We've now hit that point in the summer where sports heads into a lull: the baseball All-Star game is over, the World Cup and Wimbledon are done, and Joey Chesnut has downed another truck-load of hot dogs. That means it's time for my annual "Too Early" preview of the upcoming ACC basketball season. I've been writing these for years, but decided to start sharing them 2 summers ago. It seems like at least a handful of you enjoy these and, like me, can't get enough college basketball. So, here we go: this seasons write-up is divided into three parts: Part 1 - the "Slim to None" teams that don't have much of a chance to make the NCAA tournament; Part 2 - the "Bubble Watchers" who's post season fate will not likely be determined any earlier than late February; and Part 3 - the conference Elite. This year's write-ups are shorter as I decided to rely on the reader to examine the "Losses, Additions, and Returning" sections to explain the text rather than writing about them in the text. The information in those sections is the latest available and, obviously could change once all teams update heights and weights or any very late additions (DeLaire?) are determined. Here's Part 1: enjoy!
Part 1: Slim to None
#15 Pittsburgh: New Panther coach Jeff Capel attempts to restart his head coaching career and shake memories of past troubles at Oklahoma where his program was put on NCAA probation for multiple violations. He won’t have much to work with as he inherits a program that went winless in the ACC last season. It’s unlikely that Pitt has the horses to climb out of the cellar, but in Capel, the Panthers have a coach that is a proven recruiter at both Oklahoma and Duke.
Capel lost 4 players from last season’s team to transfer, but was able to talk the majority of the roster into returning, led by senior Jared Wilson-Frame and sophomore Shamiel Stevenson. St. John’s transfer, Malik Ellison, is now eligible and should add some punch to a roster that is very short on ACC-level talent. Capel will need to find a style that fits his current roster if he wants to climb out of the ACC cellar, but he doesn’t have too far to climb to finish ahead of a couple of teams predicted to finish above the Panthers.
Losses: Jonathan Milligan, G, 6’2”, 170 lbs., 5.0 ppg; Marcus Carr, G, 6’1”, 185 lbs., 10.0 ppg, 4.0 apg (transfer); Ryan Luther, F, 6’9”, 225 lbs., 12.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg (grad transfer); Parker Stewart, G, 6’5”, 190 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg (transfer):
Additions: Trey McGowens, 6’3”, 170 lbs. SG #81; Sidy N’Dir, G, 6’3”, 185 lbs. (New Mexico State transfer); Xavier Johnson, G, 6’3”, 170 lbs.; Curtis Aiken, Jr., Freshman G, 6’1”, 180 lbs.; Au’Diese Toney, Freshman G, 6’6”, 170 lbs.
Returning: Jared Wilson-Frame, Sr., G/F, 6’5”, 220 lbs., 13.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg; Shamiel Stevenson, So., G/F, 6’6”, 230 lbs., 8.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg; Peace Ilegomah, So., C, 6’9”, 235 lbs.; Terrell Brown, So., F/C, 6’10”, 240 lbs., 4.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Khameron Davis, So., G, 6’4”, 195 lbs., 4.0 ppg; Malik Ellison, Jr., G, 6’6”, 215 lbs. (transfer from St. John’s sat last year); Kene Chukwuka, 6’9”, 215 lbs., Jr., 2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, Samson George, So., F, 6’7”, 220 lbs. (transfer from Iona); Monty Boykins, Sr., G, 6’5”, 195 lbs. (transfer from Layfayette); Joe Mascaro, G, 5’10”, 170 lbs. Sr.; Anthony Starzynski, G, 6’3”, 180 lbs. Jr.
#14 Georgia Tech: coach Josh Pastner has spent much of the off-season trying to clear his name in a would-be scandal that has resulted in Pastner suing a couple for attempted extortion. He may have an easier time of winning that case than winning in the ACC this coming season. Star guard, Josh Okogie, left for the NBA after his sophomore season and was a first-round pick. Center Ben Lammers finished his eligibility and leaves a big hole inside for the Yellow Jackets to fill. Georgia Tech has a roster short on experience and talent. Sophomore Jose Alvarado returns at the point and is primed to step into a leading role for the Jackets. Every other position is a huge question mark for this team that is picked by some to finish in the cellar below Pittsburgh. Pastner must hope that incoming freshman Michael DeVoe is better than advertised and that some players inside can step up to fill the other positions on the floor.
