(Eds: APNewsNow. With AP Photos.)
By ERIC OLSON
AP Sports Writer
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Doug McDermott is scoring as much as ever. He’s just working harder to do it.
Creighton’s opponents have tried to design defenses to curb his production but haven’t had much success. McDermott has shown a more diverse offensive repertoire this season and is averaging 24 points for the 16th-ranked Bluejays, a point better than his 2011-12 average.
McDermott knew after earning first-team All-America honors last season that he couldn’t stand pat. He’s developed a dependable midrange jump shot. He’s shooting, and making, more 3-pointers. He’s improved his ball-handling. He’s grown comfortable passing out of double-teams.
He’s still almost unstoppable in the post.
McDermott’s evolving game has prompted TV commentators to draw parallels between him and a Missouri Valley Conference player of yesteryear, Larry Bird. Even Bird’s coach at Indiana State, Bill Hodges, said he can see a bit of Bird in McDermott.
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