O'Brien says he's staying at BU
Boston University forward Jake O'Brien, the reigning America East Rookie of the Year, spent the last few weeks uncertain of where he wanted to continue his basketball career. He was contemplating transferring after BU replaced 15-year coach Dennis Wolff with former Villanova assistant Pat Chambers.
But yesterday, BU announced O'Brien, a 6-foot-8-inch former Globe All-Scholastic from BC High, would return for his sophomore season. "Ultimately, it was just a gut instinct," O'Brien said. "I've seen a lot of schools over the last month, and it showed me what I really wanted."
O'Brien averaged 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, setting a school freshman record for minutes with 1,043.
O'Brien said Xavier and Saint Joseph's were transfer options, with Xavier being "very persistent." He admitted to being "very close" to transferring, but said his decision to stay was based on more than just basketball.
"It's definitely a big picture," said O'Brien. "Academically, there are not many places better than BU. My friends are here. Playing in Boston is like playing in my backyard, everyone is here."
As a junior at BC High, O'Brien led the Eagles to a 25-0 record and Division 1 state championship. In his senior year, he won the Catholic Conference MVP after averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
Last season under Wolff, BU went 17-13, the Terriers' first winning season since 2005.
"I was close to transferring," said O'Brien. "After Coach Wolff got fired, I had second thoughts. But I've built a good relationship with Coach Chambers.'
O'Brien's return solidifies a talented nucleus for BU, including first-team all-America East honorees Corey Lowe and John Holland.
"There is a lot of talent here and I think we have a good opportunity to win the America East," O'Brien said.
