Colorado has added a versatile wing.
After five years with Frida Formann, JR Payne is on the hunt for another versatile, sweet shooting guard. She may have found that in her latest roster addition, Gonzaga transfer Claire O’Connor.
O’Connor won’t replace Formann one for one, but the lefty looks legit after two seasons with the Zags. After playing sporadically in her freshman season, O’Connor earned major minutes on a 24-win team. It’s her shooting ability that really stands out, as the Bellevue (WA) product hit more than 40% of her 120 three-point attempts. She has a quick trigger, especially when she’s feeling her shot.
Aside from her shooting ability, she’s a strong rebounder and opportunistic defender. Much of that is her size and length at the shooting guard position — she’s 6’0 and quick on her feet — but she also has a knack for the ball. Payne will love to have another player who will force turnovers and fight for loose balls.
Welcome, Claire!