2008 DePaul College Basketball Predictions & Season Preview

Written October 14, 2008 by Jack Jones

There are some people who think the DePaul basketball team could sneak up on the Big East in 2008-09, and we are one of them. This is despite an 11-19 season a year ago that saw the Blue Demons go 6-12 and miss the conference tournament. The team was weak with their interior defense, but that is a problem that they looked to address in the off-season and with recruiting. Don’t get us wrong though, this team isn’t likely to finish in the top half of the league as they have only one multi-year starter and that is little used senior Jabari Currie. The college basketball odds makers seems to agree with us, as BetUS has DePaul listed at 15-to-1 to win the Big East regular season title.

Mac Koshawl was forced to play out of position at center a year ago and still managed to contribute 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Now that he will be moved over to his more natual power forward position, it is expected he could have a breakout season. He won’t have to guard the opposition’s tallest players, which should free him up for more rebounds. Matija Poscic should be the starting center and will be able to throw around his body a little better after working to bulk up this offseason. The 6′10″ Croatian can run the floor pretty well and is a good shot blocker. Freshman Krystopher Faber is a highly touted recruit who can shoot from outside and will be able to play either spot down low. Freshman Devin Hill is a 6′9″ power forward who needs to put on weight. Center Kene Obi is 7′2″, but is more of a project than an immediate contributor.

Dar Tucker will be the team’s go-to guy. He was the second leading scorer on the team a year ago despite coming off the bench. He needs to improve defensively, but he’s always good for the highlight reels with his dunks and passing abilities. Currie will play shooting guard where he will get a chance to showcase his 47% 3-point shooting from a year ago. Will Walker almost averaged 10 points a game last year, but may be out of position in a move to point guard. A couple of freshman are more natual at the one-spot, but will be a little rough to start the year. Mario Stula had to sit out his freshman year, but is the Croatian is a solid shooter from the wing spot.

Final Analysis

This team has talent but they are pretty young. The talent is definitely there, but they will need experience to compete in the Big East, so we see this team as a year or two away from getting to the top half of the league. They could surprise people though and be better than expected, but more likely than not it’ll be an NIT appearance instead of the NCAA tournament for the Blue Demons. If you disagree BetUS has DePaul listed at 200-to-1 to win the national title.

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