Derryck Thornton's Long Road To Chestnut Hill

It has been quite the trip for new Boston College guard Derryck Thornton. The 22 year old started his collegiate career as a highly touted recruit out of Findlay Prep in Los Angeles, California, earning a five star ranking and earning offers from almost every major program in the country. In 2015-16, Thornton who was ranked 11th in the country by Rivals at the time, decided that he would join Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils a program with a history of creating NBA ready players. But his run with the program was short, lasting only one season. After feeling he was not being fairly utilized the relationship soured, Thornton released a press release about his transfer that was followed up by his uncle publicly blasting the university and coach on Twitter for not using his nephew properly.

After leaving Duke, Thornton was a hot commodity in college basketball but this time he chose to stay close to home and joined the USC Trojans after sitting out the '16-'17 season. His first season with his new program saw the 6'3 guard playing the role as a backup. He dislocated his shoulder and missed nine games, and only averaged 3.8 points per game, along with 1.8 assists.

But last season seemed like Thornton would finally get his chance to show the world what all the hype was about coming out of high school. Head Coach Andy Enfield made the senior his starting point guard, and allowed him to finally see major minutes. Not a gifted shooter, Thornton proved that he could be a tenacious defender, and was becoming a great facilitator leading the Trojans with 139 assists last season. In the end though, it was yet another disappointing season for Derryck Thornton, as USC limped to a 16-17 record.

After the season ended, Thornton had another decision to make. Would he return to the Trojans or would he try for one more fresh start with another program? In the end he decided to try his third school in five years. Schools like Gonzaga and Auburn were reportedly courting him, but in the end it was Boston College who won him over. "I think from the first time I talked to Coach first and just the staff, I felt extremely comfortable" said Thornton at today's ACC Media Day "and that was a huge thing for me is just being able to be comfortable. It’s a great education, great school, great style of play."

He seems comfortable in his new home, with his new coach and with his journey in life and basketball comes experience that he can share with his new teammates "I feel like I’ve learned so much about both. I think life gives you a lot of up and downs, and so does the game. You know, it’s your attitude and how you approach it, and I feel like I’ve learned that in my time as an athlete and as a man."