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Former St. John’s commit headed to Boston College

Jim Christian

AP Photo

AP

With multiple players from their backcourt, most notably Olivier Hanlan, moving on Boston College was in a position where they could use some additional depth heading into the 2015-16 season. Wednesday afternoon head coach Jim Christian picked up another piece, as 6-foot-3 shooting guard Sammy Barnes-Thompkins verbally committed to the ACC program.

News of Barnes-Thompkins’ commitment was first reported by Rivals.com. He’s the fourth commitment in the Class of 2015 for Boston College, and while all four players are perimeter prospects that’s an area where the Eagles were in need of additional depth.

Barnes-Thompkins joins fellow guards Jerome Robinson, A.J. Turner and Matt Milon in the class, with all three of those players having signed a National Letter of Intent. The Phoenix native originally committed to St. John’s, but reopened his recruitment in the aftermath of the school relieving Steve Lavin of his head coaching duties. St. John’s has since hired Chris Mullin as its new head coach.

Boston College will be a very young team in 2015-16, with rising junior Garland Owens and rising senior Dennis Clifford being their most experienced players. In addition to Hanlan, five perimeter players were either seniors or graduate students in 2014-15 with Lonnie Jackson moving on to Boise State where he’ll be eligible to play immediately.

Following his decision to reopen his recruitment, Barnes-Thompkins took visits to Saint Mary’s and USC before committing to Boston College. He gives Boston College another option to play on the ball, although he’s capable of playing off of it as well.