FanPost

On the future of the basketball program

A few eyebrows were raised about comments that the Jim Christian experience has now been validated. For me, making the NCAA tournament next year doesn't do that. But building the possibility for sustained success does. And I think JC can make a case.

First, regarding 2018-19, this is a top 25 team next year. Even without Robinson, it's probably an NCAA tournament team. Hamilton will be our 3rd best player the moment he steps on campus. Mitchell is going to get a lot better. And Pop has finally figured it out.

But looking to the 2019-20 season, it should be Ky's senior year. Look at this starting 5:

1. Ky (all ACC-first team); 2. Tabbs 3. Hamilton 4. Mitchell 5. Popovich. That's a really good starting 5, coming off an NCAA tournament. Plus whatever freshmen come in. Plus VBJ, Reyes, and I think Hamilton's brother will still be here.

Christian has been able to get highly ranked recruits. He's been able to find diamonds in the rough. And, here's the key, he's been able to develop guys. Chatman has turned into a really good player. Popovich has been very good for two solid months. VBJ looks like he's on the cusp of figuring it out.

Everybody is excited about Hamilton, but we're totally under-rating how much Tabbs will make a difference. First, he can play the point, so Ky doesn't have to conserve so much energy. Instead of going 40 minutes, he can go 34. Chatman will be a sniper, but he'll play around 25mpg. That's the role he should be in. That's a huge deal, and it will help BC be a lot better on defense.

Hamilton and Tabbs will come in, and immediately be part of a winning culture. And the exposure BC is getting now, + what they will get next year as a team with buzz, will make it 100x easier for Spinelli and JC on the recruiting trail. Want to play in the ACC for a team that dances with regularity? Come here! Boston fans are fickle, but when they know they have a winner, they show up. Conte will be electric next year.

Donahoe looked like he had a good team his first year, but the Anderson class just didn't stay together. Likewise, transfers and expulsions (S Williams/Akida McClain/Marquez Haynes) killed what should have been a smooth handing of the baton from Rice to Reggie Jackson. Things can go sideways quickly in college bball. But this team is set up nicely. And when coaches start getting fired in about 3 days, BC will be nicely positioned to pick up a wing or big who can help right away.

I'm more optimistic than I've been in a decade. A good offseason is all that stands between a great run of BC basketball returning to relevance.