Boston College
2017-18 record: 19-16, 7-11 in the ACC
Head coach: Jim Christian
Tenure at Boston College: 5th season
Career coaching record: 290-237
Home court: Conte Forum
Starters: G Ky Bowman, G Jordan Chatman, F Steffon Mitchell, F Nik Popovic, F Johncarlos Reyes
Bench: G Avery Wilson, G Matt Bohuny, F Luka Kraljevic, F Vin Baker Jr., F Ervins Meznieks
Overview: The Eagles return nearly their entire roster from last season with the lone departure being leading scorer Jerome Robinson, who averaged better than 20 points per game to finish behind only Duke's Marvin Bagley III in the ACC. Boston College may have a superstar of its own, however, in Bowman, who withdrew from the NBA Draft this June in order to remain an Eagle. Bowman was arguably Boston College's best all-around player during the 2017-18 season, finishing with 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals per contest.
The Eagles should continue to use their experience to help them move closer towards the middle of the conference after finishing in the basement of the ACC during the 2016-17 season and improving upon that mark by five victories last season.
However, the road will be tough as the ACC appears to be as loaded as ever entering this season. After nonconference battles against Minnesota, Providence and Texas A&M, the Eagles will have eight matchups against teams ranked in the AP's preseason poll. That list also does not include road matchups against Louisville, Notre Dame and N.C. State, which are tough places for anyone to play. Thus, it could be tough for Boston College to repeat least year's relative success.
One thing that needs to go right: Bowman continues to build on his outstanding 2017-18 season and becomes one of the nation's best offensive players.
One thing that could go wrong: The Eagles fail to improve and are overwhelmed by the challenge that comes with their ACC schedule.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.