Solo Bowman leader for BC
Without Robinson, Eagles still dangerous
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Boston College’s Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson were more than just basketball teammates the past two seasons.
They formed a backcourt linked so closely by their common roots and their ability to play off one another that one rarely was mentioned without the other.
Between them, the North Carolina natives led the Eagles in scoring in all but four games last season. But with Robinson’s early departure to the NBA, the dynamic duo has been broken up, leaving Bowman to fend for himself as the team’s most recognizable star.
“It’s going to be weird,” Bowman said yesterday at the ACC media day. “But it’s also going to be different knowing (Robinson) isn’t always going to be there. It’s important for me going into my junior year, as a veteran, knowing that my leadership is the biggest thing that’s going to help our team improve.”
It’s not as if Bowman will be alone on the court. He’ll be surrounded by talented players. Other than Robinson and graduate transfer Deontae Hawkins, who was limited to just seven games because of a knee injury, everyone else who contributed to last season’s 19-16 record is back.
It’s a group that will take the floor with renewed confidence and momentum coming off a strong finish to 2017-18 in which BC beat Syracuse and won twice at the ACC tournament before suffering a season-ending loss to Western Kentucky in the opening round of the NIT.
“The way we ended last year showed that we’re capable of beating anybody anytime,” Bowman said. “We just have to believe in ourselves and believe in our coaching staff, and know that we have the tools to be an elite team.”
Bowman averaged 17.6 points per game last season, second only to Robinson’s 20.7. He also led the team with 165 assists and 51 steals.
Although he’s capable of producing even more than he already has, as witnessed by his 30-point performance at Duke last season and a 33-point outburst at North Carolina as a freshman, Eagles coach Jim Christian doesn’t want his star guard trying to make up for the loss of Robinson alone.
Bowman should have plenty of help from fellow returnees Jordan Chatman, Nick Popovic and sophomore forward Steffon Mitchell, who came on strong during the second half last season.
Christian also is counting on freshmen Jairus Hamilton, another North Carolina native, and Wynston Tabbs to make contributions.
“Anytime somebody like Jerome walks out the door, it’s like, ‘How are you going to replace him?’” Christian said. “Well, you don’t replace him. Somebody else grows, and what he gave you is absorbed throughout the roster.
“We’re lucky enough to have a guy back like Ky who is a dynamic player. Now what he needs to do is what he should have learned from Jerome. And that is consistency. Ky has had some great moments, now he has to do it consistently and make the game easier for other guys. He’s the catalyst.”