Losses: Tadric Jackson, G, 6’2”, 209 lbs., 12.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg; Ben Lammers, C, 6’10”, 227 lbs., 11.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 1.2 spg; Justin Moore, G, 6’4”, (transfer); Josh Okogie, SG, 6’4”, 207 lbs., 18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg, 38% 3 pt. FG, (early draft entry, 1st round);
Additions: Michael DeVoe, 6’5”, 187 lbs. PG #43, Shembari Phillips, G, 6’3”, 202 lbs. (transfer), Kristian Sjolund, 6’8”, 191 lbs. F, Khalid Moore, 6’7”, 187 lbs. F; James Banks, III, 6’10”, 240 lbs., Jr. F (transfer).
Returning: Abdoulaye Gueye, Sr., F, 6’9”, 211 lbs., 5.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg; Jose Alvarado, So., G, 6’0”, 160 lbs., 12.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.7 spg, 37% 3 pt. FG; Curtis Haywood, II, So., G, 6’5”, 180 lbs., 5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg; Brandon Alston, Sr., G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 5.4 ppg; Moses Wright, So., F, 6’9”, 180 lbs., 3.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Evan Cole, So., F, 6’9”, 225 lbs., 3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg; Evan Jester, 6’6”, 180 lbs., So., F; Sylvester Ogbonda, 6’10”, 239 lbs., Jr., F; Avi Schafer, 6’8”, 231 lbs., So., C; Malachi Rice, 6’0”, 180 lbs., So., G.
#13 Wake Forest: That light, sizzling sound you hear in Winston Salem, NC is coach Danny Manning’s seat re-heating after another disappointing season in which the Demon Deacons finished 4 – 14 in conference and 11 – 20 overall. Manning lost 4 key players from last season’s team, 2 to transfer and one who declared for the NBA draft, but was not drafted. Wake’s hopes this season depend on the quick development of a couple of nice freshmen, Jaylen Hoard and Isaiah Mucius, and some good leadership from returning guard Brandon Childress. Manning added a couple of grad transfers, but needs sophomores Melo Eggleston and Olivier Sarr to develop into passable inside players, or else Wake will be competing neck-and-neck with Pitt and GA Tech for the cellar position.
Losses: Mitchell Wilbekin, G, 6’2”, 175 lbs., 8.6 ppg, 42.5% 3pt FG; Keyshawn Woods, G, 6’3”, 205 lbs., 11.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 37.4% 3pt. FG (transfer) Bryant Crawford, G, 6’3”, 200 lbs. (transfer), 16.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.5 spg, 35.8% 3pt. FG; Doral Moore, C, 7’1”, 265 lbs., (opted for draft), 11.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.0 bpg;
Additions: Torry Johnson, grad transfer, N. Arizona, 6’3”, 170 lbs., immediately eligible, 11.5 ppg; Ikenna Smart, grad transfer, Buffalo, 6’10”, 240 lbs.; Jaylen Hoard, 6’8”, 210 lbs. PF #25; Isaiah Mucius, 6’8”, 190 lbs. SF #104; Jamie Lewis, 6’3”, 190 lbs. PG; Sharone Wright, Jr., 6’5”, 180 lbs. G; Christian Lorng, PF;
Returning: Brandon Childress, Jr., G, 6’0”, 190 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.0 spg, 37.9% 3 pt. FG; Chaundee Brown, So., G, 6’5”, 215 lbs., 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Melo Eggleston, So., F/G, 6’8”, 190 lbs.; Olivier Sarr, So., C, 7’0”, 215 lbs., 3.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Sunday Okeke, Soph., 6’8” 240 lbs.; (Miles Lester, Soph., 6’0”, 170 lbs., ineligible transfer from Rice).
