DePaul basketball at a glance

Posted November 09, 2011 11:00 pm

By Mike McGraw

mmcgraw@dailyherald.com

DePaul at a glance

Last year: 7-24 (1-17 in Big East)

Coach: Olive Purnell (second season)

Key players lost: 6-7 junior Tony Freeland (shoulder surgery).

Key players returning: 6-8 sophomore Cleveland Melvin (14.3 ppg), 6-3 sophomore Brandon Young (12.6 ppg), 6-0 junior Jeremiah Kelly (7.6 ppg), 6-10 senior Krys Faber (7.0 ppg).

Newcomers of note: 6-9 sophomore Donnavan Kirk (transfer from Miami, eligible after fall semester), 5-10 junior Worrel Clahar (transfer from Lawson State CC); 6-4 freshman Jamee Crockett, 6-3 freshman Charles McKinney, 6-10 freshman Derrell Robertson.

It’s good news if: Newcomers Kirk, Crockett and McKinney bring the athleticism to help DePaul resemble a Big East team.

Watch out if: The Blue Demons can’t develop enough weapons to keep defenses from focusing on Melvin.

Outlook: DePaul won’t become a Big East contender overnight. With a budding star in Melvin, Purnell is hoping for steady progress.

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