Jack O’Connell was part of the Fairfield University men’s basketball foundation, successfully laying the groundwork for nearly 60 years of Stags basketball. The Bridgeport, Connecticut native attended Fairfield Prep before signing on with the Stags, enjoying success that few had garnered before his arrival. He was one of the first Fairfield University student-athletes to reach 1,000 career points, a feat he accomplished during the 1954-55 season. O’Connell finished his career with 1,016 points, one of 40 1,000-point scorers in program history. He helped the program secure a .500 record or better in all four of his campaigns with an overall record of 44-33. His best season came in his senior year (1954-55) when he netted more than 400 points in 20 games, averaging 20.6 points per contest.  Additionally, in his final season, O'Connell also set the record for the most field goals and most foul shots, shooting 74% from the line.  In response to his strong showing against New York teams he received All-American and All-Metro honorable mentions from New York writers and coaches. O’Connell is very proud that he had the opportunity to play and help Fairfield build their program with his life-long friend and teammate Bob Gerwien as the two combined to be the first class at Fairfield University to have two 1,000 point scorers.