#12 N.C. State: Not many teams lose more players from last season’s roster than N.C. State. Kevin Keatts, in his second season as Wolfpack coach, has not had time to build his roster with young talent, thus must rely this season on a hodge-podge of transfers and returnees. N.C. State looks pretty solid in the backcourt, though, as guard Torin Dorn was granted an extra year of eligibility and Markell Johnson and Braxton Beverly return as well. Former Keatts player, high-scoring guard C.J. Bryce, is now eligible after transferring from UNC-Wilmington. Keatts likely will have a similar roster to what he had at UNC-Wilmington which hung with Virginia a couple of seasons ago in the NCAA first round. Look for the Pack to run and press with a small-ball lineup to try to take advantage of the team’s talent at guard. Post play will likely be a problem for Keatts and he must hope that someone can step up and give the Pack a consistent presence inside. Last year, Keatts parlayed a team full of veterans and transfers into a 4-way tie for 3rd place and an NCAA bid. This team will do well to make it to the NIT this season.
Losses: Abdul-Malik Abu, F, 6’8”, 240 lbs., 5.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Allerik Freeman, G, 6’3”, 210 lbs., 16.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 38.5% 3pt FG; Lennard Freeman, F, 6’8”, 265 lbs., 7.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg; Sam Hunt, G, 6’2”, 185 lbs., 5.5 ppg, 41.8% 3pt FG; plus transfers Darius Hicks, F, 6’7”, 230 lbs.; Lavar Batts, Jr., G, 6’2”, 170 lbs., 3.7 ppg, (transfer); Omar Yurtseven, C, 7’0”, 245 lbs., 13.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 50% 3 pt FG, (transfer.)
Additions: C.J. Bryce, Jr., G, 6’5”, 195 lbs. (transfer from UNC-Wilmington); Wyatt Walker, grad transfer, Samford, 6’8”, 230 lbs., 12.9 ppg prior season, hurt last year; Jericole Hellems 6’6”, 195 lbs. SF #128; Ian Steere, 6’9”, 261 lbs. C #136; Devon Daniels 6’5”, 190 lbs.(Utah transfer after sitting out 3 games for a conduct violation); Blake Harris 6’3”, 195 lbs. (transfer, eligible 2nd semester); Manny Bates, F/C, 6’9”, 215 lbs.; Derek Funderberk, F, 6’9”, 205 lbs. (JC transfer); Eric Lockett, G 6’5”, 189 lbs. (Fla. Int. transfer); Sacha Killeya-Jones, 6’10”, 230 lbs. F, (transfer from Kentucky, ineligible this season.)
Returning: Torin Dorn, Sr., G, 6’5”, 210 lbs., 13.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.4 apg; Markell Johnson, Jr., G, 6’1”, 165 lbs., 8.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 40.9% 3pt FG; Braxton Beverly, 6’0”, 180 lbs., 9.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 38.5% 3pt FG .
#11 Boston College: Coach Jim Christian returns his most experienced team since taking over the head-coaching job at B.C., but was dealt a huge blow when first-round NBA pick Jerome Robinson opted for the draft. Still, B.C. looks solid in the backcourt with junior Ky Bowman and senior Jordan Chatman returning. Nik Popovic and Luka Kraljevic return inside to give the Eagles some trees to compete in the ACC. Jarius Hamilton is one of Christian’s highest-rated recruits since he’s been at B.C. That’s important because B.C.’s roster has been short on ACC-level talent for some time. The big question is, can the Eagles compete night-in and night-out with the elite of the ACC in order to secure an NCAA bid, their first in some time? Probably not, but looks for the much-improved Eagles to spring some upsets and be a thorn in the side of most of their competition this season. The NIT tournament looks likely for the Eagles this season.
Losses: Jerome Robinson, G, 6’5”, 191 lbs.,20.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 40.9 % 3pt. FG (early NBA entrant, 1st round); Deonte Hawkins, 12.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg in only 8 games;
Additions: Wynston Tabbs, PG, 6’2”, 193 lbs.; Jarius Hamilton, 6’8”, 234 lbs. SF #88; Jared Hamilton, 6’4”, 203 lbs., Jr. (transfer from Georgia Southern); Chris Herren, Jr., G, 6’3”, 174 lbs. Freshman.
