NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top 25 teams for 2018-19

22. Boston College Eagles 19-16 (7-11)

2017-18 postseason result: NIT First Round

Key losses: None

Key returnees: SR Jerome Robinson (20.7 ppg) – JR Ky Bowman (17.6 ppg)

The overall record doesn’t show it, but Boston College made very good progress this year under head coach Jim Christian. They won some games in the ACC including the home opener versus Duke, as well as being able to play in the postseason.

But this could finally be the year the Eagles make it back to the NCAA Tournament, having all five starters back from a year ago. They have arguably the best backcourt in the ACC with Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson, and Jordan Chatman is a lethal three-point shooter.

The biggest development came in the frontcourt, with freshmen Steffon Mitchell and Nik Popovic getting valuable experience. Boston College was close to unbeatable when the two of them played well. Expect both of them being more consistent in year two.

Two things to look for in the coming weeks. First being that Robinson is for sure coming back (does have some NBA interest). The other being former Illinois State grad transfer Deontae Hawkins possible return. He missed most of the season with a knee injury and could get a medical redshirt, adding even more depth down low.