Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Mon Mar 22, 2021 2:03 pm

Huston wrote:It won’t let me mess with head coaches at all. Can you explain how you’re doing so? Not obligated to so don’t worry if busy


So you can make changes for teams with openings during the coaching carousel period. For some coaches, I would just edit the coach's information (especially for coaches that aren't already in the game). For some schools with an opening, you can promote an assistant to Head Coach as well. Or, you can use the DB editor and make the changes yourself to the file. As I was putting in the rest of the coaches last night, I did have to do that. Because you're right, most schools won't let you just fire the coach and hire someone else in that spot.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Mon Apr 05, 2021 2:48 pm

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Payne Taps Ernie Kent as Top Assistant
Head Coach Kenny Payne has already been busy since arriving in Lincoln Park. He is putting together a coaching staff, evaluating the current roster and recruits, and watching film from last year's Blue Demons. As a first time Head Coach, it was expected he might bring in an assistant with some experience to help him during his first time at the reigns of his own program. The expectation was met when DePaul announced Ernie Kent as the program's Associate Head Coach.

Kent, 66, is an Illinois native with 24 years experience as a Head Coach at the Division I level. Most recently, Kent was the Head Coach at Washington State for five seasons before being let go after the 2018-19 season.

Spending the last two years away from a sideline, he now returns to mentor one of his former top assistants. Payne and Kent worked together when Kent was the Head Coach at Oregon.

Often regarded as a top recruiter, Ernie Kent has spent his entire coaching career on the west coast (with Saint Mary's, Oregon, and Washington St.). He returns to his home state of Illinois, now an assistant coach for the first time since 1991.

Kenny Payne remarked that Ernie Kent is one of the best talent evaluators in the country. He said that their partnership in Oregon showed what it takes to lead a top men's basketball program. During his thirteen seasons in Eugene, Kent amassed a 57% win percentage and led the Ducks to three PAC 12 tournament championships and two Elite Eight appearances.

Now, Kent will help Payne develop a winning basketball program in Chicago. It's also expected that he will assist in building out the rest of DePaul's coaching staff. Payne is hoping to have the rest of the staff in place by the end of the month.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Tue Apr 06, 2021 12:09 pm

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Ole Miss Forward Shon Robinson Transfers to DePaul
Shon Robinson, a former four-star prospect, left Ole Miss this winter and entered the transfer portal. Expected to have a competitive market for his talents, he has chosen to "go home" and play out his college career with DePaul.

This is the first major roster change since Kenny Payne became Head Coach. He had talked to Robinson, much like the former coaching staff had done. He already had a relationship, but after visiting campus with his family, he decided to announce his intentions.

Shon Robinson is a 6'10" forward that is skilled with the basketball and has proven to be a two-way player. He reclassified to become a member of the 2019 Class and signed to play for Ole Miss. Getting to Oxford in the Summer of 2019, he redshirted his first season.

Robinson made the decision to reclassify after leading Eduprize to a Arizona Division 2 State Championship during his only year on campus. He has transferred to Eduprize from Higley High School in Gilbert, Arizona. He moved to Arizona for his sophomore year of high school. Still, he's a Chicago native with his family still living in the Chicagoland area.

After redshirting in 2019-20, he put on some weight and was expected to be a rotation player. He only appeared in 5 games for the Rebels last season before leaving the team and entering the transfer portal.

Robinson joins a team that is looking for front court depth. As of right now, he is one of only two players that is 6'9" or taller on the roster (along with Nick Ongenda). DePaul is looking to replace forward Pauly Paulicap, who graduated after this past season.

Robinson will have three years of eligibility remaining, but is looking for a transfer waiver so he is immediately eligible to play next season. That is expected to be granted, given the few games he played last season. COVID acting as a complicating factor, the NCAA is expected to be more lenient on transfer requests this summer.

That's good news for DePaul, as a new coaching staff is already putting their touches on a revamped roster.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Thu Apr 08, 2021 5:07 pm

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DePaul Announces Full Men's Basketball Coaching Staff
Just a few weeks into his first summer with the team, Head Coach Kenny Payne has announced the rest of his coaching staff. Shortly after being hired, he reached out to a friend and former mentor, Ernie Kent. Kent, who spent years as a Head Coach in the Pac-12, had worked with Payne at Oregon. They spent the next few weeks putting together a coaching and support staff. Using their network and past coaching stops; today, the Athletic Department announced the full staff.