Returning: Ky Bowman, Jr., G, 6’1”, 188 lbs.,17.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.5 spg; Nik Popovic, Jr., C/F, 6’11”, 243 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg; Jordan Chatman, Sr., G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 12.9 ppg, 39.5 % 3pt. FG; Steffon Mitchell, So.,F, 6’7”, 222 lbs., 6.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg; Johncarlos Reyes, Jr.,C/F, 6’10”, 224 lbs.; Vin Baker, Jr., So., F, 6’7”, 184 lbs.; Luka Kraljevic, So., F, 6’10”, 229 lbs.; and 7 walkons: Avery Wilson, Ervias Meznieks, Gordon Gehan, Matt DiLuccia, Will Jackavitz, Samuel Holtze, and Bruce Bohany.
Part 1: Slim to None
#15 Pittsburgh: New Panther coach Jeff Capel attempts to restart his head coaching career and shake memories of past troubles at Oklahoma where his program was put on NCAA probation for multiple violations. He won’t have much to work with as he inherits a program that went winless in the ACC last season. It’s unlikely that Pitt has the horses to climb out of the cellar, but in Capel, the Panthers have a coach that is a proven recruiter at both Oklahoma and Duke.
Capel lost 4 players from last season’s team to transfer, but was able to talk the majority of the roster into returning, led by senior Jared Wilson-Frame and sophomore Shamiel Stevenson. St. John’s transfer, Malik Ellison, is now eligible and should add some punch to a roster that is very short on ACC-level talent. Capel will need to find a style that fits his current roster if he wants to climb out of the ACC cellar, but he doesn’t have too far to climb to finish ahead of a couple of teams predicted to finish above the Panthers.
Losses: Jonathan Milligan, G, 6’2”, 170 lbs., 5.0 ppg; Marcus Carr, G, 6’1”, 185 lbs., 10.0 ppg, 4.0 apg (transfer); Ryan Luther, F, 6’9”, 225 lbs., 12.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg (grad transfer); Parker Stewart, G, 6’5”, 190 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg (transfer):
Additions: Trey McGowens, 6’3”, 170 lbs. SG #81; Sidy N’Dir, G, 6’3”, 185 lbs. (New Mexico State transfer); Xavier Johnson, G, 6’3”, 170 lbs.; Curtis Aiken, Jr., Freshman G, 6’1”, 180 lbs.; Au’Diese Toney, Freshman G, 6’6”, 170 lbs.
Returning: Jared Wilson-Frame, Sr., G/F, 6’5”, 220 lbs., 13.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg; Shamiel Stevenson, So., G/F, 6’6”, 230 lbs., 8.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg; Peace Ilegomah, So., C, 6’9”, 235 lbs.; Terrell Brown, So., F/C, 6’10”, 240 lbs., 4.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Khameron Davis, So., G, 6’4”, 195 lbs., 4.0 ppg; Malik Ellison, Jr., G, 6’6”, 215 lbs. (transfer from St. John’s sat last year); Kene Chukwuka, 6’9”, 215 lbs., Jr., 2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, Samson George, So., F, 6’7”, 220 lbs. (transfer from Iona); Monty Boykins, Sr., G, 6’5”, 195 lbs. (transfer from Layfayette); Joe Mascaro, G, 5’10”, 170 lbs. Sr.; Anthony Starzynski, G, 6’3”, 180 lbs. Jr.
#14 Georgia Tech: coach Josh Pastner has spent much of the off-season trying to clear his name in a would-be scandal that has resulted in Pastner suing a couple for attempted extortion. He may have an easier time of winning that case than winning in the ACC this coming season. Star guard, Josh Okogie, left for the NBA after his sophomore season and was a first-round pick. Center Ben Lammers finished his eligibility and leaves a big hole inside for the Yellow Jackets to fill. Georgia Tech has a roster short on experience and talent. Sophomore Jose Alvarado returns at the point and is primed to step into a leading role for the Jackets. Every other position is a huge question mark for this team that is picked by some to finish in the cellar below Pittsburgh. Pastner must hope that incoming freshman Michael DeVoe is better than advertised and that some players inside can step up to fill the other positions on the floor.
Losses: Tadric Jackson, G, 6’2”, 209 lbs., 12.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg; Ben Lammers, C, 6’10”, 227 lbs., 11.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 1.2 spg; Justin Moore, G, 6’4”, (transfer); Josh Okogie, SG, 6’4”, 207 lbs., 18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg, 38% 3 pt. FG, (early draft entry, 1st round);
Additions: Michael DeVoe, 6’5”, 187 lbs. PG #43, Shembari Phillips, G, 6’3”, 202 lbs. (transfer), Kristian Sjolund, 6’8”, 191 lbs. F, Khalid Moore, 6’7”, 187 lbs. F; James Banks, III, 6’10”, 240 lbs., Jr. F (transfer).
