverpioneers.com for further information)

Edit: Actually now it seems that Colborne has not signed quite yet.

The Enigma of Corey Lowe

The speculation surrounding the departure of former Senior terrier basketball star Corey Lowe has been all over the place lately. First it was reported that he left the team due to injury, then it was because he was going pro, then it was a combination of the two, then Coach Chambers had thrown Corey off the team, and now it is being reported that Corey met with an agent regarding his pro future, which is illegal if one wants to keep their amateur status and play in the NCAA. This, supposedly, is what led to Corey's dismissal from the team for the final two postseason games.

The drama surrounding Corey Lowe did not start this year, however. Throughout his time at BU, he was benched by ex-Coach Wolff for his behavior, and at times it seems one could question Corey's hustle on the court. Even before his BU days, there was drama. After helping to lead Newton North High to a MA state title his junior year (Corey's first of two state basketball tiles), he was offered and accepted a scholarship from Providence College and Coach Tim Welsh. But after his senior season, which resulted in another state title for Lowe and Newton North (while playing the final 13 games with a broken shooting hand), his scholarship to Providence seemingly disappeared in thin air. Unable to get a straight answer from Providence, Corey was released from his agreement and parted ways with Welsh and Co, and was thus back on the market. Lowe had been previously recruited by BU, and once he began to look at schools again, committed to BU in the spring of his senior year. After he was released from his Providence agreement, he also reportedly received a call from BC for football (Corey was also a star wide receiver at Newton North, going to the MA State Championship in his senior year), but decided to stick with basketball and BU.

Once coming to BU, Corey shone on the court, overcoming and playing through numerous injuries along the way. He was relegated to coming off the bench during his senior year under Coach Chambers - to provide offensive spark - but continued to pour in the points. His senior year at BU was a great one, leading BU to the America East Conference championship against Vermont. During the America East tournament, Lowe seemingly lit the spark for BU offensively - hitting from literally everywhere. No shot, it seemed, was too deep. He was a huge reason for BU's success and postseason run this year, even if he wasn't physically present for the tail end.

Lowe looks to continue his fine shooting professionally somewhere, either here or overseas, and we wish him the best going forward.

(Some information taken from old boston.com and Daily Free Press articles)

Terrier Recruits: Matt Nieto

Long Beach, California might not be the first place one would expect to find a 5 star hockey recruit - but that is exactly where 2010 Terrier recruit Matthew Nieto calls home. The 5'11", 182 lb Nieto is currently a part of the US NTDP program - having played for the Under 17's and currently playing for the Under 18 program. Nieto was called up at the end of last season from the U-17s to the U-18s for the U-18 World Championships (after totaling an impressive 67 points for the U-17s) - and lit the lamp in the Championship game en route to Team USA's 5-0 victory. This season, the left shot forward has totaled a team leading 49 points for the U-18s - on a 26 goal, 23 assist scoring line, and is preparing again for the U-18 championships (which start April 13th). Although being a top 2010 college prospect, Nieto will not be NHL draft eligible until 2011 due to his November '92 birthday.

Nieto, ranked 3rd in collegehockey247.com's 2010 recruit rankings, has led the U-18s in scoring despite missing 9 games back in January. Although the reasons are not widely reported, according to westerncollegehockeyblog.com it was the result of a suspension handed to Nieto and 3 other US NTDP players for a sexual harassment case at Pioneer High School. At the time, it was wondered what would happen to the futures of these players, but as far as we hear BU did not rescind Nieto's scholarship. The story never got much press, but it does make one wonder...

Regardless, Nieto is a top prospect and we should all be excited about what this player can do in the Scarlet and White.

Z. Cohen records first professional goal, Gaudet in the Globe

Former Terrier, Zach Cohen, recorded his first goal of his AHL career last night for Lake Erie. Cohen had two points on the night as he assisted on Lake Erie's first goal and followed that up with a goal of his own shortly after in the first period. Cohen was one of the most effective players for Lake Erie and former BU coach David Quinn. The former Terrier forward recorded seven shots on goal and held +3 rating for the night in Lake Erie's 5-4 win.

