DePaul University Athletics
Hall of Fame & Jersey Retirements
Men's Basketball Team - 1979
- Induction:
- 1999
The 1978-79 DePaul Men's Basketball team, led by Hall of Fame Coach Ray Meyer and freshman sensation, Mark Aguirre, made the program's first Final Four in over 35 years. Following a 1977-78 season where DePaul made the Elite Eight after beginning the season unranked, the Blue Demons opened the '78-79 season on a mission.Â
After opening the season 3-2, DePaul would win nine-straight on its way to a 22-5 regular season record. The Blue Demons earned a top-10 ranking and the No. 2 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. DePaul opened the tournament with a pair of wins over USC and Marquette, setting up a rematch against No. 2 UCLA, who DePaul had fallen to in the regular-season. The Blue Demons defeated UCLA, 95-91, to reach the program's first Final Four since 1943. DePaul fell to the eventual national champions, Indiana State and Larry Bird, in the national semifinal, 76-74, before winning the third place consolation game in overtime, 96-93, against Penn.Â
The 1978-79 team is the last Blue Demon squad to reach the Elite Eight, and is often credited as bringing DePaul into the national spotlight.Â
1978-79 Roster:Â
Mark Aguirre
Clyde Bradshaw
Gary Garland
William Madey
Dennis McGuire
James Mitchem
Curtis Watkins
Â
After opening the season 3-2, DePaul would win nine-straight on its way to a 22-5 regular season record. The Blue Demons earned a top-10 ranking and the No. 2 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. DePaul opened the tournament with a pair of wins over USC and Marquette, setting up a rematch against No. 2 UCLA, who DePaul had fallen to in the regular-season. The Blue Demons defeated UCLA, 95-91, to reach the program's first Final Four since 1943. DePaul fell to the eventual national champions, Indiana State and Larry Bird, in the national semifinal, 76-74, before winning the third place consolation game in overtime, 96-93, against Penn.Â
The 1978-79 team is the last Blue Demon squad to reach the Elite Eight, and is often credited as bringing DePaul into the national spotlight.Â
1978-79 Roster:Â
Mark Aguirre
Clyde Bradshaw
Gary Garland
William Madey
Dennis McGuire
James Mitchem
Curtis Watkins
Â
Episode 36.3: Hall of Famers Return Home featuring Lenae Williams Fergerson
Tuesday, April 14
Wintrust Reads 2026 - Asha Pierre Antoine Reads Llama Llama Red Pajama
Monday, March 30
Episode 36.2 Hall of Famers Return Home featuring Liza Brown VandenLangenberg and Saskia Roberson
Wednesday, March 25
Wintrust Reads 2026 - Madelyn Wilson Reads The Serious Goose
Monday, March 23
