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McCoy excels after transition season
Niles West's David McCoy (12) shoots the ball over Glenbrook South's Matt Siegel (33) during their game Friday in Glenview. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 11, 2013 6:51AM
GLENVIEW — Thirty seconds into Friday’s CSL South game, David McCoy made a steal and then a layup on the other end to get his team an early lead.
In the third quarter, the Niles West senior did it again, this time taking the turnover to the rim and finishing with a two-handed dunk. That basket started the Wolves down the road to their 54-44 win over Glenbrook South.
McCoy, who transferred from Loyola to Niles West during the fall of his junior year, is a difference-maker this season for the Wolves, who came into this week 10-5 overall and 1-3 in the conference.
“David is very much interested in doing the right thing,” Niles West coach Bob Williams said of the 6-foot-3 forward’s perfectionist nature. “He really spent his whole time learning last year, and he was hesitant to be a leader. He feels way more confident this year and has become a tremendous leader for us, on and off the floor.”
McCoy finished with 13 points, scoring in a variety ways, against Glenbrook South. He also ended up with four steals.
“I am looking to score more this year and be more active on offense,” McCoy said.
After a challenging junior season when he was trying to fit into a new team, McCoy rediscovered his joy for the game playing for Mike Weinstein and AAU club Fundamental U.
“I have definitely had my ups and downs, and last year was a low point,” McCoy said. “But I am now excited and energized. I played my best basketball with Fundamental U. That got me going again.”
Williams has noticed the change in McCoy in one calendar year.
“It took some time for him to adjust, but I am happy to report he is very comfortable now,” Williams said.
Williams said he likes McCoy’s offensive game, but it’s McCoy’s willingness to play defense that excites Williams the most.
“I always look at the other end,” Williams said. “He can guard a point guard or a center. I can put him anywhere we need to stop the other team’s best player. He accepts that challenge game after game.”
Added McCoy: “I’ve always prided myself on defense.”
McCoy is looking to bookend his varsity career with another regional championship after helping Loyola win one as a freshman.
“It does feel like I have been playing forever,” laughed McCoy, who is considering playing ball in college, probably at the Division III level. “I am seeing guys come and go and some over and over. It’s been a pretty good experience for me.”