BU sophomore forward Ross Gaudet also is featured in The Boston Globe today. Gaudet's improvement in his sophomore year did not come as a surprise to Coach Parker. Read the article here

Z. Cohen scores first point, Bonino makes NHL debut

Former Terrier forward, Zach Cohen, scored his first professional point with Lake Erie Friday night. Cohen picked up an assist on Ray Macias' first period goal which tied the game at 1. Lake Erie went on to lose 3-2 in overtime, but it was a solid opening start for Cohen who wore the number 59. He also had 2 shots on goal and 2 penalty minutes for hooking in the second period.


According to The Terrier Hockey Blog, Brandon Yip(Avalanche) has started skating again while coming back from a shoulder injury.


Former Terrier forward and assistant captain, Nick Bonino, played in his first NHL game Friday night. Bonino recorded a shot on a goal and a penalty for hooking in his debut. Bonino wearing number 63, played center for the Ducks in their 3-2 win.

Second Round NCAA Part 2

So I was 2 for 6 in my Saturday picks but I am gonna humor you with my picks for the two Sunday games anyway...

Miami(OH) vs. Michigan
- Miami won on Saturday with a workman-like effort to get the job done and I expect the same thing from them against an inconsistent Michigan team.
The Pick- Miami(OH)

Yale vs. Boston(Newton) College
- BC played like shit today and got bailed out by goalie John Muse. No way he does that two days in a row... oh yeah and i hate Newton College so I wouldn't pick them against the School for the Deaf and the Blind. Yale wins 5-2.
The pick- Yale

AL East Report

So we all here at Bay State (Road) Sports have a favorite team from the AL East. I will be providing information on all AL East teams each week starting off with the Yankees vs. Red Sox on April 4th. So check in every Monday afternoon for a weekly report about the teams.

My predictions for 2010 season:
1. Yankees- just came off the World Series and got better players this off season.
2. Red Sox (Wild Card Winner)- have arguably the best pitching staff in the majors.
3. Rays- strong team but won't get it done against the usual powerhouses in the North.
4. Blue Jays- not a bad team at all but losing Doc as the number 1 starter isn't good.
5. Orioles- have good young players(i.e. Wieters) but still have a long way to come.

Elite 8 Picks

Not that my Sweet Sixteen picks were worth anything to anybody but just for shits and giggles here are my Elite 8 picks...

No. 5 Butler v. No 2 Kansas State
- Since KU disgraced the state of Kansas by bowing out early, KU is on a mission. One team from Kansas has to make it to the final four, right?
The Pick - Kansas State

No. 2 West Virginia v. No. 1 Kentucky
- The other three of my final four picks are gone. Might as well go for the sweep. Plus Da'Sean Butler still owns you!
The Pick - West Virginia

No. 6 Tennessee v. No. No. 5 Michigan State
- Ok ok, so I was wrong about MSU without Kalin Lucas last round. But this time I'm definitely right - Bruce Pearl and his headband donning crew are taking it down!
The Pick - Tennessee

No. 3 Baylor v. No. 1 Duke
-I'll literally pick any team over Duke. Any team, any time.
The Pick - Baylor

Second Round NCAA

So I was 2/4 tonight in the first round which means i basically have no idea what I am talking about but here are the first half of my round 2 predictions anyway...

Wisconsin vs. Saint Cloud State
- Saint Cloud State takes this one. Don't know why but they will take down the 1 seed Badgers.
The pick- Saint Cloud State

UNH vs. Rochester
- This isn't the year that UNH breaks their postseason slump...Rochester continues the Cinderella run with all their robots and shit in OT.
-The pick- Rochester

Better NCAA Tournament Hockey Predictions

Here are my (better) NCAA tournament hockey predictions...

Miama (OH) v. Alabama-Huntsville
- We stole this title from Miama (OH) last year. Now they are back and ready to take care of business, they take this one easy.
The pick: Miama (OH)

Bemidji State vs. Michigan
- Michigan sucks. No offense to Joe Pereira, but any team that lets BU catch you out of position BEHIND YOUR OWN NET is not going anywhere.
The pick- Bemidji State Plus they have a sweet ass name

North Dakota vs. Yale
- I don't see Yale doing much against a very good North Dakota team. Facts.
The pick- North Dakota

Alaska-Fairbanks vs. Boston College
- As much as I hate BC...they have a nasty line of forwards and unless junior goalie John Muse forgets cover his 5-hole, BC wins.
The pick- Boston College

