Toccara BuckleyHe is only 18 years old and a freshman, yet Victor O’Connor is on the Cavaliers men’s varsity basketball team. He was also given a COPE award, which is a grant for sports from Cabrini. O’Connor is from West Philadelphia, where he attended West Catholic High School. He spent his four years of high school playing on the varsity team as well.
When talking about his adjustment to college, O’Connor said, “It was hard at first, but as time went on I got used to everything. It was hard to adjust but I found a way to make it work. The guys giving me a good welcome made the adjustment easier.”
Basketball player Marcel Basset said that O’Connor is the only freshman playing on the varsity team for the time being.
O’Connor does play in games, but he is a back-up for Dan Clemens and plays in Kris Pittman’s absence. “Playing on a college level is very different from high school.” O’Connor said. “College is more physical and intense and I find myself working out more.”
“I didn’t choose a Division I school because I would barely have any playing time and I want to play. I looked into going to Delaware State, but all they wanted me to do was lift weights for a year. Thankfully I get to play here.”
O’Connor feels that being a freshman on a varsity team can be a little hard because you are expected to know a little more.
“I want to prove myself to everyone that I belong and being placed on varsity wasn’t a mistake,” O’Connor said.
Posted to the Web by: Toccara Buckley
