DePaul Basketball and Georgetown Basketball: A Comparison
DePaul University and Georgetown University are two prominent schools in NCAA basketball, both having rich histories and passionate fanbases. While both programs have had their ups and downs, they each carry distinct legacies in the Big East Conference and beyond.
DePaul Basketball
History & Legacy: DePaul University, located in Chicago, Illinois, has a long-standing basketball tradition. The Blue Demons were particularly dominant during the 1980s under head coach Ray Meyer, who helped build the program into a national contender. DePaul made the NCAA Tournament 15 times in a 16-year span during the 1980s and 1990s, including an appearance in the Final Four in 1979. Despite its rich history, the program has faced struggles in recent years.
Recent Years: In recent seasons, DePaul has faced challenges in the competitive Big East conference, often finishing near the bottom of the standings. Their last NCAA Tournament appearance came in 2004, and they have struggled to regain prominence since. However, the program remains optimistic with recent coaching changes and the hopes of rebuilding the program into a competitive force within the Big East.
Key Players: Some of the most famous players in DePaul's history include Mark Aguirre, a three-time All-American and the number one overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, and Dickey Simpkins, a key contributor during DePaul’s 1990s run. In recent years, standout players like Jalen Terry and Umoja Gibson have provided the Blue Demons with hope for the future.
Georgetown Basketball
History & Legacy: Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., has a storied basketball history, particularly under legendary head coach John Thompson Jr. Thompson transformed Georgetown into a powerhouse in the 1980s and 1990s. The Hoyas won the national championship in 1984 and were consistently one of the top teams in the country throughout that era. Georgetown’s "Hoya Paranoia" defensive style became famous, and the program’s success in both the NCAA Tournament and the Big East Conference made them a national force.
Recent Years: However, much like DePaul, Georgetown has struggled in recent years. After the departure of Thompson, the program went through several coaching changes. Under head coach Patrick Ewing, a Georgetown legend and former NBA star, the Hoyas experienced some ups and downs. In 2021, Georgetown made an unexpected run to win the Big East Tournament, but their performance in the NCAA Tournament and subsequent seasons has been less impressive.
Key Players: Georgetown has produced some of the best basketball players in NCAA history, including Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo. More recently, players like James Akinjo and Mac McClung have brought hope to the program.
DePaul vs. Georgetown: A Comparison
While both DePaul and Georgetown have rich basketball histories, their paths in recent years have been quite different. Georgetown, with its storied past and recent tournament victories, has shown a bit more promise in recent seasons. DePaul, on the other hand, has faced a more prolonged rebuilding process.
Both schools, however, remain important parts of the Big East Conference, with the potential to make a comeback. With new coaching staff and young talent, both programs hope to revive their storied legacies in the years to come.
Conclusion
DePaul and Georgetown represent two unique stories in college basketball, each with their own highs and lows. While Georgetown's historical success looms large, DePaul's rich basketball tradition cannot be overlooked. Both programs have the potential to become contenders once again with the right leadership and development of young talent. The Big East Conference remains one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball, and both DePaul and Georgetown will continue to shape the future of the league for years to come.
