Continuing on with our Big East basketball all-time starting lineups, the DePaul Blue Demons are up. DePaul basketball has not had much recent success. In fact, they haven’t had a winning season in SIX seasons. Additionally, they haven’t made the Men’s NCAA Tournament since 2004. Blue Demon basketball is reeling. New head coach Chris Holtmann will do his best to get the Blue Demons back to playing good basketball.
Despite the relative lack of recent team success, the Blue Demons have had their fair share of good basketball players come through the program. As we shift our focus from the team’s historical challenges to its individual stars, we prepare to unveil the all-time starting five. This lineup celebrates the past greats and encapsulates the spirit and talent that define Blue Demon basketball. Let’s delve into the history and honor the legends who have donned the Blue Demon jersey, shaping the rich heritage of DePaul basketball.
DePaul Basketball: Blue Demons All-Time Starting 5
Guard: Rod Strickland
“Hot Rod” Rod Strickland is an obvious selection here. Known for scoring and finding open teammates, Strickland was a force to be reckoned with. His tenure at DePaul was one of success. He propelled DePaul to three straight NCAA tournament performances during his years with the team from 1985-1988, including a pair of sweet sixteen showings. His dynamic playing style and clutch performances earned him All-American honors, highlighting his role as a key player for the Blue Demons. Rod Strickland is distinguished in DePaul’s basketball records. He ranks ninth in scoring average at 16.6 points per game, third in assists with 557, and second in steals with 204. Additionally, he averaged 3.4 rebounds and maintained a field goal percentage of 53.4% throughout his college career. Strickland’s leadership and contributions on the court led to team success and left a lasting legacy, solidifying his place among DePaul’s basketball legends.
Guard: Brandon Young
“Dynamic DePaul” could easily hail Brandon Young as one of its essential figures. A pivotal player from 2010 to 2014, Young’s knack for scoring and playmaking left a substantial mark on the program. Throughout his tenure, he delivered consistent performances and also helped guide the Blue Demons through a challenging Big East landscape. Young’s athletic prowess saw him finish with a notable 1,899 points, securing his place as the third all-time leading scorer for DePaul. His 521 assists place him fourth in the program’s history, reflecting his dual-threat capability on the court. Additionally, Young averaged 3.2 rebounds and posted a decent field goal percentage of 43.1% during his collegiate career. Young gets the nod over other Blue Demon greats due to his tenure and the overall statistical impact he had on the program. Moreover, he’s the only Blue Demon to eclipse 1,200 points, 400 assists, and 100 three-pointers made.
Forward: Mark Aguirre
Mark Aguirre is a standout for DePaul’s all-time starting five, thanks to his impressive college career marked by significant achievements. From 1978 to 1981, he led DePaul to three NCAA tournament appearances, including a memorable Final Four run in 1979. Aguirre scored 2,182 points, making him DePaul’s all-time leading scorer. His exceptional play earned him two first-team All-American honors and the 1980 Naismith College Player of the Year award. Notably, he propelled DePaul basketball to a stellar 27-2 record in the 1980-81 season and a 79-10 record overall. He showcased his leadership and scoring abilities with career averages of 24.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 55.6% from the field. These accomplishments solidify his legacy as one of DePaul’s all-time greats.
Forward: Terry Cummings
Terry Cummings is an essential pick for DePaul’s all-time starting five, backed by his significant achievements during his tenure from 1979 to 1982. Cummings was a pivotal force in leading DePaul to three NCAA tournament appearances. One of which included a Sweet Sixteen spot, underscoring his impact in high-stakes games. His scoring prowess is evidenced by his 1,398 career points, making him one of the program’s top scorers. Notably, Cummings earned prestigious accolades, including consensus second-team All-American honors in 1982, thanks to his impressive averages of 22.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. His ability to dominate both ends of the court, coupled with his consistent contribution to DePaul’s success in the postseason, solidifies his position as one of the all-time greats for the Blue Demons.
(Some significant omissions for the last forward spot were Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler, and Cleveland Melvin.)
Center: George Mikan
“Mr. Basketball” himself – George Mikan’s legacy at DePaul University makes him a quintessential member of their all-time starting five. During his collegiate years from 1942 to 1946, Mikan’s dominance was unmatched. He played a crucial role in DePaul reaching the NIT Championship game in 1945, a major accomplishment given the prominence of the NIT at the time. Mikan was an unstoppable force, leading the nation in scoring during the 1944-45 season with 23.3 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess that transformed the game of basketball.
His towering presence and skills earned him multiple awards, including being named a consensus All-American three times. Mikan’s contributions to DePaul’s basketball program are legendary, with his career scoring and rebounding efforts setting high standards for future Blue Demons. Not only did he lead DePaul to significant tournament success, but his innovative play style also left a lasting impact on college basketball. These achievements firmly establish George Mikan as one of the all-time greats in DePaul’s basketball history.
See previous All-Time Starting 5 articles below:
Butler Bulldogs All-Time Starting 5
UConn Huskies All-Time Starting 5
Creighton Bluejays All-Time Starting 5
