A magnificent 48-point performance from the Richmond Spiders, Maggie Doogan, proves that she is still one of the most underrated prospects in the NCAA.

Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles — all players who are rightfully stealing the spotlight when it comes to WNBA draft discussions. However, Maggie Doogan’s elite performances continue to show that she deserves a higher level of recognition.

Now in her senior year, Doogan’s future is in the palm of her hands, with both her consistency and versatility on the floor proving to be an asset that any franchise would be desperate to acquire.

Due to the Richmond Spiders being a mid-major programme, it is easy to understand why a forward who possesses such a variety of outstanding attributes does not claim media attention in the same fashion as a star at one of the perceived top colleges in the country. Nevertheless, the Atlantic 10 programme and Doogan have proven to be a match made in heaven.

The numbers just keep getting better

It has been another career-high year for the 22-year-old in every major category — averaging 24.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 51.7% from the floor.

Additionally, Doogan has now been burdened with a responsibility that was not solely borne on her shoulders in recent campaigns. Now, she is the leader of the franchise and has the role of not only inspiring the team with her performances, but also setting a standard with the manner in which she conducts herself.

This was never going to be a problem for a senior who has exhibited a drive to succeed and a willingness to adapt to any scenario that arises since she first set foot on a court during her rookie season.

Maggie Doogan’s exemplary attitude was bared for all to see during Richmond’s exhausting 84-91 triple overtime victory over Davidson.

Maggie’s Magical Night

One thing is for sure: as an athlete, the aim is to chalk up the victory in regulation time and gain as much rest as possible before the next fixture rolls around. So, when two teams head into a third period of overtime, you know fatigue is going to become a serious issue.

Nevertheless, Doogan continued to excel as each minute on the clock ticked over. Her mind may have been screaming to take a break, yet the player showed no signs of letting up.

Throughout a ridiculous 53 minutes on the floor (yes, that is not a typo), the Spiders’ leading star recorded a whopping 48 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals, while maintaining an efficient field-goal percentage of 60.7%.

Most impressively, Doogan showcased her ability to score from all three levels as she went 8-12 from deep and a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw-line.

This level of efficiency is not merely based on an impressive cardiovascular system, it displays a quantity of mental fortitude that few athletes can boast.

There has never been a more obvious time for WNBA franchises to turn their attention to Richmond’s Maggie Doogan. This star’s draft stock will surely be on the rise.

Do not miss out on Maggie Doogan’s interview with the Britsdontjump podcast from the preseason by clicking here.