As numerous athletes put pen to paper on Wednesday, Feb. 7, to formally declare their commitment to various colleges, basketball enthusiasts in Houston eagerly awaited news about Chris McDermott’s future destination. Despite holding offers from prominent institutions like Memphis, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Georgetown, the Booker T. Washington standout has remained tight-lipped about his decision, leaving Houston fans in suspense for a little while longer.
“I’m looking for somewhere I can play my first year and be happy, that’s all,” said McDermott.
According to Max Preps, the 6-foot-7 forward is shooting 54% from the field while averaging 20 points per game this season and currently leads the state of Texas in rebounds with an average 18.5 per game.
McDermott’s basketball career began at 10 years old, but his heart belonged to football first. He started as quarterback for the Bulldogs when he was eight years old, sparking his early passion for the game.
“I really liked football. My momma made me try basketball. I just stuck with it,” said McDermott.
McDermott continued to play football throughout his childhood until his freshman year at Heights High School.
“I played two weeks but I transferred to Booker T. Washington High School, so I didn’t play anymore,” said McDermott.
Chris McDermott
IG: @SuperstarrChris
Twitter: @SuperstarrChris
Position: Forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-7, 210 pounds
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite artists: Luther Vandross, Maxwell, Lil Baby
Favorite subject: Pre-Calculus
Shout-outs: Mom, dad, brother
The basketball phenom admits football is what he enjoys watching more than basketball, a sport in which he currently dominates as his team, the Eagles, sit in first place in 4A Region III District 21 with an unbeaten district record of 15-0.
McDermott didn’t start out playing recreational basketball. Instead, he jumped directly into the competitive world of AAU. His first team was the Houston Trailblazers, followed by Team Fox, then lastly JL3, one of Houston’s top premier programs which plays on the Nike EYBL circuit.
McDermott is no stranger to high-level basketball. Playing on the EYBL circuit allows athletes the opportunity to see how they match up with other top recruits in the country who are also playing at the highest level. While at Peach Jam, McDermott was the fourth-leading scorer and the second-leading rebounder. However, when asked how he felt about not getting a McDonald All-American invite McDermott expressed frustration.
“I feel it’s all politics. I dominated all those dudes at Peach Jam, and still get no respect,” said McDermott.
This feeling is a sentiment many basketball fans have felt even when University of Houston Cougars signee, Mercy Miller, was snubbed from a nomination. Miller is averaging 30.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season for the 23-0 Notre Dame Knights.
“This just motivated me to keep going and keep fighting. I still have a lot of time. Work doesn’t stop, just keep working,” said McDermott.
In the previous season, McDermott primarily occupied the power forward position, often operating in the interior. However, this season, he’s transitioning to the small forward position, which entails more time away from the basket. Consequently, he’s focused on enhancing his ball-handling skills, refining his dribble moves, and mastering the pull-up jumper off the dribble.
During his junior season, McDermott received his second District MVP award. This season he’ll be going for a three-peat.
