The last team in the Big East Previews is the DePaul Blue Demons, who come into this season with an under-the-radar approach. Some scouts do not think DePaul is a contending team in the Big East, but that is also a good thing. The Blue Demons have small amounts of pressure, so can they play spoiler in the Big East? The article previews the Blue Demons below
DePaul Blue Demons Preview 2023-2024
Last Season
DePaul did not produce the best season in 2022-2023. The Blue Demons were 10-23 and 3-17 in the Big East. However, they did get to the Second Round of the Big East Tournament. Tony Stubblefield looks to get DePaul to build some success in 2023-2024.
The Blue Demons’ Strengths (2022-2023)
Three-Point Shooting
DePaul had one area where they found success last season: shooting threes. They had the fifth-best conference three-point shooting percentage at 37%. They also shot 763 threes last season, which was the second-highest in the conference. The Blue Demons had a formula for success and can translate that over to this year. Spacing the court is important because it allows more room for driving opportunities and makes taller defenders move away from the basket. DePaul likes to shoot threes and expect much of the same for the Blue Demons this season.
Their Weaknesses (2022-2023)
Overall Scoring
Unfortunately, three-point shooting was the one positive for DePaul. The Blue Demons had problems generating buckets if their three-point shooting was failing. In Big East play, they were ninth in field-goal percentage and eighth in scoring offense. DePaul struggled to score from two-point range, making it difficult to win games. Their offensive struggles caused problems for most of the season. However, their strong showing in the Big East Tournament stemmed from shooting 50% from three (18/36). The way they succeed is by the three, and they could not generate enough offense outside of that consistently.
Defense
The other problem with DePaul was their lack of defensive production. They were tenth in scoring defense, opponent’s field goal percentage, and opponent’s three-point percentage. If there is a common theme with the teams that finished at the lower end of the conference it is defense. DePaul struggled to get stops, so they played more often in the half-court. Therefore, their ability to get easy looks at the basketball suffered from their poor defensive play.
Notable Returners for the Blue Devils
Da’Sean Nelson
Da’Sean Nelson is the returner who averaged the most points a year ago for DePaul. He is a solid power forward, who averaged 10 points per game last season. Nelson is also very physical and shot 70% at the basket this past season, which is excellent. Da’Sean is hard to stop when he gets to his strong hand (right) and can power through the defense. He is an attack-the-basket player, who can make threes. He only shot 33% from three but was in the 63rd percentile in spot-up opportunities. Additionally, he passes well with a 14% assist rate, and plays defense.
More importantly, Nelson is efficient. He shot 52.8% from the field and had an effective field goal percentage of 55.6%. His go-to moves are the push-shot with his right hand over his right shoulder and driving right into a spin move. Nelson has a chance to make a big scoring jump this season but needs to play in control.
Jalen Terry
Jalen Terry is another returner who got significant minutes last season. His production was down from 2021-2022, but he is a playmaker guard who loves to shoot threes. Terry averaged 5.7 points a game, this past season.
Nevertheless, over half of his field goal attempts last season were from three. Shooting around 37% from three, Terry gets streaky from three. Furthermore, he creates shots off the dribble. He is a solid shooter, but he is very explosive as well. He gets up quickly and high when he goes to the rim, so Terry helps speed the pace up for the Blue Demons. The key for Terry is efficiency around the basket, and becoming a reliable playmaker for DePaul.
Caleb Murphy
Caleb Murphy is another Blue Demon returner who saw action. Murphy’s skillset is centered around his shooting ability. Averaging 5.4 points, Murphy shot 50% from three-point territory. He was not efficient overall as he only shot 37% from the floor, but Caleb shot the ball well. For DePaul, Caleb helps their playing style. The Blue Demons love to shoot threes, and Murphy will add major value in that department.
The Transfers
Chico Carter Jr.
Chico Carter Jr. is a transfer from South Carolina and has a chance to be a major asset for DePaul. Carter Jr. averaged 9.8 points a game last season. However, he shot 47.6% from three-point range. DePaul needs to shoot the three to make themselves relevant, and Carter adds this dimension for the Blue Demons. He excels in shooting quickly off the pass or creating his shot. Chico was in the 72nd percentile in spot-up situations and the 80 percentile for transition(points-per-possession). Therefore, Carter Jr. brings shooting, efficiency, and experience. Playing in the SEC helps him fit in the Big East because both conferences are elite.
Mac Etienne
Mac Etienne was known for his defensive prowess off the bench for the UCLA Bruins a year ago. However, Etienne decided that he wanted more of a role at DePaul. Etienne did not score the ball at a high-level last season, but he brings toughness and is an excellent interior defender. He showed moments where he guarded opposing bigs well. Mac has a great IQ. On the offensive end, he is a work in progress, but he didn’t get much opportunity. Mac only played 6.8 minutes a game, making it hard to show an offensive arsenal. Etienne does have solid post moves going over either shoulder and is good at finding the soft spot in defenses for easy dump-offs. His amplified role comes with keeping his intensity on defense while improving his offensive game.
Jeremiah Oden
Jeremiah Oden is a slashing wing with great size and length. Averaging 9.6 points last season at Wyoming, Oden drives closeouts well. He attacks the rim well because of his quick first step, and his ability to use his length to succeed against shot blockers. Jeremiah is at his best when he gets a head of steam going to the basket. Oden is a good fit because he brings a player who can score, and defend multiple positions on the wing.
Elijah Fisher
Elijah Fisher is another addition from Texas Tech. Fisher is an athletic guard, who loves to attack the basket off closeouts. Furthermore, he is a good cutter and will cut well for players like Nelson, who like to drive to the basket. Fisher is an impact player off the bench
Keyondre Young
Keyondre Young is a Juco transfer, who is very athletic and versatile. He brings more added wing depth to the Blue Demons and is a player who can excel in mismatch situations. At 6’7”, he has the size to guard the wing spot and the skill of a shooting guard/slashing guard.
The First Years
Churchill Abass
Churchill Abass is a 6’9”, 245-pound center from NBA Academy Africa. Abass is incredibly physical, has a solid post-game, and is very athletic. He is explosive and has good footwork to allow him to succeed inside. Abass provides depth for the center position and has the potential to make even more of an impact as he continues to refine his shooting touch.
Dramane Camara
Dramane Camara is another NBA Academy Africa pickup for DePaul. He is a polished guard, who distributes the ball effectively and is an excellent shooter. Camara plays both guard positions and brings size to a smaller backcourt in Chicago. His role will be off the bench, but he has the skills to be impactful when he gets minutes.
Projected Starting 5 for DePaul
PG-Terry
SG- Carter Jr.
SF-Murphy
PF-Nelson
C- Etienne
