The Big East made tremendous strides in the last couple of seasons, including a team winning the national championship game a few months ago. Therefore, ranking these teams is difficult because of the talent pool. Nevertheless, today we start with the predicted worst team, which, in my opinion, is DePaul.
Big East Rankings: #11-DePaul Blue Demons
Last Season
The Blue Demons had a rough year but did show some signs of success with a good showing in the Big East Tournament. However, they were 10-23 and 3-17 in conference play. They were second-last in the conference in defense and near the bottom offensively.
Projected Starting 5 for DePaul
1- Jalen Terry
3- Caleb Murphy
5- Mac Etienne
Where the Blue Demons Found Success
Shooting
When the Blue Demons won games, it was because of their three-point shooting. They shot 50% (18/36) from three in their Big East Tournament success. DePaul is a smaller team, so they played an up-tempo style that resulted in a lot of threes. The Blue Demons shot the second-most threes in the conference and were fifth in percentage.
Turnover Margin
If there was an area that the Blue Demons did effectively outside of shooting, it was taking care of the basketball. They were third in the conference in turnover margin, which is a good sign for this upcoming season. They produced almost the exact amount of turnovers as their opponents in conference play. Limiting turnovers is essential, and DePaul did well at that.
Why Do They Rank So Low?
Relying Too Much on the Three
If there is one area DePaul centers their game around, it is three-point shooting. While they did shoot pretty well from deep at 37%, it also became a crutch to their offense. Unfortunately, they were ninth in overall field goal percentage in the Big East. Their reliance on making shots from the perimeter does not give confidence. Balance in basketball is crucial, but the Blue Demons shoot too many threes and do not score efficiently around the basket. Therefore, it makes scouting them easier.
Their Size
DePaul does not play anyone above six-foot-nine. In the Big East, that is a problem. Virtually every other team in the conference is tall. The other issue is that their backcourt is small in height and are more three-point shooters. Furthermore, their size makes it hard to put any rim pressure, as their starting guards are five-foot-11 and six-foot-two. The Blue Demons need to improve their scoring production and their defense. A shorter team on the perimeter makes it difficult to guard the better guards in the conference, as those players are taller.
Lack of Consistent Rebounding
Now, Etienne helps with rebounding, but that is only one guy. The rest of the starters and the bench are not exceptional rebounders. DePaul was last or second to last in every rebounding statistic within the Big East. They did not address that area as well as they could, and rebounding is still a concern. UConn, Creighton, Seton Hall, Providence, and St. John’s all rebound the basketball well and are some of the best teams in the conference.
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