Bowman made the right decision

Congratulations to Ky Bowman. Although the BC guard wasn't drafted, he did sign a deal with the Golden State Warriors. Given the Warriors' depleted roster and their need for cheap talent in the hopes of retaining Thompson and Durant, Bowman should get a legitimate shot at making the team. The difference between being a first round pick and a second is bigger than being a second round pick and an undrafted free agent. Second round picks are discarded by NBA teams all the time. The other blessing for Bowman is the renewed commitment to the G-League. Teams actually use it for true development now. It is not lucrative nor glamorous, but if the Warriors send him down, he will have a chance to comeback.

I don't know if Bowman will bother completing his BC degree. I would hope he does. Even in professional basketball, he would probably need it in most post-playing jobs (coaching, front office, etc). I know BC does help these guys the best they can with completing course work in the offseason or through distance opportunities. 

Despite a happy ending, I wish BC would be at the forefront of a rule change to allow players to return if they are not drafted in the NBA or NFL (call it the Hamp Cheevers rule). If BC is going to take a stand on paying players, why not make this stand too? Give players the chance to earn in the real world, but return if they change their mind or are given bad advice. If this is truly about developing them or giving them an education, changing that rule would seem like the something BC should believe in and support. 

I hope Bowman has a great career. He was fun the watch the past few years and I thank him for what he did for BC.

Bowman's departure confirms Christian's lame duck status

After BC's season fizzled out, some speculated that Ky Bowman might return in an effort to improve his standing among NBA scouts. Obviously he felt that leaving now made the most sense. While some disagree with me, I think Bowman's departure seals Jim Christian's fate at BC.

The only good news for Christian is that BC's little depth is on the perimeter. Some combination of Tabbs and the incoming freshmen will be able to backfill Bowman's minutes and some of his productivity. What is unknown and in my opinion unlikely, is that any will command enough attention to change what the other team does. Bowman had some off nights, but every time he had the ball, he shifted what the other team would and could do defensively. That opened things up for others and when needed, Bowman could just keep the ball and get off a decent shot.

And yet even with someone as skilled and respected as Bowman, Christian couldn't piece together a winning season. How will he now with less experience and arguably less talent? Maybe Pop's D improves...maybe Tabbs takes a huge leap and stays healthy...maybe one of the new guys proves to be great. But here we are again hoping that everything breaks Christian's way in order for BC to have a competitive season. Hoping is not how you build an ACC program.

Ironically Bowman's saga at BC can be seen as an indictment against Jim Christian's ability to run an elite basketball program. Finding Bowman deep in the heart of ACC country is the type of skill a staff at BC needs. We need to find guys others overlook and turn them into stars. The diamonds in the rough concept was the foundation of Skinner's best days and was critical to some of BC's best teams in the '70s and early '80s. But finding those guys is only Step 1. A truly successful coach would find those types and then actual build a roster and a program around them. Christian has shown he is missing that skill.

Bowman officially gone

Last year when Ky Bowman entered the NBA Draft, he didn't hire an agent so that he could come back to BC for his junior year. This year, he left no wiggle room. He has an agent and will not play college basketball again.

I wish Bowman nothing but the best of luck. He has been one of the few bright spots in a frustrating decade of BC Basketball. It looks like the NBA remains a long shot, but maybe he will impress through his workout process. He will have professional options somewhere.

Bowman saves best for last in win over Wake

KY BOWMAN FOR THE LEAD

HOW DID HE DO THIS?@BCMBB | @ACCMBB pic.twitter.com/Fwuk13bVrh

— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) January 26, 2019

For all the issues I've raised with Christian, sometimes coaching is as simple as have the better players. That is sort of how the Wake game played out. BC trailed for stretches of the second half, but in the closing minutes our best players made plays and their didn't. Bowman's dagger set the tone, but Pop and Mitchell were key late too.

BC is back at it this week against Syracuse. Let's hope Tabbs is healthy and all the guys come to play.

Basketball wins Fort Myers Tip-off

I don't know if you want to call anything a bounce back, but BC slightly redeemed themselves after last week's terrible loss to IUPUI by defeating Loyola-Chicago to win the Fort Myers Tip-off. As holiday tournaments go, this isn't the Maui Invitational, but it did involve BC winning multiple games in a neutral site against some solid mid-majors. Baby steps, I guess.

The good thing about this game is that they played well with Bowman on the bench for most of the first half. Loyola did not shoot well, but some of it was due to BC's defense. Chatman filled the void and played much better than he did against Wyoming.

Do we know what to expect from this team yet? No. But we will have more answers next week against Minnesota. 

Bowman goes off in BC win

BC bounced back after last week's disaster, with a win over Wyoming. BC will now face Loyola in the tourney finals. But none of it was easy. Bowman blew the game open in the first half and then had to take over again as BC let the Cowboys back in the game. Bowman finished with 38.

Reyes also had a career day since he was our only healthy big. But even he fouled out. Mitchell was okay, but the rest of the roster was wanting. Chatman was ice cold. The young guys made lots of mistakes and forced lots of bad shots.