Wisconsin vs. Vermont
-Wisconsin is going to torch an up and down Vermont team that definitely does not belong in the tournament
The pick- Wisconsin

Saint Cloud State vs. Northern Michigan
- One team from Michigan will be good. That's my philosophy. If there's more than one team from a state, one will suck and one will be good.
The pick- Northern Michigan

Rochester vs. Denver
-Unless Rochester can engineer sticks and skates and robot players that can outplay Denver, they lose.
The pick- Denver

UNH vs. Cornell
-UNH routinely chokes in the post-season. But after the NCAA basketball tournament, I cannot stand to see Cornell win again. University of No Hardware will continue to have no hardware, but will get by Cornell
The pick- UNH

NCAA Hockey Tournament Predictions

Here are my predictions for the first round of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament which starts over the next couple of days.

Miami(OH) vs. Alabama-Huntsville
- Miami is on a mission to get back and finish what they were so close to last year- A NCAA title. No upset here by the only sub .500 team in the field.
The pick- Miami(OH)

Bemidji State vs. Michigan
- Bemidji State wont be as much of a surprise this year but they still get by an inconsistent Michigan team
The pick- Bemidji State

North Dakota vs. Yale
- Yale could be the ivy league Cinderella story... or not. North Dakota takes it in a close one here.
The pick- North Dakota

Alaska-Fairbanks vs. Boston(Newton) College
- This is an easy one to call between Alaska-Fairbank's intro video and the fact that BC sucks. Alaska-Fairbanks wins 12-0.
The pick- Alaska Fairbanks

Wisconsin vs. Vermont
-Vermont doesn't belong in the field after finishing 8th in Hockey East. Wisconsin rolls.
The pick- Wisconsin

Saint Cloud State vs. Northern Michigan
- Don't know much about either team. Saint Cloud State gets the nod with a cooler name.
The pick- Saint Cloud

Rochester vs. Denver
-Denver is very very good. Rochester is not. Denver wins.
The pick- Denver

UNH vs. Cornell
-Cornell carries their basketball success over to the rink. University of No Hardware loses again in the tournament.
The pick- Cornell

Gryba Receives Offer, Z. Cohen signs

According to the Terrier Hockey Blog, The Ottawa Senators have offered senior BU defenseman and assistant captain,Eric Gryba, a contract that includes an offer for an amateur tryout agreement. According to the Press & Sun of Binghamton , this would bring the 6'4'' bruising enforcer to Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, for the end of this season. Gryba, a third round draft pick(2006) by the Senators, looks to carry over his physical play and toughness up to the next level as he continues his hockey career.

Zach Cohen has joined the slew of Terriers and former BU associate head coach David Quinn with the Colorado Avalanche. Cohen, a senior forward, signed an entry level contract with Colorado and will report to their AHL affiliate, Lake Erie, in the near future.

The undrafted Cohen was a free agent once he played out his college eligibility so the move to reunite with Quinn and former Terrier, Brandon Yip, should be no surprise. Cohen is expected to be followed in the next couple days by highly drafted junior defensemen captain Kevin Shattenkirk(1st round 2007) and Colby Cohen(2nd round 2007). Both were high draft picks by the Avalanche and are expected to join the organization once deals are reached. The Avalanche have become a hot spot for former Terriers with current goalie, Kieran Millan, also a draft pick of the organization. This is obviously due to Quinn's presence in the organization along with the Avalanche Head Coach, Joe Sacco, who was a former star at BU.


These deals along with the signing of junior forward Nick Bonino with Ducks mark a period of transition for the Terriers heading into next season. Bonino officially signed a two year contract in the last couple days and is currently traveling with the team out west.

Terrier Hoops, Sweet 16 picks

The BU men's basketball season came to an end last night at the hands of VCU, 88-75, in the semifinals of the CBI. Although the Terriers held a 43-42 halftime lead, VCU started the second half on a 9-0 run and never looked back. BU was paced by 20 points from Jake O, 16 from Tyler Morris and 16 from John Holland (who set a Terrier record for points in a single season with 673). The big problem last night for BU was turnovers - they handed the ball over 17 times to VCU's throttling full court press. This loss marks the end of the road for BU's 8 seniors. You can see Coach Chambers brief post game comments here .

