FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn ('06) announced Wednesday that former UMass Lowell guard Brayden O'Connor will join the Patriot roster, beginning in 2024-25.
 
O'Connor started all 33 games for the Riverhawks in 2023-24 while averaging career highs in scoring (9.9 ppg), 3pt percentage (.357), assists (2.3 apg), rebounds (3.8 rpg) and steals (0.9 spg).
 
"Brayden's toughness, IQ, size and ability to shoot will be a natural fit in our program," Skinn said. "He embodies that skill set, which we were missing at times last season. He'll benefit greatly from the freedom our system provides. He's a bigger guard but he can make plays and he excels on both ends of the floor."
 
As a sophomore, O'Connor tallied 10+ points in 17 contests and had two games with at least 22 points. He also dished out at least two assists in 18 games, including a career-best seven in a Jan. 18 game at Albany. The Ottawa native played 35.1 minutes/game for a UMass Lowell squad that went 22-10, won at Georgia Tech and reached the America East Championship Game.
 
Over 59 career games in Lowell, O'Connor shot 35.3 percent from 3pt range and averaged 26.0 minutes/contest. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
 
At George Mason, he will reunite with Patriots' assistant coach Louis Hinnant, who served as associate head coach at UMass Lowell during O'Connor's freshman campaign.
 
O'Connor is the fourth transfer portal addition for the Patriots so far this season. The Green & Gold also will bring in former Siena forward Giovanni Emejuru, former Iona guard Jeremiah Quigley and former Auburn guard K.D. Johnson. In addition, the Patriots will welcome incoming freshmen Justin Begg (Houston, Texas) and Bryson Cokley (Whiteville, N.C.).
 
The Green & Gold also welcome back two starters from last season's 20-win squad, including second-leading scorer Darius Maddox (14.0 ppg) and Jared Billups. GM also brings back three additional letter winners, including Woody Newton, Austin Ball and 2023 All-SoCon Third Team selection Jalen Haynes (ETSU).