Bowman is not going to be able to score 38 a night. Other guys need to step up, starting Wednesday.

Christian, Bowman, Chatman talk about the season

The guys are down in North Carolina for the ACC Media Days. Here is their opening press conference. Nothing ground breaking but it seems like Christian and the players are very optimistic about the upcoming season.

Bowman getting media push

It didn't take long for the media to turn their attention from the new Clipper Jerome Robinson, to returning BC Eagle Ky Bowman. The Herald is just the latest to feature him, but he's been in the Globe and in a bunch of College Hoops previews. Most have glowing quotes from Christian. Bowman deserves the attention, but this sort of push doesn't come without BC's help. 

I like that they are pushing him. Perhaps it was part of a promise that if he returned, he would be one of the most well known -- and respected players -- in the ACC. I hope it also is a signal of a big season and that Christian and BC think this team can exceed expectations.

Bowman back

After weeks of waiting, we now know that Ky Bowman is returning to play college basketball next year.

With the return of an elite player, what should the expectations be for him and his teammates? I think Bowman will be first team All ACC and has the chance to lead the conference in scoring and assists. If he plays that well, BC will be a .500 team in conference and likely return to the Tournament.

If Bowman doesn't play that well next year, then you have to question where he will stand with NBA teams. He met with plenty this go around. They see his size and understand his game. All that is missing is an explosive season and proof that he can make his teammates better.

While the system isn't fair, I wish Bowman nothing but the best. He's been fun to watch. I now just want a happy ending.

Deadline nears, speculation about Bowman grows

This is what we know -- Ky Bowman has until 11:59 ET Wednesday to declare his decision with the NCAA (and BC). He worked out for the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday. That's all we officially know. However, speculation remains rampant. Two separate tweets ( here and here) said that he is highly likely to come back to BC.

BC has one basketball scholarship left. It would seem that the staff is holding it for him. We will know shortly if he will be using it.

I know nothing officially. I just hope that he makes the best decision under the circumstances. Regardless of how the workouts have gone, not getting a Combine invite is a bad indicator of NBA interest.

A note about the NBA Combine

This article from Michigan is directed at Michigan and Michigan State players who, like Bowman, declared for the NBA Draft yet didn't get invited to the Combine. The most important part is this:

Most prospects in that situation opt to return to school -- a total of 130 players have withdrawn from the draft in the last two years. But 47 of those players have opted stayed in the draft despite no combine invitation. None of those 47 players were drafted.

I don't know where Bowman's head is or what the teams are telling him, but the odds are not in his favor. He is looking at being an undrafted free agent or maybe a second rounder. That is a tough road to make in as a NBA player. As unfair as the system might be, I think another year at BC is better than the G League or going to Europe.

What Bowman's NBA workout tour means

We know from Ky Bowman's own Instagram that he worked out for the OKC Thunder. Now there are reports that the Houston Rockets are going to bring him in for a private session too. This is all good news for him but not great news for BC.

Houston and OKC have been two of the better franchises when it comes to using second round picks. Both convert those options into contributors. Based on being passed over for the Combine we know that Bowman is not viewed as a first rounder. But these long looks from smart teams might lead him to gamble on being a second round pick.

The downside for Bowman as a second rounder would be less money. One more strong year would probably get him into the first round next year.

I am still holding out hope for a BC return but the more interest he gets, the less likely that becomes.

Bowman not invited to NBA Combine

As we try to guess what will happen with Ky Bowman, the NBA has sent a pretty big signal that he is not likely to be drafted. He was not invited to the pre Draft combine. (Jerome Robinson was among the 69 invited.) If Bowman is a long shot to be drafted, coming back to BC makes much more sense.

With Robinson gone and some young talent coming in, Bowman will be the primary offense. He can show the NBA everything in his game and also prove that he can carry a team.

Bowman has until May 30 to make his decision.

ACC adds Bowman highlight reel

The ACC Network didn't waste any time on the Bowman news. They put out a highlight reel to match Robinson's from earlier this spring. This doesn't mean that they know anything or that some good dunks and drives will be enough to get him drafted. I think the Network is just anticipating that more people will be looking for footage of him than they were a week ago.

I'm not freaking out about Bowman and Robinson

I've been travelling so I wasn't able to jump on the news that both Robinson and Bowman are testing the waters for the NBA Draft. (For those not up to speed on this, it means that they are not signing with an agent, are looking for feedback and can still return to college during the appropriate window.) Robinson's decision has been rumored for weeks. Bowman's was a bit of a surprise. But in the end, I think both need to do what's right for their respective careers. My big concern in all of this remains Jim Christian.

I know Christian has dealt with some difficult circumstances and has BC seemingly headed in the right direction. However, in my opinion he has yet to show that he is anything special and can take us to the next level. For every Duke win, there are some frustratingly bad losses. For every great play out of a timeout, there are huge defensive lapses. Is he a bad coach? No. Is he a great coach? I don't think so. So like any above average coach, he is going to need to recruit and develop talent. Bowman and Robinson are two guys he and his staff deserve credit for recruiting and developing. But if that is the end of the talent pipeline or its apex, then we have the wrong coach. I am not expecting BC to grab lottery pick after lottery pick, but borderline first rounders shouldn't be rare. If BC is ever going to sustain success under Christian, he needs at least one player maturing to an NBA first rounder every year.

