Doug McDermott has been one of the best players in college basketball this season and proved why in two big victories the past week. The senior out of Ames, Iowa has been named NetScouts Basketball’s National Player of the Week for games through February 16th after his performances against Butler and Villanova.
The 6-foot-8 forward had 26 points (11-19 FG, 3-5 3FG) and five rebounds in a 68-63 win over Butler on Thursday. He followed that with an even bigger showing against sixth-ranked Villanova with 39 points (13-17 FG, 4-6 3FG) and seven rebounds in a 101-80 victory.
“Doug was obviously incredible,” Creighton head coach and Doug’s father, Greg McDermott, told the Associated Press after the Villanova game. “He has a way of stepping up for these games, and today was certainly an example of that.”
In the win, McDermott passed Larry Bird for 13th on the all-time Division I scoring column and took over the national scoring lead at 25.9 points per game. He continues to show that he’s the best scorer in the country while carrying Creighton to victories. McDermott’s shooting 50 percent from the field, 43 percent from three, and 89 percent from the free throw line. He hasn’t shown any problems putting the ball in the hoop despite moving into the Big East this season.
Although he will have his limitations at the NBA level, his stellar jumper and scoring instincts will make him a first-round pick and potentially a lottery selection. McDermott will never be a great defender and may not have as much upside as the younger players in this draft, but he can be a scoring sparkplug off an NBA bench with starting potential.
Creighton currently sits atop the Big East standings while McDermott is the frontrunner for the Wooden Award. It’s been a good year for the Bluejays who will look for McDermott to continue his stellar senior season.
Another senior, Jordan Bachynski, had the game-saving block for Arizona State as the Sun Devils upset Arizona in Tempe. The Calgary, Alberta native has been named NetScouts Basketball’s International Player of the Week for games through February 16th due to his play versus Arizona.
The center scored 13 points, blocked eight shots, and grabbed seven rebounds as Arizona State downed second ranked Arizona in a 69-66 double overtime victory.
“No words can explain the joy that we feel right now,” Bachynski told the Associated Press after the game. “Tonight was huge for us.”
This year, Bachynski is averaging 12.2 points, nine rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 59 percent from the field. His calling card is clearly on the defensive end, as he leads the nation in blocks per game and is on pace to break his own Pac-12 record for blocks in a season. His 7-foot-2 size, 7-foot-4 wingspan, athleticism, and shot blocking capability will certainly attract NBA teams. Bachynski is boosting his draft stock this season with his improved consistency and skill set.
While he has great footwork and some nice post moves, Bachynski sometimes struggles to hold off his defender for post entries. His slender frame can prevent him from receiving the basketball, but when it’s in his hands Bachynski has shown the ability to score. He’s also 24 years old while most draft eligible prospects are four or five years younger.
Bachynski has averaged 18.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and eight blocks per game in the last three contests as the Sun Devils now have a good chance to finish in the upper half of the Pac-12. Arizona State is 6-1 in its last seven games where Bachynski has made his case for a selection in this year’s NBA draft.
Cameron Schott is a Correspondent for NetScouts Basketball. Thanks to our friends at northpolehoops.com for the Bachynski photo.
