(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Head Coach: Jerry Wainright; 52-72 at DePaul in four years
Previous Season: 9-24; 0-18 Big East (16th)
Departures: PG Jabari Currie, C Matija Poscic, F Dar Tucker
Additions: G/F Mike Stovall, G Nate Rogers, G Joe Belcaster, F Tony Freeland, G/F Eric Wallace, G Ryan Siggins
Last season, DePaul became the first team in the Big East since Miami in 93-94 to go winless in the conference during the regular season. The Blue Demons started off the year 4-0, but defeats to California, Northwestern, Morgan State, and UCLA sent the team into a tailspin.
Early on, DePaul had some close losses in conference play. However, as the season progressed, DePaul was getting blown out even by the lesser teams in the conference.
DePaul showed renewed energy during the Big East Tournament by defeating Cincinnati before losing a tough game to Providence.
Coach Wainwright fired three assistant coaches, including his son, Scott. Dar Tucker left two years early for the NBA Draft.
Although Tucker averaged 18.5 points per game, he attempted too many shots as the rest of the team stood around and watched him play. This year, the team will focus on being tougher on defense and working together more as a team.
One has to wonder if DePaul can recover from such an embarrassing season without a total overhaul and a new direction.
Projected Starting Lineup
PG Jeremiah Kelly, 6'1'', 170 lbs, So. (4.3 PPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 RPG, 33 FG%, 53 FT%)
Kelly was forced to play more minutes than Wainright anticipated after starting point guard Jabari Currie was lost for the season with a knee injury. Kelly struggled most of the season, but displayed good ball-handling skills and leadership ability during the Big East Tournament.
SG Will Walker, 6'0", 190 lbs, Sr. (14.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 42 FG%, 66 FT%)
After struggling in the first half of the season, Walker made 43 three-pointers and averaged 19.8 points over his last 12 games. He moves well without the ball and displays good form on his shot.
The Blue Demons would like to play Walker more at the point this year so the team can present a larger lineup on the floor. However, for this to become an effective strategy, Walker's ballhandling must improve.
SF Eric Wallace, 6'6'', 215 lbs, So.
Wallace is a transfer from Ohio State. As a freshman for the Buckeyes, Wallace averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 15 games. His career high in scoring is 10 points against Iowa.
Wallace provides DePaul with a athletic option at the small forward position. He will certainly entertain the home crowd with his ability to dunk.
After spending a year guarding Tucker in practice, Wallace is eager to display his rebounding and defensive abilities in real games.
PF Devin Hill, 6'9", 200 lbs, So. (3.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 31 FG%, 27 FT%)
Due to his slender frame, Hill is at his best when the pace is fast so he can shoot jumpers off the fast break and use his wingspan to deflect passes and block shots.
Hill needs to get stronger to keep defenders away from Mac Koshwal and help the Big East's second-worst rebounding team.
F/C Mac Koshwal 6'10'', 255 lbs, Jr. (12.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG, 53 FG%, 58 FT%)
Koshwal put his name into the NBA Draft last spring knowing nobody wanted a player from a team that couldn't win a conference game. However, Koshwal received positive feedback during several official workouts.
Although Walker may be the leading scorer for DePaul, Koshwal is the best overall player for the Blue Demons. Koshwal is a physical player who wants the ball inside as much as possible.
Koshwal needs to become more consistent as a player, but is hampered by the lack of inside help as he wears down physically by the end of the season. Fans will look for Koshwal to have a huge season for DePaul and leave after the year ends for the NBA.
Projected Contributors
G Joe Belcaster 6'2'', 160 lbs, Fr.
Belcaster is joining the team as a walk-on from Chicago. As a senior, he led Morton High School to a 23-6 record. Last season, he averaged 14.0 points, 9.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds.
PG Michael Bizoukas 6'1'', 175 lbs, So. (2.0 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.6 RPG, 31 FG%, 52 FT%)
Bizoukas will be asked to come off the bench as a point guard. After last season's debut, he is mentally ready to defend the best guards the Big East has to offer. Bizoukas needs to improve his shooting in order to receive more playing time.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete