Boston College and Jim Christian come back in hopes of improving from last year’s 14-17 overall record and 5-13 in ACC play. In the last five seasons, the Eagles have only secured more than five wins in the ACC once in 2018, in which they made an appearance in the NIT.
The Eagles are hoping to make the right strides this year but it won’t be easy. They lost two key scorers in Ky Bowman and Jordan Chatman last year, both of which averaged double-digit points and played a significant role last year. Add on top of that, Coach Christian will be without Wynston Tabbs as well, who was a starter last year and averaged 13.9 points per game.
So, with all the losses from last year and with a key injury, who do the Eagles have this year' We dive into the roster.
Backcourt:
With the loss of Tabbs, USC grad transfer Derryck Thornton becomes even more critical as a scorer for the Eagles. Starting at Duke, then heading to play at USC for two years, before heading back to the ACC, Thornton has yet to average double-digits in a season. Now may be the time for him to step up in a big way with his leadership and skill set.
Senior Jared Hamilton is another guard that can help pick up the slack. He needs to continue to develop his overall game but did play some critical games last year for the Eagles. Jared provides more scoring inside the arc, as he shot 13 percent from the three. Chris Herron Jr. also provides some depth and shooting power along the outside.
Also, expect freshmen Jay Heath and Julian Rishwain to provide depth in the backcourt. Heath can provide scoring and is a hard worker/ defender, while Rishwain could be a solid shooter.
Frontcourt:
Senior forward Nik Popovic leads this category and is now one of, if not the, best offensive option returning for the Eagles. He can be a double-double type player this year but also brings size, rebounding, and rim protection for Boston College. Steffon Mitchell should be right alongside of him, as is an excellent rebounder but still has to be more effective on the offensive end (only averaged 4.6 points per game last year).
One of the biggest eye watchers this year is 6’8 sophomore Jairus Hamilton and the improvements he potentially has made. One of the biggest recruits for Coach Christian, Hamilton had some ups and downs as a freshman but has the talent to be a big-time provider for the Eagles and the opportunities could be there.
Freshmen CJ Felder and Kamari Williams should also see minutes and junior Luka Kraljevic should also provide depth. Felder brings strength and explosion, as he plays aggressive and above the rim. He brings versatility to the floor for the Eagles. Williams is a wing that also brings versatility on both ends and brings another shooter to the floor. Kraljevic is a 6’11 forward that played in 53 total games last year, averaging eight minutes per game in the last two years.