Returning: Abdoulaye Gueye, Sr., F, 6’9”, 211 lbs., 5.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg; Jose Alvarado, So., G, 6’0”, 160 lbs., 12.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.7 spg, 37% 3 pt. FG; Curtis Haywood, II, So., G, 6’5”, 180 lbs., 5.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg; Brandon Alston, Sr., G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 5.4 ppg; Moses Wright, So., F, 6’9”, 180 lbs., 3.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Evan Cole, So., F, 6’9”, 225 lbs., 3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg; Evan Jester, 6’6”, 180 lbs., So., F; Sylvester Ogbonda, 6’10”, 239 lbs., Jr., F; Avi Schafer, 6’8”, 231 lbs., So., C; Malachi Rice, 6’0”, 180 lbs., So., G.
#13 Wake Forest: That light, sizzling sound you hear in Winston Salem, NC is coach Danny Manning’s seat re-heating after another disappointing season in which the Demon Deacons finished 4 – 14 in conference and 11 – 20 overall. Manning lost 4 key players from last season’s team, 2 to transfer and one who declared for the NBA draft, but was not drafted. Wake’s hopes this season depend on the quick development of a couple of nice freshmen, Jaylen Hoard and Isaiah Mucius, and some good leadership from returning guard Brandon Childress. Manning added a couple of grad transfers, but needs sophomores Melo Eggleston and Olivier Sarr to develop into passable inside players, or else Wake will be competing neck-and-neck with Pitt and GA Tech for the cellar position.
Losses: Mitchell Wilbekin, G, 6’2”, 175 lbs., 8.6 ppg, 42.5% 3pt FG; Keyshawn Woods, G, 6’3”, 205 lbs., 11.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 37.4% 3pt. FG (transfer) Bryant Crawford, G, 6’3”, 200 lbs. (transfer), 16.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.5 spg, 35.8% 3pt. FG; Doral Moore, C, 7’1”, 265 lbs., (opted for draft), 11.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.0 bpg;
Additions: Torry Johnson, grad transfer, N. Arizona, 6’3”, 170 lbs., immediately eligible, 11.5 ppg; Ikenna Smart, grad transfer, Buffalo, 6’10”, 240 lbs.; Jaylen Hoard, 6’8”, 210 lbs. PF #25; Isaiah Mucius, 6’8”, 190 lbs. SF #104; Jamie Lewis, 6’3”, 190 lbs. PG; Sharone Wright, Jr., 6’5”, 180 lbs. G; Christian Lorng, PF;
Returning: Brandon Childress, Jr., G, 6’0”, 190 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.0 spg, 37.9% 3 pt. FG; Chaundee Brown, So., G, 6’5”, 215 lbs., 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Melo Eggleston, So., F/G, 6’8”, 190 lbs.; Olivier Sarr, So., C, 7’0”, 215 lbs., 3.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Sunday Okeke, Soph., 6’8” 240 lbs.; (Miles Lester, Soph., 6’0”, 170 lbs., ineligible transfer from Rice).
#12 N.C. State: Not many teams lose more players from last season’s roster than N.C. State. Kevin Keatts, in his second season as Wolfpack coach, has not had time to build his roster with young talent, thus must rely this season on a hodge-podge of transfers and returnees. N.C. State looks pretty solid in the backcourt, though, as guard Torin Dorn was granted an extra year of eligibility and Markell Johnson and Braxton Beverly return as well. Former Keatts player, high-scoring guard C.J. Bryce, is now eligible after transferring from UNC-Wilmington. Keatts likely will have a similar roster to what he had at UNC-Wilmington which hung with Virginia a couple of seasons ago in the NCAA first round. Look for the Pack to run and press with a small-ball lineup to try to take advantage of the team’s talent at guard. Post play will likely be a problem for Keatts and he must hope that someone can step up and give the Pack a consistent presence inside. Last year, Keatts parlayed a team full of veterans and transfers into a 4-way tie for 3rd place and an NCAA bid. This team will do well to make it to the NIT this season.
