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Boston College standout G Olivier Hanlan will return to the Heights for his Junior season, rather than enter the NBA Draft. First reported by Hoops Hype Canada, Hanlan confirmed the news this morning in a text to Tom Layman of the Boston Herald:
In a text Olivier Hanlan writes: "Not trying to make a bid deal about this but it's just to confirm I will be back at BC next year." #BC
— Tom Layman (@Tom_Layman) April 16, 2014
Hanlan's status had been in question since early March, when The Boston Globe revealed the 2013 ACC Rookie of the Year was exploring his professional prospects. While it's unclear what role recent conversations with Jim Christian played in Hanlan's decision, this news represents a major victory for BC's new head coach. With F Ryan Anderson on his way out and indications that G Joe Rahon will transfer as well, Christian faced the prospect of having to replace the team's top three scorers, rebounders, and minutes leaders all in his first season had Hanlan decided to leave. Christian still faces an uphill battle in rebuilding the basketball program, but that task will be a bit less daunting with the Eagles' best player remaining in the fold at least one more season.
Hanlan followed his breakout Freshman campaign with a statistically stellar season in 2013-14, earning Third Team All-ACC honors. The Sophomore combo guard led or was second for BC in every major statistical category, including scoring (1st - 18.5 ppg), total rebounds (T-2nd - 110), assists (2nd - 93), and steals (T-1st - 25). Advanced metrics reinforce his importance to the Eagles, as Hanlan led the team in win Shares (3.5), points produced (557), and was second in player efficiency rating (22.5). At times it appeared Hanlan was actually too deferential to teammates, particularly early in games, in his efforts to become more of a distributor. Next season - without Anderson and Rahon - he'll have to impose his will on the action even more.
Welcome back, Olivier!