Derek Signs to Play for Cornerstone University Next Year (click for story)

2 pt
3 pt
FG
Foul Shooting
Rebounding
Chg
PT/
Player
S
Years
Gms
Made
Made
Att
Made
Made
Att
Pct
Off
Def
Total
Asst
Sts
Bks
Taken
Points
Game
Fouls
Douglas, Derek
Soph
26
67
67
33
68
48.5%
99
7
14
8
4
167
6.4
48
Junior
11
37
37
25
44
56.8%
60
3
4
7
99
9.0
20
SR
22
150
1
1
151
61
99
61.6%
94
121
215
19
29
42
5
364
16.6
53
3
99-02
59
254
1
1
255
119
211
56.4%
94
121
374
29
47
67
9
630
10.7
121

Individual Accomplishments
1999-2000: Most Improved
2000-2001: Best Rebounder
2001-2002:
MVP G.R. Press Tournament
December RHS Athlete of the Month
WBBL player of the Game 2/22 /02
AP All-State
GR Press All-Area
All-Conference
McDonald All-American Nominee
Best Team Player
Best Rebounder
All North - 1st Team
A "Dan Nameth" Nominee, for sportsmanship, nominated by Referees

Team Accomplishments:
99-00 Conference Champs, District Champs and Regional Champs
00-01 District Champs

01-02 Conference Champs


GETTING PICKY Douglas chooses Cornerstone

Thursday, April 11, 2002
By Jeff Chaney
The Grand Rapids Press

Derek Douglas said it was the toughest decision he has had to make so far.

The Rockford senior standout decided Monday to continue his boys basketball career at Cornerstone University next year, joining former Rams standout Keith Wurn on the Golden Eagles roster.

Douglas, a Class A all-state selection, said the decision was so difficult because he had so many excellent choices -- Calvin College, Aquinas, Siena Heights and Saginaw Valley along with Cornerstone."It was a tough choice," said Douglas, who led the Rams to a 20-0 regular season. "I've known coach (Kevin) VandeStreek at Calvin College and coach (Rick) Albro at Aquinas for a long time, so it was tough to decide against them.

"But I mainly chose Cornerstone because when I visited the school I liked the atmosphere, the campus and I liked the team's style of play," Douglas added. "They get up and down the floor, and I like that."

Douglas, a 6-foot-5 center, will joins a Cornerstone team that finished second in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference then went on to win the conference tournament.

The Golden Eagles advanced to the Final Four in the NAIA Division II playoffs before losing in the semifinals and finishing 34-4.

Cornerstone will lose its top two post players from this past season, as Mark Zichterman and Andrew Swadling were seniors.

Cornerstone coach Kim Elders said recruiting centers was a main priority, and by getting Douglas, Elders said he filled a hole for his team next season.

"We are thrilled to get him," Elders said. "Obviously he is not a terrific athlete, but he gets in there and does the dirty work, and that's what we like. He is not afraid to mix it up.

"Plus, I really admire his knowledge of the game," Elders added. "He is not flashy, but he is smart on the floor, and he gets it done."

Douglas said he knows that just because Cornerstone needs a post player next season, he isn't guaranteed a starting spot.

"Coach Elders thinks I can come in and play right away," said Douglas, who averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Rams in his final season.

Douglas said what he's learned from Rockford coach Steve Majerle should help him earn a spot in the rotation.

"I think the style of play that coach Majerle had us play will get me ready," Douglas said. "He always said offense wins games, but defense wins championships, so I learned how to play strong defense. Plus the practices were very intense, so that should also get me ready.

"I'd like to say I am ready to play at the next level," Douglas added. "We'll just have to wait -- but I do know it won't be easy."

back to top