RECRUITING UPDATE: DePaul

VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Will Walker (PG), Bolingbrook, IL

Projected 2006-2007 Roster:

Seniors: Sammy Mejia (G), Lorenzo Thompson (F/C), Marus Heard (F), Keith Butler (C)
Juniors: Draelon Burns (SG), Cliff Clinkscales (PG), Karron Clarke (WF), Wes Green (C)
Sophomores: Jabarie Currie (SG), Rashad Woods (SF), Wilson Chandler (PF)
Freshmen: Will Walker (PG)

Previous DePaul recruiting reports: August 15 Report, July 8 Report and July 23 Round-Up with DePaul.

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Coach Jerry Wainwright, prior to holding his first practice at DePaul, has gotten his man! When Coach Wainwright took over at DePaul, he and his staff made Will Walker their #1 recruiting priority and that strategy paid off over the weekend when they landed a verbal commitment from Walker. The news has excited the Depaul fans and has gotten the attention of the Chicago media, here are several links to stories on his commitment: Chicago Hoops on Walker to DePaul, Chicaco Tribune on Walker Commitment, Chicago Sun-Times on Walker's Pledge to DePaul and Illinois Preps Bulls-eye on Walker's decision.

At this moment, the commitment from Walker, a Bolingbrook, IL native, leaves Coach Wainwright and staff with one scholarship left for the class of 2006. Right now, it seems like they might be very close to landing a commitment from Devan Bawinkel, a 6'4 guard from Winnebago, IL who was an AAU teammate of WilL Walker this past summer and has indicated, since an unofficial visit to DePaul a few weeks ago, that DePaul could very well be his choice over other finalists West Virginia and Georgetown. Looking at the DePaul roster, I think there is more of a need to add some strength and bulk to their front court, as, if they finish their class with a wing or another guard, that would mean two classes completed with just Wilson Chandler in the front court out of 5 players and just Wes Green in the class ahead of Chandler, and Green's past history with injuries and weight issues could leave them a little short up front. However, it does seem that DePaul might be intent to concentrate on big men beginning with the class of 2007.

If a commitment from Bawinkel does not materialize for Depaul in the near future, they are still a favorite for Desean Butler, but this is looking like good news for West Virginia in Butler's recruitment, as he seems to be willing to take a little more time. Will he open things up a little more and look into schools like Rutgers, Seton Hall and Providence? Or will he try to trump Bawinkel and commit to DePaul quickly? Well, this is the season when dominoes fall and kids make decisions fast and furious!

Other big men that at one time or another were on the DePaul radar include Jon Mandeldove, Phil Jones, Rockwell Moody, Don Lawson and Travis George. Mandeldove and George have seemed to have moved on to other interests and Lawson has yet to be given an offer, however, he would probably jump at the chance to commit to DePaul. However, truth be told, DePaul seems very content with the make-up of their roster in regards to big men, as is. They just do not seem to be very far along with any big men and look to be concentrating on Bawinkel and Butler the most. I fully expect one of those two to finish their early period recruiting class.