Neisler commented on the transition from the Northeast to ACC country for his last year of high school basketball, saying, “It was hard at first, but once I got down there, I felt pretty comfortable.”

He wasted no time demonstrating that comfort this past season, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds for his Word of God team in Raleigh, N.C.

Neisler has spent this summer playing with two different AAU teams, Fairfield County and Garner Roads. He played a major role in getting his Fairfield County team to the final four of the Nike Main Event tournament in Las Vegas.

The talented combo forward seemed genuinely excited about Boston College and returning to his roots in the Northeast. When asked about what he enjoyed most about his visit to the Heights, he said, “I like Boston. I wanted to go to a city school and go back up north with my family. I like that it has a good education program because I want to be a teacher.”

Although Evan became closest with Assistant Coach Pat Duquette as his first contact with Boston College during the recruiting process, he also commented that Coach Al Skinner was a huge factor in getting his commitment and even has a familiar style. “He reminds me of my AAU coach, Ray Hodge. He made me feel really comfortable, despite coming off as quiet and distant at first.”

Asked if there was one thing that clinched his decision, Neisler replied that his comfort level with Skinner did the trick: “He gives me a good vibe. He and I have a great relationship.”

With respect to the move to the ACC Boston College will be making next year, Neisler said, “I’m really excited that they’re making that change. People here will be rooting for me and my parents can see my games. It’s one of the top conferences in the country and there’s no conference I’d rather play in.”

Neisler knows there is a lot to accomplish in the interim between now and his arrival at BC, and he plans on spending his senior year “focusing on basketball and my education. I need to work on my game and get stronger physically. I’m taking the year to get ready for college. I don’t look it as my last year of high school, but really my first year of college prep.”

Although he’ll be joining an Eagles squad that will probably be loaded in the frontcourt (Craig Smith, Jared Dudley, Sean Williams, Gordon Watt, and Akida McLain are all listed as forwards on the current roster and will likely be back in 2005), Neisler feels confident about his decision.

When asked about playing time, he responded, “I try not to think about it. Wherever I’ve been, I start out at the bottom and work my way to the top. I see what I have to do and do it.”

“I’ll do whatever [Skinner] wants me to do, rebound, guard someone. I don’t look at this as an opportunity for them, but as an opportunity for me to do what I can to help their team.”

As is evident from the interview, Evan Neisler has his head squarely attached to his shoulders and remains humble about his past and present accomplishments. It appears that Al Skinner has pulled another hard working, versatile player and good citizen into the fold who will fit right into the core of dedicated guys who continue to build Boston College basketball into a program ready to compete in the ACC.

Brian Smith is a senior writer for EagleInsider.com. He can be reached at EagleScribe3@yahoo.com.