It has been said that 10,000 hours of practice are needed to become an expert. Ethan MacDermot was willing to travel 10,000 miles from his home in Australia to perfect his craft.
The Benet senior guard has been living with his aunt and uncle since he arrived in America in June to pursue his dream.
“My uncle thought it would be the best option to come here to play,” MacDermot said. “I want to play college basketball, so I could come here and play in front of coaches.”
Basketball is played in Australian high schools, but it’s not as big as it is in American high schools. So MacDermot heeded his uncle’s advice.
“I always knew I was coming to the States,” he said. “I was ready for it. I was excited to be in a high school setting. American high school is completely different to home, so it’s a new experience.”
Yet the 6-foot-3 MacDermot is thriving at Benet. He played with the team in a summer league, went home to Australia for a month and returned for the start of the school year.
“He just fit right in from the beginning, so he’s one of the guys,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “He’s great friends with the guys on the team, so nothing but great things as far as the way he’s handled himself and the way his teammates have accepted him.”
Benet’s Ethan MacDermot (4) drives against Nazareth during an East Suburban Catholic Conference game in La Grange Park on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Naperville Sun)
Indeed, MacDermot has started every game at shooting guard for the Redwings (28-1, 7-0), who lead the East Suburban Catholic Conference, are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A in the poll by The Associated Press and are shooting to win their second consecutive state championship. He’s averaging 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Senior point guard Jayden Wright, an Eastern Illinois recruit, enjoys sharing the backcourt with MacDermot.
“We didn’t know he was coming until the summer,” Wright said. “He kind of just showed up, but he fit in right away. All the guys welcomed him. He’s a really good kid, so we love having him here.”
MacDermot loves being with the Redwings. He’s unfazed by the program’s high expectations.
“I fit in pretty well,” he said. “It was pretty easy. The guys like Jayden helped out a lot just welcoming me into the team. The team chemistry is great.”
The Redwings have been great, too, compiling a 449-109 record during Heidkamp’s 18-year tenure.
“It’s pretty awesome,” MacDermot said. “It’s an historical team. It’s great to be able to share these moments with these guys.”
Benet’s Ethan MacDermot (4) shoots the ball as Nazareth’s Oliver De Santiago (34) challenges the shot during an East Suburban Catholic Conference game in La Grange Park on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Naperville Sun)
This season, there have many great moments for Benet, which extended its winning streak to 25 games by beating Nazareth 64-31 in East Suburban Catholic Conference action in La Grange Park on Friday night.
MacDermot contributed 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal in less than three quarters of action. The Redwings went on a 24-2 run in the first half, and MacDermot scored eight points during that stretch.
“I thought he played well tonight,” Heidkamp said. “Offensively, he can shoot. He handles the ball well. He can create shots for his teammates.
“He’s very solid in that regard, and defensively he’s got good moxie. He gets his hands on a lot of balls. He gets some steals, he rebounds well for his size, so he brings a lot on both sides of the floor.”
MacDermot hasn’t needed to be the main man on the Redwings, which is different from his experience in Australia. Wright handles that role.
“I think he’s adjusted really well,” Wright said. “Ever since he got here, he’s continuously got better at everything. He can help us with his shooting. He can handle it. His defense is always getting better. I think all around he’s just improving a lot.”
Benet’s Ethan MacDermot, center, drives between Nazareth’s Ben Schneider, left, and Eddie Austin during an East Suburban Catholic Conference game in La Grange Park on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Naperville Sun)
That has made the move to America worthwhile for MacDermot, whose parents, Amanda and Tim, and younger siblings still live in Australia. His parents have been able to see him play for Benet.
“My mum came during Christmas time, and my dad came two weeks ago,” MacDermot said.
MacDermot is talking to several Division II and Division III colleges but is uncommitted. A trip to the state finals would give him further opportunities to showcase his skills for college coaches.
“I can play shooting guard or point guard,” he said. “I would say my shooting (is a strength) and my IQ is good.”
MacDermot likes biology and is thinking about studying environmental science in college but has no career plans yet.
“I just want to see my options,” he said. “I want to play professionally.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/17/benet-high-school-basketball-ethan-macdermot/
