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With the third-easiest non-conference schedule in the nation, DePaul’s two best wins have come against Georgia Tech (KenPom 131) and at Wichita State (KenPom 97), leaving the Blue Demons 0–3 against teams with better KenPom ratings than Wichita State.
That said, Chris Holtmann should be applauded for his debut season with the Blue Demons, as DePaul experienced the largest KenPom rating improvement in the country from 2024 to 2025, climbing from 204th to 122nd.
Four members of DePaul’s starting lineup return from last season, giving the program the third-best roster continuity in the Big East, trailing only Marquette (53.2%, 13th nationally) and UConn (52.1%, 17th nationally).
Under Holtmann, DePaul has developed a much clearer identity on both ends of the floor. Offensively, the Blue Demons play with improved structure and spacing, emphasizing ball movement, pick-and-roll actions, and a heavy reliance on perimeter shooting to stretch defenses and open driving lanes. The result has been a more efficient, modern offense that looks far more intentional than in recent seasons. Currently, DePaul ranks eighth nationally in assist-to-field-goal-made ratio (66%) and 45th in free-throw-attempts per field-goal-attempt rate, indicating an ability to draw fouls and get to the line.
Defensively, Holtmann has worked to instill discipline and connectivity, prioritizing transition defense, help-side positioning, and contested shots. While results have been uneven at times due to personnel limitations, the foundation of a more organized and accountable defensive approach is evident. DePaul has been excellent at preventing three-point attempts (31.9% 3PA/FGA, 14th nationally), though the defense relies on varied coverages. Team rebounding remains a weakness on both ends of the floor.
Returning three of their top four scorers from last season, senior CJ Gunn, junior Layden Blocker, and senior NJ Benson remain DePaul’s most important players, serving as the team’s primary offensive options while also ranking among its better defenders.
Last year’s leading scorer, CJ Gunn, starts at small forward and is an all-around scorer whose early-season numbers reflect improved three-point efficiency along with increased assist and free-throw rates. During the offseason, Holtmann praised Gunn’s defensive versatility—particularly his ability to guard positions one through four—while challenging him to improve his offensive efficiency, which he has shown so far, especially against weaker competition.
Starting point guard Layden Blocker, a former top-50 recruit, remains DePaul’s best defensive guard and has taken over as the full-time point guard after previously sharing responsibilities with current Indiana guard Conor Enright. His shooting remains a weakness, but he is athletic, can create off the dribble, draw fouls, and has improved his decision-making.
Last season, starting center NJ Benson ranked seventh in the league in offensive and defensive rebounding rates, block rate, and two-point shooting percentage. While he is a strong rim protector, Holtmann challenged Benson to improve his conditioning and motor to evolve from a low-post, two-way player into a more versatile defender. Benson is only 6-foot-8, but he is stout with long arms.
Starting power forward Theo Pierre-Justin missed the team’s most recent game due to shoulder soreness, but the 6-foot-10 Frenchman is an inside-out offensive player who worked extensively this offseason to improve his strength and athleticism. Holtmann values his passing ability, though he currently grades as DePaul’s weakest defender. Let Karaban feast.
Junior guard RJ Smith, a transfer from Colorado, is a physically built combo guard capable of playing all three backcourt positions and is one of DePaul’s better perimeter shooters despite being low-usage offensively. He is poised, smart, and minimizes mistakes, but rates as the second-weakest defender in the starting lineup.
Off the bench, Tulane transfer Kaleb Banks—formerly Gunn’s teammate at Indiana—is best described as a 3-and-D stretch forward with good size and the ability to score at all three levels and draw fouls. However, he is a surprisingly weak rebounder given his length and frame.
DePaul’s top freshman, Kruz McClure, is another versatile guard who can play all three backcourt spots. He ranks second on the team in assists and, like Banks, can score at all three levels and draw fouls, but he is also a weak rebounder and grades as DePaul’s weakest perimeter defender.
Backing up Benson is 7-foot-2 Spaniard Fabian Flores, who offers little offensively but is the team’s best frontcourt defender. St. John’s transfer Khaman Maker is another seven-footer who is limited offensively but runs the floor well and can block shots. Holtmann’s next developmental step for Maker is improving his rebounding.
Overall, it is encouraging to see DePaul playing more competent basketball under Holtmann. Still, the Blue Demons are likely the weakest team in the Big East. While the defense is respectable and the team will compete, there is not enough offensive firepower or efficiency for DePaul to rise above the conference’s bottom tier.
