Most people who attend college will say your freshman year is an unforgettable time of your life. For most young men and women, it serves as their first taste of independence and an opportunity to experience the highs and lows that come from the real world.
Maceo Austin knows all too well about those highs and lows, especially on the court.
Following an impressive career at Kennedy Catholic high school that consisted of four PIAA championships, 1,971 career points and a nomination to play in the McDonald's High School All American game, Austin stepped on campus as one of the highest profile recruits the Dukes have had in recent history.
Ranked in the top 50 at his position in the nation by 247 Sports (43), ESPN (48), and Rivals (49), the 6-foot-5 shooting guard was expected to provide an immediate impact for Duquesne, which he did, scoring in double figures in five of his first 10 games at the collegiate level.
Similar to his team however, Austin cooled off as the year went on.
The year 2020 has been unkind to many. Austin figured this out before most others in the country did. In Duquesne's 17 regular season contests that took place once the new year had arrived, Austin's scoring had slowed down dramatically, reaching double figures just three times. The freshman was held to five or less points in five of the final six games of the season.
"Maceo had a bit of a rough second half of the season because of some personal things," Keith Dambrot said. "He’s probably the best recruit we’ve ever signed here coming out of high school. We have faith he will bounce back."
Austin's opportunity to bounce back last March in the postseason was ripped away from him when the coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of the Atlantic 10 and National tournament. With a new season on the horizon, the more experienced Austin is ready to begin his second act with the Dukes.
"I want to improve my all around game," Austin said. "I want to play better defense. I want to make more shots and help us win more games. I also want to help other guys on the team get going. I just want to do better in all areas."
More specifically, Austin tells me that he wants to improve his ability to score the basketball. The sophomore shot just 39.8% from the field last year, which he says is a number he wants to increase dramatically.
"This year I want to knock down more shots," Austin said. "I need to get to the glass more and play more aggressive. I want to match everyone's energy when I'm out there."
"...Seeing everything on the court last year as a freshman will help me. That experience will definitely help me. That along with me making some changes to my body, getting stronger, should be huge."
If able to take the next step and become the reliable scorer he was in high school, Austin would provide Duquesne with some very valuable extra firepower. The Dukes return four players who averaged double figures in scoring last season: starters Marcus Weathers (14.3), Sincere Carry (12.2), and Michael Hughes (10.3) along with 2019/2019 Atlantic 10 sixth man of the year Tavian Dunn-Martin (10.2).
After returning to practice on Thursday following a mandatory two week break due to a positive COVID-19 test, Austin and the Dukes are expected to find out more on their schedule, which has yet to be completed, this week. Duquesne is expected to open it's season in the Louisville non-conference bubble that has been rumored to have a highly competitive field.
Good opponents and a national stage could be the ideal combo for Austin to make the most of this fresh start. Through all of the ups and downs last season, then followed by the craziness of 2020, perhaps a simple return to action on the court could be all he needs.