#BIGEASTwbb Preview: DePaul Blue Demons
The BIG Picture
The Blue Demons are coming off their second trip to the Sweet 16 in the last three seasons and are the perennial BIG EAST favorites following three consecutive years of at least a share of the regular-season crown. In three seasons since conference realignment, DePaul boasts a BIG EAST-best 83-24 (.776) record and has earned NCAA Tournament berths in 14 consecutive seasons. The Blue Demons take a hit with the graduations of BIG EAST Player of the Year Chanise Jenkins and 2015 BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player Megan Podkowa, but in true DePaul fashion there are plenty of experienced players prepared to fill their shoes and talented newcomers waiting in the wings.
Who’s Returning
Senior guard Jessica January highlights a group of three returning starters, along with fellow seniors forward Jacqui Grant and guard Brooke Schulte. January played some of her best basketball during the Blue Demons’ run to the Sweet 16, averaging 21 points and nearly five assists per game in the NCAAs. Overall, January led the BIG EAST in assists while ranking among the leaders in points and steals. Schulte started all 36 games and is the Blue Demons’ No. 2 returning scorer (8.6 PPG), while Grant, an Illinois transfer, provided a unique inside-outside option for DePaul. Other notable returners include juniors Mart’e Grays and Ashton Millender.
Who’s Gone
Two significant losses for the Blue Demons are BIG EAST Player of the Year Chanise Jenkins fellow All-BIG EAST honoree Megan Podkowa. Jenkins was DePaul’s leading scorer last year (14.5 PPG) while Podkowa was the top rebounder (7.8 RPG), with the pair combining for over 1,000 points, 400 rebounds and nearly 300 assists in 2015-16.
Storylines
Head coach Doug Bruno is coming off a Gold Medal-winning summer following another stint as assistant coach with Team USA. Bruno expects the winning ways to continue in Chicago as well, as DePaul is consistently among not only the BIG EAST’s but the nation’s top teams. Jessica January is primed to make it a three-peat for DePaul guards in claiming BIG EAST Player of the Year plaudits. In order for the Blue Demons to bring home a fourth consecutive BIG EAST regular-season crown, January will need her teammates to step up following a pair of key graduations, with plenty of potential in Brooke Schulte and Jacqui Grant. Newcomers could also have an impact in Lincoln Park this winter, especially highly ranked guard Kelly Campbell, the New Jersey Player of the Year (MSG Varsity), who will fit into the “DePaul Ball” style seamlessly. The Blue Demons will be tested early and often in non-conference, per usual, with matchups against reigning champion Connecticut, Notre Dame and Northwestern, along with potential meetings with Baylor, Ohio State and Syracuse in tournament play.