Had Reggie Jackson remained at Boston College for his senior year, the Eagles likely would have finished better than their 9-22 record last season. But Jackson decided to take a chance on a professional career, and the move paid off as he reached the NBA Finals as a reserve guard with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jackson knew he would be taking a chance when he declared himself eligible for the draft, partly because a work stoppage was looming. His first professional season did not go smoothly, and Jackson is focused on making up for lost time in preparing for next season.