May 11, 2007
Head Coach: Jerry Wainwright
2006-2007 Record: 20-14 (9-7 Big East) NIT Quarterfinals
Returning Players: Draelon Burns, Senior (Guard)
Cliff Clinkscales, Senior (Point Guard)
Karron Clarke, Senior (Small Forward)
Wesley Green, Senior (Center)
Jabarie Currie, Junior (Guard)
Will Walker, Sophomore (Point Guard)
Thijin Moses, Sophomore (Forward)
Incoming Players: Darquavis Tucker (Guard)
Nyal 'Mac' Koshwal (Big Forward)
Mike Bizoukas (Point Guard)
Matija Poscic, JUCO (Forward)
Mario Stula (Guard/Forward)
Early NBA Departure: Wilson Chandler
Graduated Players: Sammy Mejia
Marcus Heard
Lorenzo Thompson
Keith Butler
Open Items/Issues: DePaul was hit hard by graduation but the biggest punch in the gut was delivered by Wilson Chandler who decided to dive into the NBA Draft waters without guaging his draft stock first. It was not that surprising that Chandler entered the draft, but he did not give himself the option to return to school, but if your going to do it, you might as well do it all the way.
In the last week, the Blue Demons addressed their need for shooting as they added Mario Stula to their excellent recruiting class as a late period signee. Stula has not been in America very long, but has an excellent reputation as a long-distance shooter. He will still undergo an adjustment to the strength of American players, but at 6'7 and a pure shooter, he should be a future weapon.
Summary: DePaul hit my projected mark of 9-7 for them last year, but it just never seemed like this team has played to its potential in either of their first two seasons in the Big East. Now, with their top two scorers and rebounded (Mejia and Chandler) leaving, improving on their upward trend from last year will be difficult. Yes, they have an impressive incomign class (clearly the 2nd best in the conference), but one has to wonder who will assume leadership roles amongst the returnees.
One problem the Blue Demons have faced the last couple years is getting consistent play out of any of their lead guards. Hopefully this season quantity means quality as Jerry Wainwright will have a potential point guard in each class with senior Cliff Clinkscales, junior Jabari Currie, sophomore Will Walker and freshman Mike Bizoukas. The Blue Demons will need someone out of this group to step up and assume consistent leadership of the team to avoid a revolving door at the point. I truly believe consistency, which this team has lacked the last two seasons, begins at the point. I think in time, Bizoukas is the true PG they need, but he will be challenged to take on that role as a freshman.
Along with Bizoukas and Stula, the Blue Demons welcome aboard Darquavis Tucker, Mac Koshwal and Matija Poscic in their highly regarded incoming class. Tucker and Koshwal are going to be expected to fill the shoes of Mejia and Chandler, again, tall orders for freshmen. Koshwal has a Big East body and is going to be a very good frontcourt performer in the Big East. Tucker has high-level Big East athleticism, hopefully it translates more in terms of success than it has so far for Karron Clarke. Tucker will make a splash because of his ability to attack the basket, how good he becomes will depend on his skill development at DePaul. Look for Draelon Burns to continue his role of scorer which really helped up DePaul's play towards the end of last season. However, there is a big jump to go from the complimentary 3rd scorer to possibly their go-to scorer. If they can settle on a PG, then Burns, Tucker and Clarke should form a nice rotation at the two and three positions for the Blue Demons
Along with Koshwal in the frontcourt is JUCO transfer Majita Poscic. Some very impressive information on Poscic has been provided and this is a player to watch for next season. He could definitely take the pressure off of Koshwal to come in and carry the frontcourt and he also could prevent the Blue Demons from depending on a consistent Wesley Green at the C position. You never exactly know what you will get from a JUCO transfer, but reports are very good on Poscic. Green is the enigma at C that seems to sum up the Blue Demons, much like their PG position. Green has a nice array of skills, but always seems to have something holding him back off the court. Injuries, weight, attitude, etc all have bit him in the past. Now, as a senior, it is his last chance to step up. With Koshwal and Poscic, they are a thin frontcourt, but if they can avoid foul trouble and defend, they have the chance to be decent, at least, offensively.
With just four frontcourt players (counting Thijin Moses), the Blue Demons are going to find things tough in the physical Big East. I like their wing athletes, but everyone has impressive wing athletes in one form or another. Next year might be a challenging season for DePaul with a deep Big East field to contend with. The inconsistency at point guard and the thin frontcourt will probably keep this team out of NCAA Tournament contention. Stranger things have happened, however, so you never know...
Labels: DePaul Recruiting
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