In the competitive landscape of college basketball, significant storylines are emerging ahead of the season. One notable narrative is the rise of Donald Hand Jr. as a pivotal player for Boston College, while UMass transitions into the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Donald Hand Jr.’s Journey at Boston College
Donald Hand Jr., a 6-foot-5 guard, has been capturing attention with his scoring ability. Coach Earl Grant commends Hand’s playmaking skills and urges him to enhance his overall game. “I would like to see him round out his game as a complete player,” Grant stated.
Looking ahead, Hand has high hopes for Boston College this season. He confidently predicted that the Eagles would finish in the top five of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), stating, “We fear nobody.” Alongside Hand, key players such as guard Fred Payne and forward Jayden Hastings are expected to contribute significantly.
New Additions and Team Dynamics
- Boden Kapke, a 6-11 forward from Butler
- Chase Forte, a 6-4 guard from South Dakota
- Aidan Shaw, a 6-9 forward from Missouri
- Jason Asemota, a 6-8 forward from Baylor
With a blend of returning talent and new transfers, Boston College aims to prove doubters wrong, especially after being voted last in the ACC preseason poll.
UMass Joins the MAC
The University of Massachusetts is gearing up for a promising season under coach Frank Martin. After a challenging previous year, Martin believes this squad may be the best shooting team he has coached. Last season, UMass struggled with a 3-point shooting percentage of just 28.1%, ranking 354th out of 355 teams nationwide.
Key Players and Expectations
Notable players include:
- Marcus Banks Jr. – a transfer who boasts 247 career 3-pointers
- Leonardo Bettiol – average of 13.1 points per game last season
- Veterans Daniel Hankins-Sanford and Jayden Ndjigue – expected to step up
This year, UMass will debut in the MAC with optimism, focusing on team play and improved shooting. Coach Martin noted, “This team’s been fun to be around right now.” The team aims to shift its identity from last year’s struggles to a more promising future.
Other Noteworthy Programs and Players
Harvard’s Chandler Piggé emerges as a standout leader, recognized for his versatility and scoring ability. Coach Tommy Amaker emphasized Piggé’s critical role: “He’s our heart and soul.” With a core of talented players, Harvard seeks to push beyond potential this season.
In Merrimack, coach Joe Gallo faces challenges with a deep roster. With 10 players vying for minutes, Gallo is exploring innovative strategies to maximize team dynamics. “I’d like to get out and capitalize on some of our stops,” he said.
Meanwhile, UMass Lowell is starting fresh with a revamped roster as coach Pat Duquette noted, “We don’t return a single point, rebound, assist — nothing.” Despite the drastic turnaround, he remains focused on bringing the team to the NCAA Tournament.
The upcoming college basketball season promises to be dynamic, with Donald Hand Jr. making strides at Boston College and UMass looking to excel in the MAC. As these teams prepare for competition, they carry the aspirations and hopes of their respective communities.
