Creighton renames practice facility to honor McDermott family

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Creighton University re-named its men’s basketball practice facility ‘The McDermott Center’ Thursday.

A dedication ceremony was held to honor head coach Greg McDermott and his family. Bluejays legend Doug McDermott was in attendance.

“Doug had a monumental impact on our athletic department and really changing it from a nice little basketball program in the Midwest to a national name,” said Greg McDermott.

The change comes at the request of the Scott family, who originally donated the lead gift for the building over a decade ago. Longtime Bluejays supporter, Bill Scott had pushed for the facility to be named after McDermott when it was first built. Scott passed away earlier this year.

“I wish he would have been here to enjoy the day,” McDermott said. “This was his wish and that family has been incredible to us and this institution. It’s quite an honor and I’m not sure it has totally sunk in yet.”

McDermott is the second-winningest coach in program history, just two wins shy of Dana Altman for the top spot — a milestone he’s certain to reach in the upcoming season.

Earlier this year, McDermott — who’s been with Creighton since 2010 — signed a long-term extension to remain with the program through 2027-28. He’s led the Bluejays to the NCAA Sweet 16 in three of the past four seasons.