The reloading process has begun for the University of Toledo.
On Wednesday, the Rockets signed Division II transfer Colin O’Rourke.
The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward averaged a team-high 16.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for Wisconsin-Parkside. The All-GLIAC selection scored in double figures in 25 of 29 games, hit the 20-point mark eight times, and had a career-high 27 points twice.
“Really excited,” Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk said. “If you look at the analytics and the metrics, he reminds us so much about JT Shumate, and we all know what kind of career JT Shumate had.”
Hoop Scoop Media ranked O’Rourke as the fourth-best available D-II transfer.
He started all 29 games and averaged 32.9 minutes. O’Rourke shot 48 percent from the field, 36.3 percent (41 of 113) from 3-point range, and made 113 of 148 free throw attempts. The Plainfield, Ill., native blocked 33 shots.
O’Rourke has one season of eligibility.
“The numbers and success from Division II can translate to Division I,” Kowalczyk said. “He averaged [16] points in a good league. He’s a stretch post guy who can step out and shoot, which is what we really need to address, our shooting at that position. And he got fouled a ton.
“He’s a post-up guy. He’s an inside-out guy. He has an element of toughness to him. That’s with Division II resources. He’s never had a full-time strength coach working with him before. That’s why we need to get him here immediately to get him four months in the weight room.”
First Published April 3, 2024, 3:18 p.m.