If Robinson and Bowman return, Christian should have a Top 25 team. If just Bowman returns, he should have a team that can go .500 in ACC play. If neither returns, then he needs to avoid another flame out.

I wish nothing but the best for Bowman and Robinson. They are fun players and I hope they are not done. But either way, if Christian can't find others like them, then that is BC's real problem.

Bowman carries BC on Day 1 of ACC Tourney

BC has two great players and one pretty good one (Chatman). The beauty of an elimination tournament is that if any one of them get real hot, that player can carry the team to victory. That's pretty much what happened in the ACC Tournament Opener, as Ky Bowman scored 26 in BC's win over Georgia Tech. Bowman's efficient day helped offset Robinson's off day. The ACC first teamer went 5-17 from the field. Popovic also played well.

Georgia Tech looked terrible. If BC had shot well from 3 or cut back on turnovers, BC would have won by 20+.

Because of the back-to-back nature of the tournament, Christian had to give more minutes to his bench and guys like Baker and Reyes were productive.

BC plays NC State Wednesday afternoon. That's a winnable game. We will just need someone to get hot again.

A history on how BC ended up with a few North Carolina players

Jerome Robinson is looking at first team All ACC honors and Ky Bowman probably has a future on the team next year. Both are North Carolina natives and both were ignored by their home state ACC schools. How that happened and how they ended up at BC is part of a great article by Joe Giglio.

After reading the history, you realize how much of recruiting can be luck and timing. While the best players like Lebron James are easy to identify at an early age, other like Steph Curry (who also didn't have ACC offers) develop later or have skills that are harder to appreciate over size and strength. Plus -- and this is a factor in football too -- the stockpile of talent at the best schools leaves great players on the bench not playing. Those scenarios enable a player on a less talented team to develop and grow.

The other big takeaway is how critical Scott Spinelli is to Christian's success. In both cases, his network and his legwork put these players on BC's radar. I have real questions about Christian's ability to build a long-term winner at BC, but don't doubt Spinelli's ability to find and recruit talent. (Maybe the wrong guy is in charge.)

Watching Robinson and Bowman develop has been fun. I hope they keep growing as players and we find a few more just like them in ACC country.

Optimism abounds at ACC Basketball Media Day

I can't think of another program that gets this much positive press coming off just two conference wins (and zero wins the prior year). But if you read through the various article and interviews from the ACC Basketball Media Day, you would think BC is a contender.

I am not trying to be a Grinch. There are some positives. BC looked good in their exhibition against Bryant last weekend. Bowman and Robinson might not be the best backcourt in the country, but they are good. Bowman might be a special player who will take a huge leap forward. Hawkins could be a good enough front court player to take advantage of all the potential opportunities there.

My hope is that it all clicks for BC Basketball this year, to the point where we are competitive in all the ACC games. Last year's bright spots, like beating Auburn at MSG, were reminders of how fun BC Basketball can be. Bowman is likable and has more personality than any player from the Donahue era. I can get behind him and the team. I pray we are not on the path to another year of frustration and disappointment.

BC Basketball hype pops up amidst ND talk

Wednesday saw a tweet flurry from CBS's Jon Rothstein after sitting in on a BC practice. Combined with other media gossip and there are plenty of College Hoops writers expecting BC to make a big leap this year. Back in the Skinner days, I would take these sorts of leaks as a sure thing. Now, I have my doubts. Even with added talent, I don't know if there is enough for BC to break through and even be a middle of the pack ACC team.

What I did find interesting from Rothstein is the idea that BC might go with positionless basketball

The theme around BC practice today? Positionless basketball. Eagles have interchangeable pieces. Similar in mold to SMU last season.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) September 13, 2017

This is not a new concept, just new to BC. Plenty of college and pro teams basically play with wings, big and a ball handler, many of whom can be interchanged. The challenge BC will have is with regards to D. If they put their best five out on the court together, who will guard the other team's big, inside players? Positionless basketball will work against less talented teams, but against the elite teams with size, we better hope BC makes a ton of three-pointers.

Bahamas basketball trip starts off well

Every few years, NCAA basketball programs are allowed to take a summer trip. This year, Christian took the guys to the Bahamas. The caliber of basketball might not be as high as some of the European or Asian trips, BC and other schools have taken, but it is probably less expensive. A cheap confidence boost is just what this team needs.

On Saturday, they won their first game in the Bahamas. It was against the CTG Knights (whom I had never heard of prior to this game). The Knights made it interesting mid-way through the second half, but BC pulled away. The scoring went as expected with Robinson, Bowman, and Chapman leading the way. Newbie Stefon Mitchell chipped in too.

BC plays their next game Monday night. I hope they keep it rolling.