New season, new league, same old Player of the Year expectations for Doug McDermott

(USA Today Sports Images)

Creighton senior Doug McDermott already has accomplished a rarity before the college basketball season has started.

He was named Preseason Player of the Year by Big East Conference coaches. Few players throughout the years can boast of earning that honor in two different conferences in their careers. McDermott twice earned that designation while Creighton competed in the Missouri Valley.

McDermott, a two-time first-team All-American, decided to return for his senior season and the Blue Jays are predicted to finish third in the conference behind Marquette and Georgetown. Creighton even received one first-place vote in the coaches' poll.

Creighton's all-time leading scorer led Team USA in scoring (14.1 ppg) this summer in eight games during the World University Games. He also led the team in field goals, 3-pointers, free throws and minutes played. He is one of four returning starters this season for the Blue Jays.

Marquette advanced to the Elite Eight last season and has two starters back from that team and nine letterwinners.

Villanova was picked fourth by the coaches, followed by St. John’s, Providence, Xavier, Seton Hall, Butler and DePaul.

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via Y! Sports Blogs - Yahoo Sports http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger-college-basketball-blog/season-league-same-old-player-expectations-doug-mcdermott-153653885--ncaab.html