That said, Chris Holtmann should be applauded for his debut season with the Blue Demons, as DePaul experienced the largest KenPom rating improvement in the country from 2024 to 2025, climbing from 204th to 122nd.
Four members of DePaul’s starting lineup return from last season, giving the program the third-best roster continuity in the Big East, trailing only Marquette (53.2%, 13th nationally) and UConn (52.1%, 17th nationally).
Under Holtmann, DePaul has developed a much clearer identity on both ends of the floor. Offensively, the Blue Demons play with improved structure and spacing, emphasizing ball movement, pick-and-roll actions, and a heavy reliance on perimeter shooting to stretch defenses and open driving lanes. The result has been a more efficient, modern offense that looks far more intentional than in recent seasons. Currently, DePaul ranks eighth nationally in assist-to-field-goal-made ratio (66%) and 45th in free-throw-attempts per field-goal-attempt rate, indicating an ability to draw fouls and get to the line.
Defensively, Holtmann has worked to instill discipline and connectivity, prioritizing transition defense, help-side positioning, and contested shots. While results have been uneven at times due to personnel limitations, the foundation of a more organized and accountable defensive approach is evident. DePaul has been excellent at preventing three-point attempts (31.9% 3PA/FGA, 14th nationally), though the defense relies on varied coverages. Team rebounding remains a weakness on both ends of the floor.
Returning three of their top four scorers from last season, senior CJ Gunn, junior Layden Blocker, and senior NJ Benson remain DePaul’s most important players, serving as the team’s primary offensive options while also ranking among its better defenders.
Last year’s leading scorer, CJ Gunn, starts at small forward and is an all-around scorer whose early-season numbers reflect improved three-point efficiency along with increased assist and free-throw rates. During the offseason, Holtmann praised Gunn’s defensive versatility—particularly his ability to guard positions one through four—while challenging him to improve his offensive efficiency, which he has shown so far, especially against weaker competition.
Starting point guard Layden Blocker, a former top-50 recruit, remains DePaul’s best defensive guard and has taken over as the full-time point guard after previously sharing responsibilities with current Indiana guard Conor Enright. His shooting remains a weakness, but he is athletic, can create off the dribble, draw fouls, and has improved his decision-making.
Last season, starting center NJ Benson ranked seventh in the league in offensive and defensive rebounding rates, block rate, and two-point shooting percentage. While he is a strong rim protector, Holtmann challenged Benson to improve his conditioning and motor to evolve from a low-post, two-way player into a more versatile defender. Benson is only 6-foot-8, but he is stout with long arms.
Starting power forward Theo Pierre-Justin missed the team’s most recent game due to shoulder soreness, but the 6-foot-10 Frenchman is an inside-out offensive player who worked extensively this offseason to improve his strength and athleticism. Holtmann values his passing ability, though he currently grades as DePaul’s weakest defender. Let Karaban feast.
Junior guard RJ Smith, a transfer from Colorado, is a physically built combo guard capable of playing all three backcourt positions and is one of DePaul’s better perimeter shooters despite being low-usage offensively. He is poised, smart, and minimizes mistakes, but rates as the second-weakest defender in the starting lineup.
Off the bench, Tulane transfer Kaleb Banks—formerly Gunn’s teammate at Indiana—is best described as a 3-and-D stretch forward with good size and the ability to score at all three levels and draw fouls. However, he is a surprisingly weak rebounder given his length and frame.
DePaul’s top freshman, Kruz McClure, is another versatile guard who can play all three backcourt spots. He ranks second on the team in assists and, like Banks, can score at all three levels and draw fouls, but he is also a weak rebounder and grades as DePaul’s weakest perimeter defender.
Backing up Benson is 7-foot-2 Spaniard Fabian Flores, who offers little offensively but is the team’s best frontcourt defender. St. John’s transfer Khaman Maker is another seven-footer who is limited offensively but runs the floor well and can block shots. Holtmann’s next developmental step for Maker is improving his rebounding.
Overall, it is encouraging to see DePaul playing more competent basketball under Holtmann. Still, the Blue Demons are likely the weakest team in the Big East. While the defense is respectable and the team will compete, there is not enough offensive firepower or efficiency for DePaul to rise above the conference’s bottom tier.
