November 6, 2024 — Augustana Club’s Conor McCaffrey has been named the CCIW Freshman Player of the Week after an outstanding three-game stretch over the weekend. Despite facing tough opponents in Butler Club, St. Ambrose Club, and nationally-ranked #18 Loras, McCaffrey demonstrated poise, skill, and leadership beyond his years, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising young players in the conference.
McCaffrey began his weekend with a strong individual showing in a difficult 100-71 loss to Butler Club. He poured in 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting, adding 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals. Although Butler’s depth and speed proved too much for Augustana, McCaffrey’s performance stood out as a bright spot. He controlled the tempo on offense, creating opportunities for his teammates and keeping Augustana competitive in the early stages of the game. His all-around play kept Augustana’s spirits high, even as Butler pulled away in the second half.
The next game saw McCaffrey take the court against St. Ambrose Club, where his efforts helped propel Augustana to their first win of the season. Facing a 12-point halftime deficit, McCaffrey led the Vikings in a spirited second-half comeback to secure a 74-69 victory. He finished with 16 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. His aggression on both ends of the floor sparked Augustana’s turnaround, as he attacked the basket, drew fouls, and hit 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. McCaffrey’s defensive energy was equally impactful, with his four steals disrupting St. Ambrose’s rhythm and helping Augustana turn defense into offense.
In the final game of the weekend, McCaffrey saved his best for last, delivering a remarkable near triple-double in a stunning 85-83 upset over #18 Loras. Trailing by as much as 34 points, Augustana stormed back in the second half, with McCaffrey leading the way. He recorded 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, just one assist shy of a triple-double. His ability to find open teammates, hit crucial shots, and dominate on the boards inspired the Vikings’ incredible comeback. McCaffrey’s clutch play down the stretch allowed Augustana to complete one of the most unlikely upsets of the season, silencing the Loras crowd and securing a signature win.
Across the three games, McCaffrey averaged 21.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, an impressive stat line for any player, let alone a freshman. His composure, versatility, and leadership were on full display, as he found ways to impact each game despite the varying challenges posed by each opponent. McCaffrey’s resilience and ability to elevate his game in critical moments have quickly made him a standout in the CCIW.
Augustana Head Coach Brad Anderson praised McCaffrey’s performance, saying, “Conor played like a veteran this weekend. He has an innate ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and rise to the occasion when his team needs him most. His impact has been immediate, and I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can accomplish.”
McCaffrey’s stellar weekend has not only earned him the CCIW Freshman Player of the Week award but has also set a high standard for his future performances. His contributions have helped Augustana start the season with a statement, and his continued development will be a storyline to watch as the season progresses.