Doug McDermott

[shockem]

There's some discussion on Doug on the WSU-UNI thread and I think this topic warrants its own thread. He's being discussed as a legitimate 1st team all american and in the running for national POY. I don't see how he doesn't enter the draft after this year. It's a pretty weak field and Doug fits the same mold as Gordon Heyward. If he leaves, that really changes the dynamics at CU next year. Of course, if he comes back, we can crown 'em now.

[2livewu]

Not going anywhere, period.

And he'll be a 1st team All American.

[Aargh]

I think he's a 4-year player and more likely to make his long-term living as a coach rather than as a player.

There's some talk about him not having a position in the NBA, but I see DMac as a kyle Korver type. For body type and size, he's similar to Larry Bird, who did OK in the NBA.

Money probably isn't as big a concern to DMac as it is to a lot of college players. It's not like he's from a poor family. I doubt he's struggling to have a decent car or to be able to date at the upper end of the lady scale. A lot of the reasons players leave early don't apply to Doug. I believe his familyvalues put a high priority on getting an education. I think he stays all 4.

[starcityjay]

If I didn't know better, I would almost think the shocker posters here are writing tongue-in-cheek. No way is McDermott ready for the NBA. He's good, but his game still has holes. Too many turnovers. He's not very good off the dribble. His defense leaves a lot to be desired. And his late-game free-throw shooting has been abysmal of late. Okay, so maybe I'm being like the over-critical parent who only sees his children's shortcomings, but I think Doug needs at least another year before even thinking about NBA. And my bet is he stays all four years.

[ictjay]

Give me a break. He's a smart college player. Smarter than most. NBA? Would have to improve, but I see that as taken a couple more years.

[The Color Purple]

It's a pretty weak field and Doug fits the same mold as Gordon Heyward.

Last year was a week field. The talent in college right now is higher than it has been in years, because many of last years freshman didn't want to risk coming out and being locked out for an entire year. Examples: Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Terrence Jones, Perry Jones III, etc. He would be lucky to be drafted late in the first round. He isn't quick enough to play the small forward or tall/strong enough to play the power forward role in the pros. Silver lining is that he has two more years to improve on those aspects of the game. As a college basketball enthusiast, I hope he stays those two years and keeps beating up on those so called "power" conference teams

[beltwaybluejay]

Starcity - I agree with most of what you write @ DMD but all this talk about late game foul shooting is a little suspect. I watch the energy expended by Doug in a game this year and can only think back to last year and problems Young had at the end of games after playing 38 mins. IMO DMD needs a rest - maybe ISU.

[uniftw]

For body type and size, he's similar to Larry Bird, who did OK in the NBA.

Different game..completely.

Larry Bird type players are nothing more than role players these days. Very very few guys at that size play below the room with average, at best, foot speed....

[MoValley John]

I don't see McDermott leaving early for one reason not much discussed. He doesn't need the money. His old man makes roughly a million a year and while he risks not being as hot of a commodity in a couple of years, it isn't that much of a risk. Plus, the NCAA allows for players to insure themselves against career ending injuries, so if Dougie gets hurt in college, he still could get a big payday. Moreover, in a risk/reward scenario, there is probably more reward to him staying in college a couple of years to increase his value by developing his game and working on his weaknesses vs. going early, taking the signing bonus and possibly getting cut.

For a lot of players with his hype, taking the money early is a smart move, in this case, there is little reason to hurry out of college.

[LMS]

I'm concerned that Doug might be wearing down after playing overseas this summer and the added preseason trip to Bahamas. To think he could be a first team All American is simply mind blowing. He could be the magazine coverboy for every preseason publication next year.