Know Thy Enemy: DePaul

As the Bulls take their 4-2 mark in the conference on the road, it's time to find about the next opponent, the DePaul Blue Demons. To find out more about DePaul, I asked my friend Marianne from the Biggest Big East Fan to find out about her team and what USF will be facing (make sure to check out her site HERE)

1. DePaul won just 7 games last year. What has changed at DePaul and given the team more success this year?

I think the first aspect of their game that is due credit is the added experience and development that a year brings. Although last season was disappointing, heading into the offseason with the reigning Big East Rookie of the Year, Cleveland Melvin, made me excited for near future. The Blue Demons were such a young team last year, coupled with a first year head coach, so there was bound to be growing pains.

You can really see how their confidence shows in their play this season, and they’ve done a much better job of doing what they need to do, which all starts with defending their home court.

2. How has Brandon Young improved his season as compared to last season at the guard position?

I can’t say enough about how much Brandon Young has improved his game, and the positive effect that has had this team. Granted, he was a member of the Big East All-Rookie team last season, so he wasn’t technically an unknown, but you could sense that some extra time with Coach Purnell would do wonders for him on the court.

Young’s development has really allowed him to become a true point guard – a floor general – an extension of Coach Purnell on the floor.

3. Cleveland Melvin is one of the quiet stars in the Big East. How has he improved since last year and has his skill level gone up this season?

When you insert the ball handling skill package to Melvin’s 6’8 frame, he became an instant mismatch for any Big East defender this season. Aside from his added ability to drive to the basket, Melvin can back down defenders or play facing the basket. His versatility makes him such a weapon.

4. USF beat DePaul twice last year and in the second win, Augustus Gilchrist went for 32 points. How will DePaul slow him down and try to get the win?

There is no doubt in my mind some extra time will be spent in the film room, breaking down game tapes and trying to implement a plan to defend a talented scorer like Gilchrist. I’m really looking forward to the Gilchrist-Melvin matchup, as I think Melvin’s defensive improvement will play a large factor in the outcome of this game.