Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Nathan Green
Taylor O'Brien Signs Contract with Essex Rebels
9/30/2024 2:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ESSEX, ENGLAND- Bucknell women's basketball alumna Taylor O'Brien continues her post-collegiate career by signing with the Essex Rebels of the revamped Women's Super League Basketball. It is her second straight season in the British ranks.
"I'm excited to return to the United Kingdom for my second year and looking forward to playing with the Rebels," said O'Brien. "I can't wait to get the games going and tear it up this year!"
O'Brien played in 2023-24 with Essex's rival Leicester Riders, making an immediate impact. The Bucknell grad averaged 16.7 ppg and collected 6.0 rpg in 20 games. She scored over 20+ points seven times, including a season-high 30 against Sheffield. Despite her guard position, O'Brien provided a force on the boards and recorded five double-doubles. Her season average of 16.7 points per game set a new single-season scoring record for the Riders
The guard played a massive role in Leicester's output, averaging 21.4% of the team's points, 15.9% of their rebounds, and 15.2% of their steals. She led the team in points (328), FGM (72), and minutes (557:49).
The Riders finished 15-5, earning fourth place and a playoff berth. O'Brien averaged a double-double, gathering 20.0 ppg and 12.5 rpg in two playoff games.
In league ranks, O'Brien finished first in average fouls on (4.4), first in free throws made (72), fourth in free throw percentage (76.6), fifth in field goals made (127), sixth in scoring (16.5), and seventh in field goals made (120). Her performance notched a spot on the WBBL Team of the Year and multiple Player of the Month awards.Â
On Feb. 27, 2024, O'Brien received Hoops Agents Player of the Week for her double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds after leading the Riders to a 90-75 win over Newcastle.
Bucknell women's basketball head coach Trevor Woodruff commented on her signing:
"Taylor's success in year one is a point of pride for all Bison supporters. She has always been an elite scorer and continues to work on her game to become an impactful player at the professional level. We wish her well with her new team and will follow along from Lewisburg."
The Women's Super League Basketball recently changed its name to the current moniker after spending its existence as the Women's British Basketball League.
Essex placed fifth during the 2023-24 season with an 11-9 record and will rely on O'Brien's skills to bridge the gap and move into the top four. Essex fell 81-79 to Leicester in the playoffs. O'Brien proved the difference, tallying 21 points and collecting 17 rebounds.
The Rebels's head coach Ashley Cookson raved about her new player:
"Taylor proved her talent throughout the 23-24 season with the Riders and I'm happy to see her in a Rebels jersey for this season. An exceptional scoring talent with a competitive drive that will contribute towards our culture and complement our group. Excited to see what the 24-25 season has in store for her in the Rebels uniform."
The Bison currently have two alumnae playing internationally with O'Brien's former teammate Tessa Brugler recently signing a deal with Balencesto Miralvalle Club in Spain.Â
Essex's first game is Oct. 5 against Endeavour Ipswich in a local derby.
"I'm excited to return to the United Kingdom for my second year and looking forward to playing with the Rebels," said O'Brien. "I can't wait to get the games going and tear it up this year!"
O'Brien played in 2023-24 with Essex's rival Leicester Riders, making an immediate impact. The Bucknell grad averaged 16.7 ppg and collected 6.0 rpg in 20 games. She scored over 20+ points seven times, including a season-high 30 against Sheffield. Despite her guard position, O'Brien provided a force on the boards and recorded five double-doubles. Her season average of 16.7 points per game set a new single-season scoring record for the Riders
The guard played a massive role in Leicester's output, averaging 21.4% of the team's points, 15.9% of their rebounds, and 15.2% of their steals. She led the team in points (328), FGM (72), and minutes (557:49).
The Riders finished 15-5, earning fourth place and a playoff berth. O'Brien averaged a double-double, gathering 20.0 ppg and 12.5 rpg in two playoff games.
In league ranks, O'Brien finished first in average fouls on (4.4), first in free throws made (72), fourth in free throw percentage (76.6), fifth in field goals made (127), sixth in scoring (16.5), and seventh in field goals made (120). Her performance notched a spot on the WBBL Team of the Year and multiple Player of the Month awards.Â
On Feb. 27, 2024, O'Brien received Hoops Agents Player of the Week for her double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds after leading the Riders to a 90-75 win over Newcastle.
Bucknell women's basketball head coach Trevor Woodruff commented on her signing:
"Taylor's success in year one is a point of pride for all Bison supporters. She has always been an elite scorer and continues to work on her game to become an impactful player at the professional level. We wish her well with her new team and will follow along from Lewisburg."
The Women's Super League Basketball recently changed its name to the current moniker after spending its existence as the Women's British Basketball League.
Essex placed fifth during the 2023-24 season with an 11-9 record and will rely on O'Brien's skills to bridge the gap and move into the top four. Essex fell 81-79 to Leicester in the playoffs. O'Brien proved the difference, tallying 21 points and collecting 17 rebounds.
The Rebels's head coach Ashley Cookson raved about her new player:
"Taylor proved her talent throughout the 23-24 season with the Riders and I'm happy to see her in a Rebels jersey for this season. An exceptional scoring talent with a competitive drive that will contribute towards our culture and complement our group. Excited to see what the 24-25 season has in store for her in the Rebels uniform."
The Bison currently have two alumnae playing internationally with O'Brien's former teammate Tessa Brugler recently signing a deal with Balencesto Miralvalle Club in Spain.Â
Essex's first game is Oct. 5 against Endeavour Ipswich in a local derby.
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