Updated Apr. 15, 9:20 p.m.: Sophomore Will Magarity will not be returning to Boston College next year. The forward from Stockholm, Sweden confirmed that he was granted a release from the school and can transfer immediately, though he has to sit out the 2015-2016 season in compliance with NCAA transfer rules.
Magarity averaged 3.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in just over 15 minutes per game last season. His shooting percentage took a serious hit from his freshman to sophomore year, dropping from 50 percent to 39.7 percent. The offensively-inclined power forward suffered a concussion halfway through his sophomore season and never fully recovered to get consistent time in Christian’s system.
“Under the current circumstances, I have decided moving from BC is in my best interests at this time,” Magarity said in an email on Wednesday.
Magarity added that he does not have a list of possible transfer destinations in mind, and that his plans are “open.”
Boston College junior guard Olivier Hanlan will declare for the 2015 NBA Draft, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com.
Givony reported the news on Monday, which was then backed up by ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. BC Athletics confirmed this on Wednesday afternoon.
Hanlan is looking to become the third active BC player in the NBA, joining Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Jared Dudley, who played for BC from 2003-2007, and Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson, who played for the Eagles from 2008-2011.
Hanlan averaged 19.5 points per game in 2014-2015, the highest total in the ACC and 21st in the nation. An All-ACC First Team selection, Hanlan scored 30 or more points four times this season while still keeping his shooting percentage above 45 percent.
“I am extremely grateful for the experiences I have had and the friendships I have made over the past three years and look forward to taking this next step in my career,” Hanlan said in a press release. “Although my time at BC is coming to an end, I know I will always be an Eagle at heart.”
The Aylmer, Quebec native was recruited to BC by former head coach Steve Donahue, and was one of few contributing players to remain with the Eagles after Donahue was fired last spring.
After winning ACC Rookie of the Year in his freshman season, Hanlan made the All-ACC Third Team as a sophomore. Hanlan’s status was followed closely last year, as he was considered a prime candidate to either declare for the draft or transfer to another school. He ultimately decided to return for his third year in maroon and gold.
Despite his personal stellar play, the team struggled mightily during Hanlan’s three years on the Heights. The Eagles’ combined record from 2012-2015 was 37-60, and Hanlan did not miss a game during that stretch, and averaged an astounding 37.6 minutes per game as a junior.
Current head coach Jim Christian will now only be left with one returning starter from last season, center and rising senior Dennis Clifford. Fellow big man Idy Diallo and highflyer Garland Owens will likely both compete to fill spots in the starting lineup, but neither player has shown consistent production in his first two years at BC.
“Olivier has been an absolute joy to work with over this past year both on and off the court,” Christian said in a press release. “I cannot thank him enough for all he did for me personally and for our program during my first season as head coach at Boston College.”
With college basketball’s National Signing Day today, Christian will likely have to be very active in replacing Hanlan, Lonnie Jackson (who decided to transfer in February), and eight graduating seniors.
Featured Image by Drew Hoo / Heights Editor
