Boston University forward transfers to Temple

By Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: August 09, 2012

Jake O'Brien craves an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.

The former Boston University standout believes Temple, a team coming off five consecutive tourney appearances, will provide just that.

That's why the 6-foot-9 forward decided Wednesday to transfer to North Broad Street over Boston College, Providence, and Virginia.

"Coach [Fran] Dunphy is a great coach," O'Brien said. "After meeting his staff and the players, I knew it was the right fit for me."

The 23-year-old has one year of eligibility remaining and will be able to play right away. He will enroll as a graduate student at Temple in the fall.

He decided to leave BU last month because the Terriers were banned from postseason play in the America East Conference after announcing a move to the Patriot League for the 2013-14 season. Without participating in the American East tourney, the Terriers have little to no chance of reaching the upcoming NCAA tournament.

If healthy, O'Brien could excel at Temple. He's a solid shooter. And despite his size, O'Brien plays with his face to the basket.

"I bring experience and versatility," he said. "I have played in a lot of games. The way I play on the court, I can be a matchup problem with other teams the way I stretch the floor."

He was sidelined last season as a medical redshirt after undergoing his second surgery on his left foot. He originally injured his foot during the 2010-11 season.

O'Brien averaged career highs of 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds as a sophomore. He was the America East rookie of the year as a freshman.

The Owls lost three starters - center Micheal Eric and guards Ramone Moore and Juan Fernandez - from last season's team that finished with a 24-8 record.

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