Boston College Men’s Basketball: Get To Know the Sophomores

Peter took you through the freshmen class yesterday. Now it’s time to delve deep into BC men’s basketball’s sophomores...

Steffon Mitchell

#41, Forward

Shakopee, MN

First Year Contributions: Mitchell started 27 of 35 games for the Eagles last season, and was the mostly solid contributor of his class. He averaged 6.4 PPG on 42% shooting, mostly from two. His biggest roles were rebounding (8.3 RBG) and rim protection defense (he led the team the 35 blocks).

2018-19 Outlook: Mitchell will have a little more competition this season with the addition of 4-star forward Jairus Hamilton. His maturity, defensive IQ, and rebounding are strengths that can keep him in the lineup. The biggest hole in his game is offensive. He can’t allow opposing teams to slack off him and double team the guards defensively. If he can make himself a threat to shoot outside, he will be even more valuable in his sophomore season.

Luka Kraljevic

#13, Forward

Domzale, Slovenia

First Year Contributions: Kraljevic played in 31 games last season and averaged 9.4 minutes. His competence on defensive rotations earned him increased minutes in the spring, and he looked like a solid defender in the paint. He averaged 1.5 rebounds and points per game.

2018-19 Outlook: Besides Mitchell, Kraljevic was the freshman who I had the most confidence in last year. While he made some mistakes, he showed improvement in his decision making on offense and in his interior defense as the season progressed. If he continues on that trajectory, he should be a solid contributor off the bench this season, sharing minutes with Popovic, Mitchell, and Hamilton.

Vin Baker Jr.

#11, Forward

Old Saybrook, CT

First Year Contributions: Baker got into 29 games last season He showed some flashes on offense with his ball handling and shot, but missed out on more playing time because he was somewhat of a liability on defense. He averaged 1.9 points in 7.2 minutes per game.

2018-19 Outlook: Vin Baker Jr. appears to be someone with upside who needed a year to adjust to college ball. He’s a sneaky pick to make a big step forward this year. That step would have to include commitment to defense first and foremost. If he can show competence on that end of the floor, Coach Christian may be able to work him into the rotation.

Avery Wilson

#2, Guard

Forest Park, GA

First Year Contributions: Wilson averaged 3.3 minutes over 18 games. He shot 8-for-14, and 2-for-3 from deep, but coughed up 9 turnovers in his limited minutes.

2018-19 Outlook: Playing behind three proven ACC guards in Robinson, Bowman, and Chatman last year, Wilson did not get a chance to to see substantial playing time. He struggled mightily when his number was called and it is hard to imagine him ahead of newcomer Wynston Tabbs on this year’s depth chart. He needs to show substantial improvement on both ends to get off the bench this year.

Will Jackowitz

#24, Forward/Center

Wellesley, MA

Sam Holtze

#30, Guard

Manhattan Beach, CA

Mac Bohuny

#55, Guard/Forward

Ridgewood, NJ

First Year Contributions: I’m grouping Bohuny, Holtze, and Jackowitz togethr because they each got into two games last season. Holtze and Jackowitz did not make it onto the score sheet, but Bohuny recorded an assist.

2018-19 Outlook: These guys will see their minutes at the end of blowouts. Hopefully BC will have a few of those and these bench players will get a chance to score their first points.

Let us know your predictions for the men’s basketball sophs, and check back this week for Pat and Matt’s in depth look at the juniors and seniors!