Steve Donahue was formally introduced as the head basketball coach at Boston College this afternoon with his family in tow and Eagles athletic director Gene DeFilippo offering praise.

The now former coach of Cornell touched on his excitement at being able to coach in Boston and leaving the Big Red after 10 years.

"It was extremely difficult to leave Cornell," Donahue said. "I loved being the head basketball coach at Cornell University. For 10 years, my family and I developed great relationships. I had an unbelievable experience with tremendous student-athletes. I had a great administration. I knew it would take an unbelievable opportunity to leave. That opportunity presented itself when Gene (DeFilippo) made the call.

"There is no downside in this job," Donahue continued. "Not in my opinion. We exist in the most passionate sports region in the country. We play in the best basketball conference in the country."

Donahue, who is signed to a six-year deal with compensation undisclosed, was the first coach DeFilippo interviewed. He brings a different playing style to the university, which had been known for its flex offense under Al Skinner the past 12 seasons.

"We play fast, not necessarily the most athletic fast in terms of that but we averaged the most (shots) in our league and were in the top 25," he said. "I would love to average 75 to 80 (shots). Simply put, I believe in playing before the defense is set. If we have a great shot before the defense is set, we're going to attack it."

Add to the mix an emphasis on 3-point shooting (Cornell set an Ivy League record this year in 3-pointers made with 326), a propensity to share the ball, and Boston College will have an "exciting" style of basketball, Donahue said.