BC Head Coach Steve Donahue Talks Eagles, Final Four
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston College head basketball coach Steve Donahue joined Dan Roche on WBZ-TV's Sports Final Sunday night, giving a few thoughts on his first season at BC.
"There were so many emotional things going on," Donahue said of his first season at the heights. "In general I was extremely pleased. I was really pleased at the guys and what they did for our program this year. They've been through a lot in their four years, and mostly were talking seniors. It was a great way to go out. I thought they did all they could to make us competitive in the ACC."
BC Coach Steve Donahue Talks Eagles Season, Reggie Jackson
Boston College finished 21-13 overall and 9-7 in ACC play, just missing an NCAA tournament bid. The Eagles season ended in the second-round of the NIT Tournament with a 85-67 loss to Northwestern.
The Eagles had eight seniors on their 2010-11 roster, and now face a lot of turnover for next season. Junior guard Reggie Jackson, who led the Eagles with 18.2 points-per-game, could take his chances and declare for the NBA draft. Donahue is not sure of his star players intentions for next season.
"Reggie is most likely going to test the waters and see what the NBA thinks of him, and by May 8th, he will have to decide," Donahue said of Jackson. "He obviously had a tremendous year, and obviously we'd love for him to come back. But I would love him to do what is right for Reggie Jackson. I hope he does have an opportunity to play at the next level."
While Jackson was Donahue's best player, senior John Cahill was the best story for the 2010-11 BC Eagles. Cahill joined the team as a walk-on without ever playing NCAA basketball. He started the final seven games of the season for BC, scoring 12 points in a 76-61 win over ACC opponent Virginia Tech, sweeping the season series with the Hokies.
"It's hard to believe a kid that's never played college basketball to walk in off the intramural circuit and then start the last six games of the year where we go 5-1," Donahue said of Cahill. "(In the) win at Virginia Tech he scores 12 pts, doesn't miss a shot and plays 35 minutes. It's the most remarkable story I've ever heard in college athletics."
"People don't realize that not only did he play, and he never played, but he played at the highest level and helped us win. It was really a pleasure to coach him and watch him this year."
Steve Donahue Gives His Final Four, Championship Picks
Donahue also gave his picks for the NCAA's Final Four and Championship games. Donahue is picking Butler and Kentucky to meet up in the Final, with John Calapari's Wildcats taking home the championship.
Catch Sports Final and Sports Final OT every Sunday night on WBZ-TV at 11:35 p.m.
