2007 Depaul Blue Demons Basketball Preview

The Blue Demons of De Paul (20- 14 overall, 9- 7 Big East), who finished tied for seventh in the Big East, have not been shown in March Madness coverage since 2003- 2004. Coach Jerry Wainwright (32- 29 in two years with De Paul, 218- 173 in 12 years overall) goes into the 2007- 2008 season having lost two starters who contributed on average a total of 28.7 PPG and 12.8 RPG. Those will not be easy statistics to replace.

The club showed some good defense last season, letting in 63.3 PPG (6th in the Big East), and some fine ball control, with only 11.7 turnovers per game (2nd in the Big East). But scoring, which was ranked 12th and equaled an average of 67.6 PPG, was a major problem for the Demons. De Paul was plus-2.5 in rounding margin, which was ninth in the league.

The Blue Demons are hoping that they can score more in the paint. One reason is the addition of freshman center Mac Koshwal to the frontcourt. Koshwal looks to be an immediate difference maker and a starter. He’s got great footwork and fine passing skills. When you bet on college hoops, be aware of senior center Wesley Green (3.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 42.9 FG%) he has skills but needs to discover consistency. Junior transfer Matija Poscic offers fine defensive prowess in the post.

In the backcourt, senior Draelon Burns (11.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 41.9 FG%) proved last season that he could score, defend and change the college basketball betting lines. He’ll assume a leadership role this season. Freshman guard Dar Tucker should be an immediate point producer. Additionally, junior Jabari Curry (3.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, 50.0 FG%) could be the team’s point guard and sophomore Will Walker (3.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 37.0 FG%) offers some fine scoring potential.

The De Paul Blue Demons went to the NIT last season, losing to Air Force in the quarterfinals 52- 51. Look for the Blue Demons to once again be bound for the NIT. They could get back to the Big Dance if a point man can step-up and the club can push the tempo of each game to the limit.