Scott Padgett, Assistant Coach - Padgett, the Kentucky graduate and former NBA big man has made a name for himself in college coaching. Spending last season with New Mexico, he previously was a Head Coach for six seasons at Samford. He adds more head coach experience, along with years coaching big men. That includes a stop at his alma mater, Kentucky, where he coached with Kenny Payne in 2010. An eight-year NBA veteran, his focus will be on game planning, working with the team's forwards, and aiding Payne, as a coach with experience running a program.

Aaron Brooks, Assistant Coach - Brooks, another former NBA player, joins the coaching staff for his first year as a college coach. He spent this past year working with Kenny Payne and the New York Knicks. Originally named to the player development team in New York, Brooks would ultimately would with two-way players and as a liaison between the G-League and NBA roster. Having just retired from playing professionally, he stayed in basketball and will now enjoy his first full college coaching opportunity. Another former player with ties to the staff; Brooks was a standout for Oregon under Head Coach Ernie Kent, and was recruited by Kenny Payne. A former McDonald's All-American, he was a first round pick of the Houston Rockets in 2007 after a stellar four-year career in Eugene. Now, as his attention turns to coaching, he will work with the team's guards and focus on player development.

Ralph Davis, Director of Basketball Operations - Davis comes to Lincoln Park with years experience working in a similar capacity with men's basketball programs. He follows Padgett from New Mexico, having spent last year as an Assistant Coach with the Lobos. Before last season, he worked in a support role with New Mexico including as the program's Director of Operations. Prior to his time at UNM, he worked for nine years with the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). His time with NMMI saw consistent year-to-year improvement in the program, along with 40 players moving on to a higher level of basketball upon graduation. His duties will include many aspects of assisting the program including the travel, program and training schedule, and NCAA compliance.

Shane Heirman, Assistant Director of Basketball Operations - The lone holdover from the previous staff, Heirman will now transition into a role with the front office and operations. He spent four seasons under Head Coach Dave Leitao, playing a major role in the program's relationship with high schools and on the recruiting trail. He joined DePaul in 2017 after leading prep power La Lumiere School for three seasons. Heirman led La Lumiere to the 2017 Dick’s Sporting Goods High School Nationals and No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Super 25. In his three seasons at La Lumiere he totaled a record of 82-7 that also included a runner-up finish in the Dick’s Nationals and No. 3 final ranking in 2015-16. A Chicago native, he played at Marian Central Catholic High School before playing college basketball at Tulsa. He will continue to focus on recruiting; leading the program's summer recruiting camps, and as a bridge to high school programs throughout the country.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Thu Apr 08, 2021 5:11 pm

2021-22 DePaul Coaching Staff
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Sat Apr 17, 2021 8:05 pm

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Four-Star Okpara Commits to DePaul
DePaul and the Demons' new coaching staff picked up their first commitment for the Class of 2022. Chisom Okpara, a four-star combo forward at prep power La Lumiere in Indiana, has committed to play his college basketball at DePaul. Okpara, who had earned multiple offers this summer from Big Ten, SEC and numerous Big East schools; ultimately decided to play in Chicago for Kenny Payne.

Okpara started his prep career on the east coast, he was once a top academy player in Vermont before moving and playing for national power La Lumiere in La Porte, Indiana. While he did not play for Shane Heirman, who coached at La Lumiere before joining DePaul's staff, Heirman's familiarity with his former program was a big advantage in Okpara's recruitment.

Ultimately, DePaul beat out Ole Miss, Penn State and many others for the services for the 6'7" combo forward. After watching Okpara at the NYC Invitational, Payne had a private conversation and knew he wanted the four-star to be a part of his first recruiting class.

"He reminds me a lot of (Alex) Poythress," said Head Coach Kenny Payne. "He's strong and is comfortable attacking the basket. A good rebounder, attacks the glass well. Very similar to when we recruited Poythress at Kentucky."

Playing for La Lumiere has given Okpara some national exposure. He played games against Prolific Prep, Oak Hill and many other top prep schools across the country in his last two seasons. Last season, he averaged 13.5 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Okpara is still growing into his body and his game. While he has the physical tools, he is still getting comfortable with the basketball and doesn't show the ability to create his own shot. His shooting form is solid, but will need to be refined at the next level. But he comes to the Blue Demons as an athletic and physical player that can "dunk, defend, and attack."

