2005 DePaul Blue Demons Basketball Preview

2005 DePaul Blue Demons Team Preview

The DePaul Blue Demons are yet another team that has left Conference USA to join the Big East. Experts agree that the Blue Demons new coach, 11-year NCAA veteran Jerry Wainwright, may be a perfect match for the team. Wainwright, a Chicago guy, has come home to his boyhood haunt—the Windy City. In his eleven years as a NCAA coach, he’s 186-144 overall and is known for his calm demeanor, keen sense of talent, and ability to connect with his players.

In his initial year as the Blue Demons’ coach, Wainwright, having lost three starters to graduation and two reserves to transfer, finds himself with his hands full. Junior point guard Sammy Mejia is the only returning Blue Demon who averaged more than 5 point per game last year.

Center Marlon Brumfield, 6-9, 260 pounds, is the only senior on the team. He’s expected to use his shot blocking ability and size to keep opponent’s point and rebounding totals down. But Brumfield, who hit for an average of 4.8 points and grabbed an average of 6.4 rebounds per contest in the 2004-05 season, needs to be more dominant in order to makeup for the loss of forward Quemont Greer, who led the team in scoring with 18.3 PPG and rebounding with 7.6 RPG.

From the outside, without a true three-point man, DePaul is thin. But they do have some defensive power in Miami transfer Karron Clarke and developing shooting power and accuracy at the point in sophomore Draelon Burns.

Cliff Clinkscales, another sophomore, possesses a fine jump shot and is an inspired playmaker. When you add in Michigan’s Mr. Basketball 2005, Wilson Chandler, the Blue Demons begin to look scary. Chandler, who has been compared to Scottie Pippen, can shoot and score from just about anywhere on the court. He could be a major factor in Jerry Wainwright’s first season at DePaul.

Wainwright is considered to be a fine coach and an excellent fit with the Blue Demons. If he can create solid play and build his player’s confidence on the court, DePaul may have it’s third 20-win season in a row.

For more info on the 2005 Blue Demons check out the official Depaul athletic site.