After a much-needed win courtesy of a last-minute 8-point comeback (capped by a Chas Kelley prayer), the Eagles slumped once again to a blowout at the hands of the Louisville Cardinals. Let’s get into it:
1. The injuries are stacking up. Elijah Strong hadn’t played in 4 weeks, leaving BC’s frontcourt shorthanded and forcing an undersized Roger McFarlane into the 4 spot. He finally made his return to the court against Louisville, going for 6 points on 2-6 shooting in 17 minutes off the bench. He had an injury scare midway through the first half, going down holding his knee, but he returned to the court in the 2nd half and appeared to be moving well. But as one big man returned, another went down: Chad Venning didn’t play and was seen in a boot. Hopefully it will not be a long-term concern – Earl Grant said after the game there was hope as late as the day before that Venning would be able to play against Louisville. This team needs its bigs, desperately. The Cardinals feasted against the Eagles on the offensive glass, collecting 12 of them and consistently keeping possessions alive. Moreover, with the well-documented struggles defending the perimeter, not having a consistent rim defender lurking in the paint just invites other teams to drive to the rack. Grant was forced to run Strong as a small-ball five; certainly not an ideal situation.
2. With that said, Hastings showed flashes. Look, he’s not perfect. He definitely should not be starting. But thrust into a larger role with Venning out (leaving Hastings as the only healthy five), I thought Hastings had moments that showed why he can be a part of this program’s future. He’s incredibly energetic, running the floor and setting screens. He’s very bouncy – he had a monster putback early in the first half – and he’s an improving rim protector. He went for 8 points on 4-6 shooting, along with 9 boards and 2 blocks. Perhaps most importantly, he managed to tamp down on the fouling, picking up a manageable 3 in 27 minutes of action. Make no mistake: there is work to be done with Hastings. I mentioned his problems with fouling, and the footwork on both sides of the court is definitely a work in progress, but Grant – for all his faults – has proved his ability to develop big men. I think Hastings probably will never be the focal point of an Eagles team, but he certainly could grow into a productive starting center for the Eagles. Keep in mind – he’s only a freshman, after redshirting last year.
3. How much of this roster will stick around? Hastings has a future. So do Donald Hand, Fred Payne, and Elijah Strong. All 4 were recruited by Grant’s staff, and all have had bright moments this season. Hand is indisputably the best player on the team and a leader in the locker room despite only being a sophomore; Payne has become a central rotation piece and injected some much-needed offense and shooting to this team. I think he should be starting, but that’s a whole other conversation. Yet after watching an entire team walk out the door last year, and enduring a brutal campaign this year, how many of these guys will stick around? I’m sure some teams are going to call Hand with significant NIL offers. Payne has watched his playing time fluctuate all season, consistently coming off the bench despite consistently out-producing players starting ahead of him. Will they jump ship? Dion Brown and Josh Beadle are probably a little more divisive; Brown has improved over the last two weeks but still hasn’t come close to preseason expectations. Beadle has emerged into the starting one, yet probably isn’t a starting guard on a contending ACC team. Grant is firmly on the hot seat. How he handles his roster this offseason will be something to keep an eye on.