While Okpara is the first commitment of the 2022 class, it's expected that the team will sign three or four players in this cycle. Guard Preston Murphy Jr. had committed to the previous coaching staff, but has since opened up his recruitment. He's still considering DePaul, and Payne has said that he is a 'top target' for the Blue Demons this summer.

As of now, with the program focused on recruiting, they land a top 100 player (ranked 71st nationally) and showed that Payne and company can beat out bigger programs on the recruiting trail.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Sun Apr 18, 2021 3:05 pm

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DePaul's Rough Road Ahead
New Head Coach Kenny Payne is just months into the reclamation project at DePaul. Turning around the men's basketball program, a once storied program, now lives in the shadow of Ray Meyer. It seems a distant memory; the days of consistent success, 20+ win seasons, tournament appearances, and a winning basketball culture.

The focus on 'culture' has been key for Payne. It was part of his decision making when he put together his coaching staff. He said it will also play a role in how he shapes the roster, what types of players he recruits, and the style of basketball they expect to play.

"We want to get back to winning." Payne said. "Let's make it simple. We play to win and do the things it takes to win at the highest level. That means playing smart, working hard... not making mistakes. It also means becoming a tough matchup... (DePaul) has been a pushover for too long. Not feared, not taken seriously; every win is considered an upset. That's not okay."

That's definitely true of the last few seasons under Coach Dave Leitao. When he returned, he was instructed to 'right the ship,' get them to a competitive level in the Big East.

It did not happen under Leitao and now DePaul carries exhaustive losing streaks and records into this season. The one that sticks out for most fans and people around the program: 17 seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance. In the next few years, it's likely DePaul will start recruiting players that were not even alive that last time they made the NCAA tournament (2004).

Back then, in 2004, DePaul won 21 games under Coach Leitao and earned a #7 seed in the big dance. They beat Dayton in overtime in the first round, only to follow that with a loss to eventual national champion, UConn. The Huskies, now a conference foe, were led by Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, crushed the Blue Demons in the Round of 32.

The 2003-04 season was their last trip to the NCAA Tournament, but it's not the only distant date that sticks out. Coach Payne has mentioned November 21st, 2000 as the last time that DePaul was ranked. Not even during their nine game winning streak two seasons ago did DePaul crack the Top 25.

While those two moments are at the front of Kenny Payne's thinking, he said there is another streak that he's focused on now. That streak is the road losing streak that dates back to early in the 2019-20 season.

After not winning a road game last season, it means that the team's last road win was December 18, 2019 against Cleveland State. DePaul did not win a conference road game that season, along with last year. So the Big East road losing streak goes back even farther.

February 9, 2019. DePaul beat Xavier in the Cintas Center to move to 13-9 on the season. It got them within a game of .500 for their conference record. It proved to be their last road win in the Big East. Kenny Payne has said that's something that must be fixed this season.

The road (pun intended) forward for DePaul looks long. A new Head Coach, new AD, and a new outlook for the program are helpful, but Payne and Peevy are being asked to exorcise some major demons inside the basketball program. Both men have already told fans to be patient, but to expect (and demand) more.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Sun Apr 18, 2021 4:04 pm

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Andre Brown Joins DePaul's Staff
Former player and University Hall of Fame member, Andre Brown, has come back to Lincoln Park to join the men's basketball program. Brown has been named the team's Director of Player Development. This position is new to the basketball program, but is a staple for many Division I men's basketball teams.

Brown, 40, will be in charge of creating player practice and development plans. He will work closely with the Athletic Department's Strength and Conditioning staff, working as the lead for the basketball team. He will also work with the scouting and video departments to give players all the tools to develop their game.

In a press statement, Brown said he was 'overjoyed' to return to DePaul. A Chicago native, he was a McDonald's All American at Leo Catholic. He started his prep career at Brother Rice and wants to help DePaul build back that relationship with the Chicago Catholic and private schools.

The last two years, Brown has worked as the Head Coach of American Heritage High School in Delray Beach, Florida. Compiling a 19-15 record, his teams lost in the first round of district play in the last two seasons. It's a major improvement from when he took over, after a 3-17 season.

