Is Charlie Rugg going to be good or great?

That’s the question. That’s the only question really; Rugg has answered all the others.

The Boston College sophomore forward first proved he could play at the college level; then he proved he could star there.

But if Rugg is to take that next step in his playing career, and he’s certainly working to get there, maybe it all begins this week.

The Eagles were selected Monday for the NCAA Tournament and start with a first-round matchup against Brown on Thursday. The run to the College Cup is the ultimate spotlight, and Rugg and his teammates seem ready to relish it.

“We usually play a lot better when the games mean a lot,” said Rugg, who helped his team reach the ACC Conference Semifinals last week. “We feel like we can compete with any team in the country. We won’t have any trouble being motivated.”

The Big Dance just might be the latest staging point for Rugg’s blossoming career. This past regular season, Rugg led his team in goals (8) and points (18) for the second straight year while playing alongside key teammates Edvin Worley, Amit Aburmad, and Conor Fitzpatrick. And he did it while continuing to develop his skills – the final piece of the puzzle for this talented athlete.

“I think I can still grow as a technical player,” said Rugg, a former basketball and lacrosse player. “I’m not a very tricky player; I use my speed and strength a lot. Those are the things that are enough to get you through club soccer but as you advance and play against better defenders you have to continue to improve.”

That shouldn’t be a problem for Rugg, who has always had a natural ability to adapt. When he initially arrived on the Boston College campus he wasn’t really sure he would start or how much playing time he would see.

But by the third match he was making adjustments on the fly and quickly becoming one of the team’s best players.

Boston College head coach Ed Kelly recognizes the potential in Rugg and has used another well known Boston College ‘Charlie’ for positive inspiration.

U.S. National Team player and former Eagles star, Charlie Davies, visits the team every now and again and Rugg keeps in contact with Davies through Facebook.

Davies is the ideal role model for a player of Rugg’s stature and an example of what’s possible if he keeps working.

“Even though I’m a different player then he is, my coach tells me he wants me to have the hunger and drive that (Davies) does,” Rugg said. “When I talk with him it’s always me asking the questions. He just gives me general advice and sends me motivation.”

This week’s motivation arrives in the form of Brown and defenders like David Walls. This could be the start of something special, and Rugg has plenty of incentive to make sure it is.

“I don’t want to look back and wish I could have been better,” Rugg said. “I’m driving myself to be better. Lately it’s really been setting in that there is potential for me and that’s been pushing me to get to the next level.”