Dermody to stay close to home

After having committed to SMU, Loveland (Colo.) High School small forward Ryan Dermody quickly changed his mind and decided to play his college basketball closer to home. Dermody, 6-foot-7, 200-pounds is excited about his plans to play in the Big 12 and the strong start to his senior season, which includes a state record tying 12 blocked shots.

"I changed my mind a while ago," said Dermody. "I started having second thoughts the week after I committed to SMU. I wanted to be closer to my younger brother and sister and to my family. I also wanted a chance to play in the Big 12."

Presently averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks for his 4-2 team, Dermody blocked 12 shots in the second game of the season.

"It tied the state record in blocks," he said. "They had a lot of penetrating guards, and I sort of sat back at the bottom of our 1-3-1 zone. That is how I got so many blocks."

A very good three point shooter and, as evident by his shot blocking numbers, an above average athlete, Dermody will likely redshirt his first season at Colorado in order to put on some needed weight for the physical Big 12.

"I'll redshirt my first year," he said. "They want to put some weight on me. We lose seven to eight players, so I will have a chance to step in and play. I would be one of five or six players returning."