Fran Dunphy’s squad has added an extra component to their team, as power forward Jake O’Brien has transferred from Boston University to play for the men’s basketball team, it was reported Wednesday.

While normal NCAA transfer rules require the athlete to sit out one year, O’Brien will be free to play immediately. After BU elected to transfer from the American East to the Patriot League, they lost their ability to compete in postseason play, prompting the transfer.

O’Brien is a senior with one year of eligibility remaining, but his 6-foot-9 frame gives him the ability to contribute to a sometimes vertically challeneged Owls team. He will likely be competing with Anthony Lee and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson for playing time, giving the Owls an upgraded inside presence.

O’Brien was expected to be in the conversation for American East Player of the Year. O’Brien however, did not play last season due to a surgery he underwent on his left foot, his second such procedure.