Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Butler, DePaul keep rising

Many expected that DePaul would show improvement once again this season thanks to a great returner in Paul Reed and plenty of capable newcomers joining the roster. It is hard to imagine, though, that anyone thought they would be this improved. Through the first few weeks of the season, the Blue Demons hold a 9-0 record that includes several wins over high-major opposition.

They have already won three true road games as well, and that is a testament to how poised they have played to begin the year. Their level of determination was once again on display most recently as they found a way to claw out an overtime victory against Texas Tech.

DePaul’s coaching staff and players definitely deserve all of the credit for how they have started this season, but I also want to bring attention to the fanbase. The Blue Demons’ fanbase is one that has suffered through some dismal years as of late but they have shown up in droves to begin this season. That much was especially evident in the aforementioned win over Texas Tech. Quite simply, it appears as though DePaul will have a major home-court advantage this season if that game is any indication – Wintrust Arena was ROCKING.

DePaul fans have waited a long time for a season like this and they are electric right now.

With regard to DePaul’s actual play on the court, defense has taken center stage this season. With Reed and Romeo Weems in the frontcourt, this squad boasts plenty of versatility and they are shutting down just about everyone. KenPom is still a little bit behind everyone else on DePaul due to baked-in preseason projections, but the team’s adjusted defensive efficiency has already climbed to No. 44 nationally and that should continue to rise. Additionally, Charlie Moore looks the part of being one of the best point guards in a backcourt-heavy Big East.

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