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Doug McDermott returned to school to take on the challenge of a new league
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Doug McDermott: Don't bite the hand that fed you, jerk.Originally posted by Da Coach View Post
He one ups the MVC - Hope he flames out on the "challenge" of a new league, because I can't root for any player to get hurt.BUilding for the Future
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I understand your point. But what more could he prove in the MVC that he had not already proven? Conference champion, 2-time MVC Tournament champion, 2-time NCAA participant, 3-time 1st Team All-MVC, 2-time MVC Player of the Year, 2-time MVC scoring leader, 2-time All MVC Tournament team, 2-time Most Outstanding Player in the MVC Tournament, 2-time AP 1st team All-American, Wooden Award winner (2013), 2-time NABC 1st team All-American, 2-time USBWA 1st team All-American, 2-time All-American by ESPN, Sporting News, Basketball Times, and everyone else, Captain and leading scorer on the US Team at World University Games in Russia (2013), invited to US National team tryouts, career high of 44 points at Bradley, and dozens more records and honors in the MVC.
He was too good for the MVC.
And if you read his quotes, he was very complimentary to the MVC, and did not say anything insulting-
McDermott was ready to move on from the Valley, and the new league provided him with precisely the landing spot he was looking for.
“I feel like I really accomplished as much as I could have playing in the Valley,” he said. “I wanted a new challenge, and if the Big East weren’t there, I think the decision [whether or not] to come back would have been a lot easier. I think I would have gone. The new challenge of playing against new teams and traveling to different cities.”
“The excitement around our school and our program is at an all-time high right now, and it’s tough to walk away from that.”
McDermott was effusive in his praise for the Missouri Valley, and it sounded sincere enough to make it clear that the savvy 21 year old wasn’t simply following the fundamental rules of speaking to the media: compliment everyone. He said he’ll miss the conference and the traditions of the league, that he’ll miss the long-standing rivalries and the familiarity of the fan bases. He specifically mentioned his disappointment in losing the rivalry with Wichita State, a statement that anyone with a proper appreciation for college hoops will agree with.
So understand, when McDermott says he was ready to move on and he needed a new challenge, he wasn’t taking a swipe at the Valley.
He’s just being honest.
“In the MVC, everyone seems to kind of have people figured out. That’s why sometimes we would hit a rough patch, like in February when we lost a couple in a row,” McDermott said. “It’s kind of the way it is, it’s a grind. I think the Big East will be that way as well, but it’s going to be new for some of these teams that are playing us. It’s something I thought about, it’s going to feel like an NCAA tournament kind of game the first time around. That’s something that I’m really excited about.”Comment
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I have the NBA Season Ticket, and I watch a lot of NBA games. He is a nice kid who was very good in the MVC, but I don't see him making a roster.
Not athletic or mean enough to play the 4; not quick or a good enough shooter to play the 2-3. I think he is a second round pick who struggles to make a roster.Comment
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I agree. I have said this since his sophomore year when people started projecting him as a NBA'er, and even a 1st rounder. He will need to develop his perimeter skills (not shooting as much as ball handling, passing, and shot creation) to have a chance. If he does, maybe he might find a slot similar to a Mike Dunleavy-type of player. Being an American born caucasian will help a little, but he doesn't stand much of a chance as a 4 or 5 in the NBA.Originally posted by Garland 22 View PostComment
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