DePaul Basketball: Key 2020 offseason storylines for Blue Demons

DePaul Basketball finished 16-16 last season after a hot 12-1 start. What should we look for next season with the Blue Demons?

For many DePaul Basketball fans, it seemed last year was the season to break through; the Blue Demons were on a beeline for the NCAA tournament. They won at Iowa, at Minnesota and took down Texas Tech at home in overtime. However, the Blue Demons fell apart in Big East play, finishing with a poultry 3-15 conference record.

And it wasn’t a singular player either, the Blue Demons leading five scorers all dipped in scoring once Big East play rolled around. However, the Blue Demons had their chances. They started conference play 1-10, and eight of those losses were by single digits with four of those being by five points or less. A problem that has plagued the Blue Demons for years has been closing out games, and despite having a quality team last year, that didn’t change.

Even with quality players, DePaul’s lengthy NCAA tournament streak is starting to become notable. They haven’t made the NCAA tournament since joining the Big East in 2005-06, and have only made it twice since 2000. For a program that has had quality NBA talent like Wilson Chandler, this streak is as incredible as it is concerning.

However, avid college basketball fans will be aware that DePaul has tipped their toes in the transfer market this summer. Furthermore, they have some key players returning as well. So, let’s jump into three key storylines for the Blue Demons to finally their 16 year-long NCAA tournament drought. Then, I’ll take about DePaul’s ceiling and floor for the 2020-21 season.