Projected beginning lineup, impression gamers and rotation explored

Chris Holtmann’s 14-20 season at DePaul confirmed rather a lot about the place Blue Demon basketball had been. Now Holtmann will look to point out the place it is going. DePaul provides some vital portal additions and a pair of freshman recruits to some strong returnees. An improved squad seems to be possible for the 2025-26 season. Here’s an early rundown.

DePaul basketball season preview for 2025-26

Starting Lineup

Guard: CJ Gunn

Over from Indiana for final season, Gunn was the highest scorer on the DePaul roster. He averaged 12.9 factors and 4.0 boards per sport. He shot 30% from 3-point vary however improved his total taking pictures to a servicable 43% total. Gunn’s expertise and scoring potential are two vital pluses for DePaul heading into the season.

Guard: Layden Blocker

A switch from Arkansas, Blocker was a gentle starter final 12 months for DePaul. He averaged 9.5 factors and three.1 assists per sport. Blocker shot 34% from 3-point vary and appears able to proceed as the place to begin guard within the upcoming season. A number of extra choices as scorers ought to make his job simpler within the coming season.

Forward: NJ Benson

A component-time starter a 12 months in the past, the Missouri State switch averaged 9.0 factors and 6.2 boards per sport. The 6-foot-8 Benson is not a fringe risk, however is an old style put up participant. His rebounding ought to have a major impression for DePaul within the coming season, as will his expertise of a season within the Big East.

Forward: Kaleb Banks

After stints at Indiana and Tulane, Banks has transferred to DePaul. Last 12 months, he averaged 14.7 factors and 6.7 boards per sport for the Green Wave. At 6-foot-7, he shot 34% from 3-point vary. He’s a clean and athletic wing ahead who might be one of many high gamers on the DePaul roster in 2025-26.

Center: Khaman Maker

A 7-foot-1 middle, Maker performed three minutes for St. John’s final 12 months. While there’s loads of unknown in his sport, top is actually an intangible that may’t be taught. For a DePaul group that typically struggled to guard its personal basket, even a venture at 7-foot-1 can be a welcome website.

Rotation Players

Colorado guard RJ Smith figures to see vital minutes within the backcourt. For that matter, worldwide switch Amsal Delalic has an fascinating sport as he is available in from Pittsburgh, the place he scored 3.8 factors per sport. Four-star highschool recruits Kruz McClure (guard) and Isaiah Medina (middle) will play, with Medina probably taking up the beginning function inside.

Impact Players

Gunn can be a key, however Banks’s potential to tackle a giant function might outline the group. DePaul ought to have strong guard play and the flexibility to get significant contributions from the frontcourt appears to be the query mark. Banks’s Tulane resume suggests All-Big East potential, however his manufacturing stays to be seen.

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