Days after completing his freshman year at Boston University, Jake O'Brien, a former Globe All-Scholastic in basketball from BC High, is considering transferring.
O'Brien said yesterday he visited Xavier last week and will visit Saint Joseph's Monday and Tuesday. The University of Miami is also a possibility, as is remaining at BU under new coach Patrick Chambers. Xavier and Saint Joseph's are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Miami plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"I'm exploring my options at this point and seeing what works best for me," said O'Brien.
BU finished this past season 17-13, its first winning campaign since 2005, and O'Brien, a 6-foot-8-inch forward, was a big part of that success. Playing for coach Dennis Wolff, O'Brien set the BU freshman record for minutes with 1,043. He started 29 of 30 games and averaged 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds.
O'Brien was the Catholic Conference MVP in 2007-08, when he averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He was a three-time Catholic Conference All-Star and in his junior year BC High went 25-0 and won the Division 1 state championship.
A veteran of the recruiting process, O'Brien understands the process ahead.
"You have to make sure it seems like a good fit," he said. "You have to make sure the coach is interested in you. I don't want to be just another guy on the roster. You have to look at the location and if you're willing to go away from home. I'd like to play at a higher level."
Even with his interest in playing at a higher level, BU remains an option. O'Brien has spoken with Chambers.
"Obviously I know the school, the academics, and the city life," said O'Brien. "He has goals set in place, which are different from what was in place last year."
Wolff was fired in March after his 15th season. Chambers is a former assistant coach at Villanova.
"Ultimately, it's my decision," said O'Brien, who turns 20 on Wednesday.
He expects to make that decision by the end of next week.
Bob Holmes can be reached at rholmes@globe.com 
