More than a shooter: Claire O’Connor’s next chapter with the Buffs

Former Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Claire O'Connor joins the Colorado Buffaloes in hopes of diversifying the backcourt, both in handedness and skillset. (Photo by CUBuffsWBB/X)

When Claire O’Connor decided to transfer from Gonzaga to the Colorado Buffaloes, she brought more than just her shooting. The Bellevue, Washington native arrives in Boulder with postseason experience, a growing all-around game and a genuine excitement to help a team that has proven itself on a national level.

During her two seasons at Gonzaga, O’Connor steadily worked her way into a bigger role. As a freshman, the 6-foot guard saw limited playing time but used it to get ready for the pace of Division I Basketball.

By her sophomore season, she had earned a starting role on a nationally ranked team, averaging 7.7 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 40.8 percent from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor made her a key piece for the Bulldogs, and she added strength as a rebounder and decision-maker.

O’Connor credits her roots in Bellevue and her time at Lakeside High School with shaping who she is today. She learned lessons that helped her through two years at Gonzaga, and honed a craft that taught her resilience and patience as she assumed a larger role.

“Growing up in a competitive environment taught me to set goals, value hard work, and lean on the people around me,” she said. 

When reflecting on her transfer to Colorado, O’Connor mentioned the people who made the greatest impact on her. 

“The coaching staff is amazing, and Boulder already feels like the kind of place I want to be in every day. The transition’s been fun and smooth,” she said. 

That transition has carried over to meeting her new teammates. 

“The vibes have been great, I’ve built unique relationships with everyone, and one of my closest teammates has been AD (Anaëlle Dutat).”

Her head coach, JR Payne, sees O’Connor’s role as much larger than just a perimeter threat. 

“She’s a proven 40 percent shooter at a very high level in a top-25 program, but she is much more than that,” Payne said. “She can get to the paint, make good decisions, she is strong, she can rebound, there are a lot of different things she can bring to the table.”

With that versatility, O’Connor is expected to give the Buffs floor spacing and shooting while also using her size to defend and rebound. Colorado also hopes the junior can expand her arsenal off the dribble and in making plays for teammates, both of which would add another dimension to the backcourt.

Both Colorado and Gonzaga have made deep postseason runs in recent years, including when the Buffs fell to the Bulldogs in last year’s WBIT. O’Connor said she is eager to bring that experience as the Buffaloes push for another NCAA Tournament berth. 

“Obviously, the goal is to make the tournament and play at the highest level, and I'm excited to do that here,” she said.

For O’Connor, this next step is as much about the journey as the results. She wants fans to know how much she and her teammates are investing in each other as the season progresses. 

“Fans should be excited,” she said. “We have a really good group, and I think it is gonna be fun to watch us come together and gel. I think we are going to do well.”