June 9, 2008
Head Coach: Jerry Wainwright
2006-2007 Record: 11-19 (6-12 Big East)
Returning Players:Jabarie Currie, Junior (Guard)
Will Walker, Sophomore (Point Guard)
Darquavis Tucker, Sophomore (Guard)
Nyal 'Mac' Koshwal, Sophomore (Big Forward)
Mike Bizoukas, Sophomore (Point Guard)
Matija Poscic, Senior (Forward)
Mario Stula, rsFreshman (Guard/Forward)
Kene Obi, rsFreshman (Center)
Incoming Players:Jeremiah Kelly, Point Guard
Devin Hill, Forward
Krys Faber, Center
Graduated Players:Draelin Burns
Karron Clarke
Wesley Greene
Cliff Clinkscales
Open Items/Issues:DePaul, not surprisingly, missed out on all post-season action last year, including the Big East Tournament as the Blue Demons were forced to reload following heavy personnel losses the previous season. Once again, DePaul will look to rebuild and replace nearly 45% of their offense and rebounding due to graduation losses. Currently there is 11 players slated for the 2008-2009 roster, but just four of them would qualify as 'experienced' Big East players. Another tough year could be in store for DePaul fans.
Summary:In his three seasons as the head coach at DePaul, Jerry Wainwright has missed the Big East Tournament in two of them. Not a very good track record heading into the all-important year four of a coaching regime. In what might be considered a make-or-break campaign for the veteran coach, the Blue Demons once again lack experience and front court depth as they try to make a move up the Big East standings.
The good news for Blue Demon fans is they WILL be playing in the Big East Tournament again. The conference has made the decision to include all 16 conference teams in the festivities this coming March at Madison Square Garden. One of the complaints lodged by coaches is the added pressure to make the conference tournament as a detriment to job security. In this case, playing in NYC in March will not hide the shortcomings of the current DePaul situation.
Located in the talent-rich area of Chicago, DePaul looked to be gaining some momentum with the 2007 recruiting class haul that included Dar Tucker and Nyal 'Mac' Koshwal. Both Tucker and Koswhal had very good freshman campaigns and look to be exciting players in the Big East conference, now DePaul has to compliment these two potential stars with a capable supporting cast. They have to find a perimeter scoring threat to replace leading scorer Draelon Burns who graduated. The likely candidate would be Will Walker, who showed hope as a sophomore of a player that can put some points on the board in bunches from the perimeter. He will be called upon to step up his game offensively from the wing to create driving lanes for Tucker to attack the basket and allow room for Koshwal to work down low.
The rest of the team is filled with more questions. Cliff Clinkscales has graduated and the point guard position continues to be unsettled. Incoming freshman Jeremiah Kelly offers some hope and returning veteran Jabari Currie will look to improve his overall play making abilities. Mike Bizoukas, who is likely to be granted a redshirt year after missing much of last season, is a true point guard who could develop as a steadying influence with the ball. However, none of these players have yet to prove themselves to be consistent performers in the Big East and the newcomers will face a serious learning curve in the nation's toughest league full of top lead guards.
Interior depth remains a big question mark as well. Majita Poscic battled through an injury plagued campaign as a JUCO transfer last season, so hopefully coming back healthy will pick up his game. Redshirt freshman Kene Obi is a BIG man, at 7'2 and over 300 lbs, but conditioning to compete in the Big East will be a tall order for Obi. Another pair of freshman, Devin Hill and Kys Faber, definitely have promise and some skills for their size, but when you look at the list of incoming freshman, they are well down the list of players who are likely to make an impact next year. Mario Stula is a small forward who has a great reputation for shooting the basketball. He will provide another threat on the perimeter, but his ability to contribute defensively and on the boards is definitely a question mark, until he gets more experience within the American game of basketball.
So, in essence, DePaul is a big question mark, again. The Blue Demons do not have much experience or depth. The uncertainty at point guard looks to be continuing for a fourth straight season. In the Big East, you need to have great guard play to finish in the upper half of the league, some nights, good guard play will not be enough, even with above average production and efficiency from the other positions. Unfortunately, I hesitate to call any other unit on the Blue Demons above average when compared to the Big East's other 16 teams. It could be a long cold winner for the DePaul fans, but a warm seat for coach Wainwright if the struggles continue.
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