His work at the high school level showed that he wanted to stay in basketball. That comes after a journeyman pro career that took him to multiple countries, and numerous stops on NBA rosters. In total, he played in 75 games in the NBA.

His pro career came after a strong run at DePaul. He finished his four-year career ranked fourth in Conference USA history with 855 rebounds and became one of only eight players in DePaul history to have 1,000 points and 800 rebounds in a career.

Now returning to DePaul, it will be his first stint on a college staff. Head Coach Kenny Payne was thrilled to add Brown, citing his success as a coach and his experience as a pro player.

Adding a former player is also a bridge to create a better relationship with alumni and past players. Brown was part of a successful era in DePaul basketball; when many of the program's best players were Chicago natives. Now Andre Brown returns, hoping to be a part of DePaul's resurgence.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Fri Apr 23, 2021 12:16 pm

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Jalen Terry Transfers to DePaul
Former Oregon point guard and four-star prospect, Jalen Terry, has decided to move 'closer to home' and continue his collegiate career at DePaul. Joining a new coaching staff, he joins a roster that's influx and will likely be very different from the team that took the floor last season.

Terry, a six-foot point guard, was a prep star at Beecher High School in Flint, Michigan. A finalist for Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan his senior year; he averaged over 20 points per game, 6 assists and 5 steals. He led the Bucs of Beecher to a 20-2 record, including an 18-game win streak to end their regular season.

He will be immediately eligible after transferring from Oregon. He originally signed with the Ducks as part of the Class of 2020, enrolled early but played sparingly in his freshman season. Because of the complications of last season, the NCAA has opened up transfers this offseason and Terry will be able to play right away.

That's good news for DePaul who are likely turning over a majority of their roster. Guard Kobe Elvis has transferred to Drake, leaving minutes available in the back court. That, along with Charlie Moore graduating, means there is likely a starting spot available for Terry.

That likely made a difference, along with Terry's connection to the new coaching staff. A chance to play early, closer to home, and finally show off his ability led Terry to the Blue Demons.

Now, the coaching staff will focus on roster attrition and holding onto players that are considering transfers. That includes big man Nick Ongenda and forward Romeo Weems. Ongenda has an offer to go play at Texas, while Weems is mulling his prospects in the NBA Draft. He has until May 30th to decide to return to school or go pro.

While Head Coach Kenny Payne is busy recruiting, he is also having to recruit the current roster. Adding players like Terry show his connections across college basketball. Those connections will be important as DePaul tries to build back and become competitive.
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Re: Waking the Sleeping Demon | Maize's DePaul Dynasty

Postby jdbmaize » Fri Apr 23, 2021 4:54 pm

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"Roster is Taking Shape" as Ongenda, Weems Announce Return
Many DePaul fans were able to breathe a sigh of relief after finding out that two of the their best young forwards were returning for next season. Juniors Nick Ongenda and Romeo Weems each announced this past week that they'll be returning to the Blue Demons.

Ongenda had initially entered the transfer portal after the change to the coaching staff. Not knowing the program's future, he looked at his options and received offers to join multiple programs. In the end, he was down to Texas, Oklahoma State and DePaul.

Citing a chance to play and make an impact for the Blue Demons, Ongenda chose to return. Being able to play the 4 and 5, the 6'11" forward started only four games last season. He is expecting increased playing time following the graduation of Pauly Paulicap.

Originally reclassifying to the 2019 class, Ongenda still has two years of eligibility remaining.

Romeo Weems considered declaring for the NBA, but ultimately chose to return to DePaul. The 6'7" forward has been less productive than expected since coming to Chicago after being named Michigan's Mr. Basketball.

Weems started every game for DePaul as a freshman and was named to the conference's All Freshman team. This past season, he started 15 of 18 games played, not seeing the increased production that many expected. While his offense has not translated, he has proven to be a capable and versatile defender.

In his senior year of high school, when he was named Mr. Basketball in Michigan; Weems led New Haven to the state Class-B Quarterfinals while averaging 27.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 steals, 3.5 assists and 2.6 blocks per game.

Kenny Payne wants to help Weems reach the NBA. He has helped dozens of players turn pro, and he thinks he can "unlock" Weems' game. Many people around the program think that Weems might have been miscast by the previous coaching staff.

The return of both players is a good sign that Kenny Payne is able to retain talent. Both players were former top recruits and could be in line to start next season for DePaul.
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