Losses: Abdul-Malik Abu, F, 6’8”, 240 lbs., 5.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg; Allerik Freeman, G, 6’3”, 210 lbs., 16.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 38.5% 3pt FG; Lennard Freeman, F, 6’8”, 265 lbs., 7.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg; Sam Hunt, G, 6’2”, 185 lbs., 5.5 ppg, 41.8% 3pt FG; plus transfers Darius Hicks, F, 6’7”, 230 lbs.; Lavar Batts, Jr., G, 6’2”, 170 lbs., 3.7 ppg, (transfer); Omar Yurtseven, C, 7’0”, 245 lbs., 13.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 50% 3 pt FG, (transfer.)
Additions: C.J. Bryce, Jr., G, 6’5”, 195 lbs. (transfer from UNC-Wilmington); Wyatt Walker, grad transfer, Samford, 6’8”, 230 lbs., 12.9 ppg prior season, hurt last year; Jericole Hellems 6’6”, 195 lbs. SF #128; Ian Steere, 6’9”, 261 lbs. C #136; Devon Daniels 6’5”, 190 lbs.(Utah transfer after sitting out 3 games for a conduct violation); Blake Harris 6’3”, 195 lbs. (transfer, eligible 2nd semester); Manny Bates, F/C, 6’9”, 215 lbs.; Derek Funderberk, F, 6’9”, 205 lbs. (JC transfer); Eric Lockett, G 6’5”, 189 lbs. (Fla. Int. transfer); Sacha Killeya-Jones, 6’10”, 230 lbs. F, (transfer from Kentucky, ineligible this season.)
Returning: Torin Dorn, Sr., G, 6’5”, 210 lbs., 13.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.4 apg; Markell Johnson, Jr., G, 6’1”, 165 lbs., 8.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 40.9% 3pt FG; Braxton Beverly, 6’0”, 180 lbs., 9.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 38.5% 3pt FG .
#11 Boston College: Coach Jim Christian returns his most experienced team since taking over the head-coaching job at B.C., but was dealt a huge blow when first-round NBA pick Jerome Robinson opted for the draft. Still, B.C. looks solid in the backcourt with junior Ky Bowman and senior Jordan Chatman returning. Nik Popovic and Luka Kraljevic return inside to give the Eagles some trees to compete in the ACC. Jarius Hamilton is one of Christian’s highest-rated recruits since he’s been at B.C. That’s important because B.C.’s roster has been short on ACC-level talent for some time. The big question is, can the Eagles compete night-in and night-out with the elite of the ACC in order to secure an NCAA bid, their first in some time? Probably not, but looks for the much-improved Eagles to spring some upsets and be a thorn in the side of most of their competition this season. The NIT tournament looks likely for the Eagles this season.
Losses: Jerome Robinson, G, 6’5”, 191 lbs.,20.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 40.9 % 3pt. FG (early NBA entrant, 1st round); Deonte Hawkins, 12.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg in only 8 games;
Additions: Wynston Tabbs, PG, 6’2”, 193 lbs.; Jarius Hamilton, 6’8”, 234 lbs. SF #88; Jared Hamilton, 6’4”, 203 lbs., Jr. (transfer from Georgia Southern); Chris Herren, Jr., G, 6’3”, 174 lbs. Freshman.
Returning: Ky Bowman, Jr., G, 6’1”, 188 lbs.,17.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.5 spg; Nik Popovic, Jr., C/F, 6’11”, 243 lbs., 9.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg; Jordan Chatman, Sr., G, 6’5”, 200 lbs., 12.9 ppg, 39.5 % 3pt. FG; Steffon Mitchell, So.,F, 6’7”, 222 lbs., 6.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg; Johncarlos Reyes, Jr.,C/F, 6’10”, 224 lbs.; Vin Baker, Jr., So., F, 6’7”, 184 lbs.; Luka Kraljevic, So., F, 6’10”, 229 lbs.; and 7 walkons: Avery Wilson, Ervias Meznieks, Gordon Gehan, Matt DiLuccia, Will Jackavitz, Samuel Holtze, and Bruce Bohany.
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