DePaul's Season Ends, Program Eyes Uncertain FutureThe DePaul Blue Demons just finished a grueling season: one that saw game postponements, a late start to the season, multiple player injuries that ultimately culminated in another losing season.
DePaul finished 8-21, winning just three games in the Big East and ending the season on a 8 game losing streak. It's the second straight season that they started with high hopes that were only dashed once conference play started.
Last year, before COVID shortened their postseason, DePaul had started 9-1 before finishing 16-16 with just three conference wins. This year, a sluggish start out of the gates saw the Demons come alive in late November, winning 4 of 5 games to close the month.
Head Coach Dave Leitao was disappointed in how this season finished, but was proud of his players for what they endured. Finishing his sixth season, in his second stint at the helm - this is DePaul's fourth losing season since Leitao returned.
After a postseason appearance and runner-up finish in the 2019 CBI Tournament, fans were excited about a young team heading into the 2019-20 season. Those hopes were met with an exciting start, that also led DePaul to lock Leitao into a multiyear extension.
Since then, DePaul has moved on from their former Athletic Director and new AD DeWayne Peevy has been mum on the status of his Head Coach. It's expected that Leitao might have coached his last game; when his Demons took a four-point lead to the locker room, only to lose by 7 to Butler in the first round of the Big East Tournament.
DePaul will see 5 players leave to graduation, and roster retention remains a concern. Multiple players over the last few years have transferred out of the program. Peevy has said that stability is key going forward - a trait that seems to be lacking in the Leitao era.
The Blue Demons will be saying goodbye to starters Charlie Moore, Pauly Paulicap and Monmouth transfer Ray Salnave. They'll also be losing two reserve guards, Jason Malonga and Pantelis Xidias.
Even with the complications of a COVID season, this was clearly not the result many expected from DePaul. After last year's collapse, it was clear that Leitao needed a bounce back season. His Demons did not deliver, instead turning in another losing season.
This season marks 17 seasons since the Demons last appeared in the NCAA tournament. Peevy has said that the men's basketball program is the 'key' driver of the University's athletics. His high expectations have clearly not been met, leaving many to question what comes next for the Blue Demons.