The 2017–18 DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team probably didn't make headlines for their winning streaks or championship trophies, but what they gifted us was a quintessential journey of grit, determination, and raw passion. At their helm was head coach Dave Leitao, back at the Dreamers’ paradise, attempting to spin magic in Chicago that all the highly-touted analyses ripples announced as highly improbable. It was a year for the books, with the legends-in-the-making hustling at the Allstate Arena while taking on the formidable Big East Conference.
The Fight Against the Odds: Have you ever watched an underdog fight against the tide just because they can? That was DePaul. Many dismissed their prospects, but the Blue Demons had heart, a willingness to charge against the so-called experienced giants. While many on the left would argue for equal playing fields, real life, as evidenced by this team, often pits David against a myriad of Goliaths.
Leadership with a Legacy: Dave Leitao, in his second stint as head coach, brought back a breath of fresh air tempered with fiery resolve. The experienced leader donned the metaphorical cape as a veteran marvel, awakening a sense of rebirth in his players. Like soldiers rallying around a bona fide general, the team showed sparks of brilliance and areas ripe for polishing. He knew that motivation sometimes required a gentle push and other times a swift kick.
Raucous Rivalries: Let’s talk about rivalries, shall we? The Blue Demons faced their fair share, maneuvering through the murky waters that threatened to capsize their ship. Games against the likes of Villanova and Xavier weren’t mere contests; they were battles. You see, the liberal ideals preach fairness, but fair or not, DePaul knew they faced teams that wouldn't give them an inch.
Standout Stars: It’s easy to overlook the talents hidden within a team not basking in the glory. But for DePaul, the talents of Max Strus stood out like a beacon in stormy seas. Strus, a junior forward, became the heart and soul of the Blue Demons. His sharpshooting and relentless drive were witnessed in his remarkable games. If there was ever a player highlighting individual prowess co-existing within a team, it was Max.
Learning from Defeats: A season laden with losses doesn't scream triumph. But again, subscription to an ideology that success should be gift-wrapped is flawed. The Blue Demons, with a 4-14 record in the Big East and 11-20 overall, learned more from every stumble. Each blemish wasn’t a soul-crushing defeat but a lesson on the art of rebounding.
Tales of Resilience: It wasn’t just about losing games; it was about bouncing back. DePaul exemplified resilience. They showed that grit doesn’t always come with a glaring scoreboard—it comes with tenacity and heart.
Unwavering Fanbase: The fans who stuck around were the real believers. They might not have packed the stands every night, but the support flamed every effort and fueled every shot taken. These aren't just numbers in seats; they are the team's backbone. The team, no matter how underrated, had a faithful family rallying behind them.
Offensive Challenges and Defensive Strengths: The team struggled to string together offensive masterpieces, which may have derailed some in their shoes. But it’s worth noting that they never faltered defensively. They won fervent battles when they managed to harness and coalesce the players’ strengths. Precious gems form under pressure, after all.
Building Experience: While the cynics may poo-poo poor season results, astute minds understand that building a future dynasty sometimes means enduring present pain. DePaul's 2017-18 season was much about laying groundwork as it was about immediate victories. They may have lounged in the underdog den, but oh boy, they were expanding the lion's den from within.
The Hope of Tomorrow: This season laid nourishing foundations. Through every setback, the seeds for a future grown thriving with potential were sown. Embracing each loss like a battle-scarred veteran, the lessons learned became life's greatest teachers.
In the season that wasn’t destined for stardom, the gritty journey of the 2017–18 DePaul Blue Demons men’s basketball team was one to relish, not for what it achieved in numbers, but for enthusiasm, learning, and the art of believing against the odds.