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Big East Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 14: A general view during the championship game of the Big East basketball tournament between the Villanova Wildcats and the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 14: A general view during the championship game of the Big East basketball tournament between the Villanova Wildcats and the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 30: Coach Leitao of DePaul reacts. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 30: Coach Leitao of DePaul reacts. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

DePaul has been one of the worst teams in the Big East for the last several years. The Blue Demons have just been unable to find any kind of momentum or consistency on the court and has resulted in several disappointing campaigns. Even though the program waved goodbye to a number of talented players this offseason, there is some excitement regarding this coming year. Returning star Paul Reed is at the forefront of this but DePaul’s 2019 recruiting class, which was ranked at No. 33 in the nation, is also a major reason.

Romeo Weems is the top recruit of the bunch as he comes in ranked at No. 62. The versatile 6-foot-7 forward looks poised to form a dynamic frontcourt duo with Reed that could be one of the best in the Big East this season. Weems is arguably one of the best NBA prospects in the conference and he should be a terror to match up against this year. He will pair nicely with Reed and teams around the conference will have a tough time game-planning for them.

Additionally, head coach Dave Leitao has a pair of guards joining the fray with Markese Jacobs (No. 159) and Oscar Lopez (No. 396). Jacobs, in particular, could see a major role right away. Rising senior Devin Gage looks poised to hold down the starting point guard spot this season but Jacobs will be his primary back-up before taking that spot next season. Lopez might struggle to find minutes this year but should be a valuable piece as a sophomore.

Nick Ongenda (No. 286) finishes up this recruiting class as a recent addition. He is a 6-foot-10 center with the potential to immediately contribute. There is not a ton of depth in the DePaul frontcourt and this could allow Ongenda to find playing time even though he is not a highly-rated prospect. Jaylen Butz, Weems, and Reed are likely to start in the frontcourt and there is not a ton of size behind them.

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