Maya McDermott, a star basketball player for the Panthers, dribbled up the court, paused, and took the shot. This was no ordinary point for the senior player. She had just scored her 1,000 career point in a close loss to Belmont on Sunday, Jan. 21.
McDermott is playing in her fourth season for the Panthers, and truly broke onto the scene with a stellar season a year ago. She averaged 14.7 points, and 3.5 assists, was named most improved player in the conference, was second team all conference, and helped lead the Panthers to a 23-10 record and a third place conference finish.
But a great season last year has not stopped her drive to get even better on the court. “There is always something to work on, I will never be satisfied,” she said.
Expectations were high for McDermott coming into the season. She was named to the Becky Hammon mid major player of the year watchlist, and has not disappointed. So far this season she is averaging 14.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. She had her career high in points against Iowa State earlier this season, when she scored an impressive 30.
She has been able to play at an elite level despite what she called “our toughest non-conference schedule.” The toughness of their schedule has shown, as the Panthers started with a less than ideal 1-9 record, playing against a lot of solid competition including Iowa, Creighton, Syracuse and Iowa State among some others. Regardless, McDermott does not let that bother her saying, “Win or lose, we stay composed and move on to the next game.”
McDermott and the Panthers have certainly done a good job moving on, and have been doing much better in conference play. They currently have a 5-3 conference record, and McDermott has averaged 16.5 points in conference play.
In regards to the long term goals for her and the team this season, McDermott made it clear what the dream is for the team saying, “We haven’t been to the tournament, and that is the ultimate goal.” Last year’s team fell short despite the great season, but McDermott hopes she and the Panthers can get over that hump this season, and not only make the tournament, but make some noise.
