Originally a Class of 2019 recruit, Chris Herren Jr. reclassified and agreed to join Boston College men’s basketball this past June. At the time, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported that the 6-foot-3 guard would not be on a scholarship as a freshman—but that’s no longer the case.
Herren Jr., who is coming off a season-high 22-point outing against Fairfield, was awarded a scholarship following the Eagles’ Thursday afternoon practice to the joy of his teammates and coaching staff.
As shown in a BC Athletics video, the scholarship reveal wrapped up a post-practice team meeting, in which a holiday-inspired head coach Jim Christian handed out team gear to every single player, with the exception of Herren Jr.—he had a slightly larger gift coming his way. After pretending to forget the freshman—even saying, “is that everybody?”—Christian walked over to video coordinator Chip Cunningham and received an envelope, which he then gave to Herren Jr.
Surprised, the freshman opened it and stared at the sheet of paper inside, with all of his teammates watching in silent excitement. Following a pause and a second read, Herren Jr. announced, “it’s a scholarship.” Instantly, all of his teammates embraced him, screaming out of pure jubilation.
“I was happy to award Chris a scholarship because he has proven to be a high-caliber young man who fits the culture of our program to a tee,” Christian told BCEagles.com. “It has as much to do with the way he carries himself off the court as the way he has played on the court. I am so proud of him.”
In his first 11 collegiate games, Herren Jr. has averaged 5.0 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 13 minutes per contest. Ever since the start of the Fort Myers Tip-Off, though, he has seen an increased role in the Eagles’ offense. In fact, in the past eight games, Herren Jr. has logged 14.8 minutes per game and eclipsed the 25-minute mark on two separate occasions, making his first two career starts against Columbia and Fairfield in place of the injured Jordan Chatman (ankle).
During that eight-game span, Herren Jr. has shot 10-of-22 from beyond the arc. Of the five Eagles who have attempted 20-plus 3-pointers this season, the freshman is by and far the most accurate. Herren Jr.’s 45.8 percent clip is eight-plus points higher than BC’s next best sharpshooter, Wynston Tabbs. But, in the Eagles’ 10-point win over the Stags, Herren Jr. proved that he’s more than just a perimeter threat. In 35 minutes of action, the Portsmouth, R.I. native showed that he can not only convert catch-and-shoot opportunities on the wing, but that he can also create his shot and keep his head up in transition.
“Definitely starting last game and gradually getting more minutes, I have been able to get more confident and comfortable playing out there,” Herren Jr. said after the game. “It’s slowed down in my head. I think that’s the biggest problem a lot of freshmen have.”
Herren Jr. looks the mold of an up-and-coming Division I two guard, and now he has the scholarship to show for it.
Featured Image by Maggie DiPatri / Heights Editor
