DePaul Looks to Build From Their Best Big East Finish

DePaul’s top-six finish in the Big East last season was the program’s best regular-season finish as a member of the conference. It is no secret that the Blue Demons have had a tough time since joining the Big East. The road does not get any easier this year with a much stronger conference on paper. However, in year three under Coach Chris Holtmann, DePaul will look to build on their relative success from last season and defy the odds with another top-six finish.

Departing Players

Holtmann’s offseason began as an uphill battle after losing nine players from last year’s roster. Four of those players started over 50% of DePaul’s games, beginning with leading scorer CJ Gunn, who averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds per game. Holtmann then lost his leading rebounder, NJ Benson, who averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. Brandon Maclin averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. RJ Smith transferred to UC Santa Barbara after averaging 7 points per game. Holtmann also had to replace key reserve Kaleb Banks, who averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game.

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Returning Players

DePaul Blue Demons guard Layden Blocker (2) controls the ball against Georgetown Hoyas guard Malik Mack (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images, via Reuters Connect

Although DePaul lost four graduating seniors and five players to the portal, not all is lost. Holtmann retained starting guard Layden Blocker, who led DePaul in minutes, assists, and steals. Forward Théo Pierre-Justin started double-digit games and led the Blue Demons in three-point percentage at 39.7%. After a true freshman season in which he appeared in 28 games, former consensus four-star recruit Kruz McClure will return to DePaul looking to make a big jump this year. To round out the impact returnees, 7-2 Fabián Flores, who appeared in 28 games, and Amsal Delalić, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, will also return.

Recruits

Holtmann had three recruits in…

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Publish date : 2026-09-17 11:30:00

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