[Rosiak's Blog] Game 19: DePaul

[ToddRosiakSays]

Game 19: DePaul


Jan. 22, 2009  




The discontent is growing at DePaul.

Despite featuring one of the best inside-outside tandems in the Big East in sophomores Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker, the Blue Demons (8-11, 0-6) are one of just three teams still winless in league play (Seton Hall and Rutgers are the others).

Two of those losses have come at the hands of South Florida, one of the Big East's perennial lesser lights, and another to Cincinnati at home. DePaul has also lost to Notre Dame, at Providence and at Syracuse.

In fact, the Blue Demons have won just once since Dec. 22, and that was against Alcorn State -- dead last in Division I in the RPI at No. 343.

Not surprisingly, coach Jerry Wainwright's seat is beginning to grow a bit hot as a result. In his fourth season at DePaul after coming from Richmond, the longtime sideline veteran has guided the Blue Demons to the Big East Tournament just once (0-1) and zero NCAA tournament appearances.

"I've known Coach Wainwright since I was in college. I think he's one of the best coaches in the country," said coach Buzz Williams when asked if he could pinpoint why DePaul has struggled so much this season.

"I think Dar Tucker, any time the ball's in his hands he's a threat to score, and I mean that sincerely. And Mac Koshwal, when he catches the ball deep enough in the paint, he's good enough to score no matter who's guarding him. I'm watching the game against Syracuse and he's really good, and I think his skill set has developed some since we played them last year because he can catch the ball at 10-12 feet, put it on the floor 1-2 times and get past you.

"Those two guys have done a great job in regards to scoring. When you're averaging 10.5 rebounds, it probably means you're always in a good position defensively. Both of those guys will give us struggles. As it relates to why they are where they are as of today, you'd have to ask Coach Wainwright. I don't know."

On the weekly Big East coaches' teleconference, Wainwright admitted the pressure has been mounting.

"Obviously we're in a grouping that, game-in, game-out, every game is a challenge for us," Wainwright said. "I think until you get that first win the pressure builds, and that makes it something that you don't want to affect your team mentally. A lot of the teams that are struggling right now have a lot of young players who are going through it for the first time, and not to have success affects them.

"In all honesty, we've played much better, and we're not that far away from being successful. We just, whether it be a missed free throw or a turnover down the stretch, it's really cost us. And that's what separates the good teams from the teams that don't win."

A quick look at the Blue Demons' numbers this year reveals myriad problems. They're shooting just 41.3% from the floor, 27.0% from three-point range and 61.9% from the free-throw line. They're being out-rebounded by nearly three boards per game. They've got a negative assist-turnover ratio (213 to 231). And they're getting virtually no production out of their bench.

That being said, both Koshwal and Tucker have been rock-solid.

The 6-foot-10 Koshwal is putting up 14.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game -- one of just three players in the Big East to be averaging a double-double. Notre Dame's Luke Harangody and Pittsburgh's DaJuan Blair are the others.

Meanwhile Tucker, a 6-5 wing, leads DePaul in scoring at 18.6 points per game (sixth in the Big East through Wednesday) while also chipping in with 5.4 rebounds and a team-best 38 three-pointers.

Both average over 30 minutes per game, as does point guard Will Walker, who checks in at 11.5 ppg. Jabari Currie, Devin Hill and Matija Poscic all average between 21.2 and 19.9 minutes.

"I think they have really good players," said Williams. "They have the fourth-leading scorer in the Big East (Tucker), and that says a lot. He's one of the best guards in the league. And I'm not so sure that Mac Koshwal may not be the best interior player in our league as a sophomore. We'll have a hard time guarding him as soon as layup lines are over.

"The combination of those two guys, I think, is special. They've struggled early but it's not because of those two guys. Their roster suggests that they're good enough to beat anybody in our league."

As far as his thoughts on MU Wainwright was, not surprisingly, effusive in his praise.

"Obviously Saturday, my hat's off to Coach Williams," he said. "This team is one of the best teams in the country and they arguably have the best combination of three guards or whatever you call them, perimeter kids. I love watching Jerel and Wes and Dominic. I've seen them kind of grow up; we've played them every year and of course they're right up the road from us in Milwaukee.

"They play exceptional offense, they're very aggressive, they've got great chemistry. And what I enjoy most about them is they really use their experience to play together and play the game the right way. They're a hard-nosed team. They're deservingly in the top 10 in the country and it's a terrific task for our kids to go out there and not only play them, but to maybe put ourselves in a position to shorten the game and have a chance at the end to beat them on their home court."

Wainwright also listed Matthews as one of the most improved players in the Big East, and one of the most underrated in the country.

"I really give him a lot of credit," he said. "Because I remember obviously when he was a younger player in some of the games we played where he couldn't maybe go a couple dribbles without possibly having a turnover. His shooting was somewhat inconsistent. He obviously represents a young man that's worked very hard on his game, and very hard on his physique.

"His endurance and ability to sustain against bigger players I think sets the standard for a lot of the younger players in the league, and that's the level you've got to raise your game to in order to be successful."

-- In the wake of last Saturday's incident at the Dunkin' Donuts Center when a Providence player's brother walked unimpeded onto the court to protest a non-foul call, the school announced that it would work in conjunction with the venue to increase security.

Beginning with a game on Monday against Cincinnati, uniformed police officers were stationed behind both benches -- an approach that most likely would have prevented what transpired during MU's game with the Friars.

Williams, who was outspoken both during and after the game about the breach, was asked about Providence's move on Thursday.

"Whatever they think is best. I'm glad we don't play there again this year," he said. "I'm just concerned about the security of our team -- that's it. Whether we're at home or on the road we've got to protect our guys. I probably didn't handle it as professionally as I should have, but the welfare of our players above all else is more important to me, no matter my position."

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