DePaul Unexpected Early Success, St. John Dominant Defense
DePaul vs St. John’s: Big East Showdown A Deep Dive Into Key Matchups and Players
The DePaul Blue Demons (8-2, 0-1 Big East) are set to face the St. John’s Red Storm (8-2, 0-0 Big East) in an exciting early-season Big East basketball clash. Both teams have been impressive so far, with St. John’s riding a three-game winning streak and DePaul coming off a dominant victory over Wichita State. As these two teams prepare to battle it out, let’s break down their strengths, key players, and what to expect in this matchup.
DePaul Blue Demons: A Surprising Start to the Season
After a rough 2023 season in which DePaul managed just three wins, the Blue Demons have already surpassed expectations, notching 8 wins in their first 10 games this year. While their schedule has been relatively light, DePaul has demonstrated significant improvement, particularly in their recent 91-72 win over Wichita State, where they came back from a 5-point halftime deficit to win by 19.
Jacob Meyer, a 6’2 sophomore guard who transferred from Coastal Carolina, has been a standout player for DePaul. He’s averaging 15.2 points per game (PPG) and shooting 46.7% from beyond the arc, making him the team’s top scorer and shooter. Meyer has been incredibly consistent, scoring in double figures in every game this season, including a standout 23-point performance against Wichita State. His ability to stretch the floor and create offensive opportunities has been crucial to DePaul’s success this season.
Another key contributor is Isaiah Rivera, a 6’5 senior guard who transferred from Illinois-Chicago. Rivera has been essential in raising the team’s offensive output, contributing 13.2 PPG and shooting 46.6% from deep. His scoring and ability to space the floor alongside Meyer give DePaul a dynamic perimeter attack that can compete with higher-tier Big East teams.
In the frontcourt, David Skogman, a 6’11 senior forward, has been a dominant presence, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game (RPG) and contributing 9.5 PPG. His size and rebounding ability make him a key factor in DePaul’s defense and their ability to control the boards.
According to KenPom, DePaul ranks 89th overall out of 364 Division I teams, with an efficiency rating of 95th in offense and 96th in defense. They play at a moderate pace, ranking 164th in the nation in tempo, which could play a factor in how they manage to slow down St. John’s fast-paced offense.
St. John’s Red Storm: Strong Defensive Play and Efficient Scoring
The St. John’s Red Storm have been one of the more impressive teams in the Big East so far, with a 3-game win streak that includes victories over Harvard, Kansas State, and Bryant. Their best win came against New Mexico, where they won by 7 points as favorites. Despite entering conference play without a Big East win yet, the Red Storm look like a serious contender for the league title this season.
The standout player for St. John’s has been Zuby Ejiofor, a 6’9 forward who has stepped up big this season. After coming off the bench last year, Ejiofor has emerged as the team’s top rebounder, averaging 7.7 RPG while also contributing 14.4 PPG. Ejiofor has been a consistent scoring threat and has registered 22 or more points in three of his last four games. His size and ability to dominate in the paint will be crucial against DePaul’s frontcourt.
St. John’s also boasts a dynamic scorer in RJ Luis Jr., a 6’7 junior guard who is averaging 16.9 PPG and 6.6 RPG. Luis has been a reliable source of offense, reaching double figures in every game this season. His versatility as a scorer and rebounder makes him a major threat, both in transition and in half-court sets.
Another important player is Kadary Richmond, a 6’6 guard who transferred from Seton Hall. Richmond has filled a well-rounded role for St. John’s, contributing 10.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 4.9 assists per game (APG). His ability to facilitate the offense while also contributing defensively makes him a key cog in St. John’s success this season.
St. John’s is ranked 15th overall according to KenPom, with impressive rankings of 24th in offensive efficiency and 18th in defensive efficiency. Their defense, led by Ejiofor and Richmond, has been one of the best in the Big East, allowing them to stifle opponents’ offensive schemes. The Red Storm also play at a fast tempo, ranking 76th in the nation for pace of play. Their up-tempo style of play could put pressure on DePaul, who tends to operate at a slower, more methodical pace.
Conclusion
While St. John’s enters as the favorite, DePaul’s early-season improvement and solid individual performances from players like Jacob Meyer and Isaiah Rivera make them a dangerous opponent. The Red Storm’s defense and faster tempo could be the deciding factors, but if DePaul can execute their offense efficiently and contain St. John’s inside game, they might just pull off the upset.
As the Big East season heats up, this will be an exciting and pivotal game for both teams to establish themselves early in conference play.
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