When Greg McDermott took over, prior to the start of the 2001-02 season, he inherited a Northern Iowa program that had not had a winning season since the 1996-97 campaign. The Panthers had finished in the top half of the Missouri Valley Conference standings only twice in ten seasons. But three seasons after returning to the place where he played college basketball, Greg took UNI to the NCAA tournament. And this past week (Dec. 20), his Panthers cracked the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25.

Recently I got a chance to catch up with the Iowa native, to discuss his team and his holiday favorite.

DAVE MAGARITY: Coach, I have noticed that your team has come so close to knocking off big boys like Cincinnati and Iowa. I have been there. I am wondering how you have been able to get your team to respond so well after tough losses?

GREG MCDERMOTT: My team has been mature enough to understand that much can be taken from a difficult loss. As disappointing as it was to fall a little short in both games, we learned from it and moved on.

MAGARITY: It seems as though this team has picked up right where it left off last season. How tough were those summer months because I imagine everyone at Northern Iowa wanted to start the season in April?

MCDERMOTT: The summer was wonderful. For the first time in several years people were genuinely excited about UNI Basketball. The players understood the dedication necessary to achieve the success we were able to enjoy last season. They were extremely motivated in the off-season in hopes of making it happen again.

MAGARITY: In a very short time frame, you have really turned things around at UNI. What have been some of the keys to bringing the program back to its winning ways of the past?

MCDERMOTT: First and foremost, I have an awesome coaching staff. It's a pleasure to work with them each day. Secondly, we've been able to attract young people that are committed to reaching their potential as a student-athlete. Their approach has been very unselfish. They understand the importance of playing team basketball. These factors combined with tremendous support from our administration has allowed us to build a stable program in a short amount of time.

MAGARITY: After college you played one season in Switzerland. What was that experience like?

MCDERMOTT: My wife and I were married in July and departed for Switzerland in August. It was an incredible experience. Switzerland has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We enjoyed our time there and still have some great "Swiss" friends as a result of the experience.

MAGARITY: Lastly, with the holidays approaching, what recording artist is singing Christmas songs through your CD player in the McDermott household. And what is your favorite Christmas song?

MCDERMOTT: Jingle Bell Rock, by Neil Diamond. Does it get any better that that?

 >>> CollegeInsider.com