While news on Billy Baron seems rather quiet at the moment, it looks as if Matt Painter's 2012-13 basketball roster is not quite set after all. A new one-year transfer has emerged: Boston University's Jake O'Brien
O'Brien appears to be somewhat of a Robbie Hummel-lite and he is transferring because he can be immediately eligible for his one remaining season. He wants to leave Boston University because he wants to have a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament and BU is leaving the America East Conference for the Patriot League. Because of that, the America East Conference kicked them out of the post-season tournament and chance at an automatic bid.
O'Brien weighs in at 6'9" 220 pounds and has some range on his shot. He was the America East Rookie of the Year as a freshman, when he averaged 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. He was a third-team all-conference player as a sophomore after averaging 13.8 points and 6.4 boards. His junior season saw him average 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds before he broke a bone in his foot.
That broken bone has required a pair of surgeries and he has not seen the court since December of 2010. I told you he was like Rob.
Here is his full profile from BU that shows he is a leader and a pretty good player in one of the nation's weaker conferences. He could be a useful player in a Rob role because he shoots about 39% from three. He's also a decent free throw shooter at around 77% for his career. We're pretty loaded at the forward position, but We don't have a ton of experience. Travis Carroll, Sandi Marcius, and Jacob Lawson are still developing while A.J. Hammons, Jay Simpson, and Donnie Hale have yet to play a collegiate game.
O'Brien could be a luxury at the three position in a super-big lineup. As I have discussed in the past, I think Hale could play the three depending on matchups. I was also drooling over a potential "Robbie Hummel plays the three" possibility in 2010-11 before his ACL disagreed. His ability to shoot the three suggest it could be a possibility.
Defensively O'Brien could be an asset as well. He is an active shot blocker (over one per game) and has good hands to get the occasional steal. If he can play defense on the perimeter at the three position it also makes him an attractive option.
See for yourself. Here is some video of him. If he is interested, welcome to West Lafayette, son. We need your three-point shooting ability.