On another Terrier basketball note, WTBU Sports is reporting that Senior Corey Lowe's post season absence is due to nagging injuries and Lowe's desire to move onto the pro level overseas. His absence definitely had to be felt with the short bench against Morehead State and VCU...

Finally, here are my Sweet 16 picks. Not that I'd take these to the bank or anything, unless you are interested in losing money

No. 9 Northern Iowa v. No. 5 Michigan State
Upset City Baby! Without Kalin Lucas, MSU is looking grim. Northern Iowa all day everyday.

No. 6 Tennessee v. No. 2 Ohio State
Evan Turner is gonna take Ohio State to the promise land. Ok, maybe not. But at least past the Volunteers.

No. 5 Butler v. No. 1 Syracuse
Even without Onauka (or however that's spelled), the Orangemen are gonna roll right onto the Elite 8.

No. 6 Xavier v. No. 2 Kansas State
I don't really know much about either team, but I do know the A-10 sucks. Plus one team from Kansas must not suck right? Kansas State takes it.

No. 12 Cornell v. No 1 Kentucky
As much as I love seeing white guys turn this tournament on it's head, I can't see Kentucky losing this one.

No. 11 Washington v. No. 2 West Virginia
Even without "Truck" Bryant, WVU rolls in this one. Da'Sean Butler owns you!

No. 4 Purdue v. No. 1 Duke
I hate Duke. Plain and simple. Jon Scheyer is a bitch. Purdue brings it on home.

No. 10 Saint Mary's v. No. 3 Baylor
You can't keep a good Saint down! St. Mary's with yet another upset

Terrier Recruit Profiles

Terrier Recruit Profiles is a new series in which we will attempt to bring you a brief rundown on the incoming Terrier recruits.

The first installment of Terrier Recruit Profiles is on Massachusetts homegrown forward Charlie Coyle. Coyle, a Weymouth, MA native, stands at 6'2", 207. Coyle played for both Weymouth H.S. and Thayer Academy in his high school hockey. In addition to his high school play, he plays in the Eastern Junior Hockey League, for the South Shore Kings. This season with the Kings he totaled 63 points on 21 goals and 43 assists (all of this according to the EJHL Website ). Coyle was named the 15th best recruit in CollegeHockey247's top 50 list, and was ranked 19th among North American skaters in the NHL scouting report (he is expected to be taken in the early first or second round of the upcoming NHL amateur draft). In an article from hockeysfuture.com , one of Coyle's coaches said of the recruit: “He’s a powerful skater, a strong skater, and he can protect the puck real well along the boards.” Coyle plays mostly center and right wing for the Kings, and also mans the point on the power play. In the same hockeysfuture.com article, Coyle's coach held high hopes for his collegiate career: "I think he is going to be a very good college player. He’ll go to BU next year and he’ll step right in. I think there will be an adjustment period, but he definitely has all the abilities and all the skills to step right into that level."

On coming to BU, Coyle said it was an easy decision: "My cousin Tony Amonte went to BU so I’ve always dreamed of going there and they were the first school to talk to me. It’s my dream school and I wouldn’t say no to them."

Needless to say, we are expecting big things from this incoming freshman.

On a Basketball Note...

BU men's basketball made history this past week, not in the NCAA's or the NIT, but in the newly founded College Basketball Invitational (CBI). Coach Chambers crew beat defending CBI champs Oregon State last week, to give BU men's basketball it's first postseason victory since 1959. It then defeated Morehead State in an overtime thriller, to give the program another landmark achievement - it's first home postseason victory ever. The Terriers now take on VCU tomorrow night down at VCU in the semifinals of the CBI. This Terrier team has been paced by it's top 5 (er, 4) seniors, as well as sophomore Jake O'Brien and junior John Holland. In his first year as a head coach, Coach Pat Chambers has led this Terrier program much further than it has grown accustomed to going, precisely the reason why the BU athletic department made a head coaching change. Let's see if he and his squad can keep it going...

Best of luck to them against VCU and in the future.

On an NCAA note, is anybody else's bracket screwed right now? I mean Kansas, Villanova, Georgetown? Are you kidding me? I guess there is a reason I don't bet on sports...