DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Chicago State
Can't Take Your Eyes Off New-Look Blue Demons
11/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Nov. 14, 2010
BlueTube: Postgame Interviews | Game Highlights
CHICAGO - If this keeps up, the new-look DePaul Blue Demons are going to hustle, press and fast-break their way into the hearts of basketball fans in this sports-crazy city.
New coach Oliver Purnell had his Blue Demons playing at a frenetic pace, aggressively attacking at both ends of the court Sunday in a fun-to-watch 114-81 season-opening victory over Chicago State at McGrath Arena.
This was the most points DePaul has scored in a game since a 114-69 rout at American-Puerto Rico on Nov. 25, 1999.
Purnell has transformed last season's deliberate, limit-the-possessions team into one where so much is happening that you dare not look away.
The McGrath Arena partisans that included a rowdy Blue Crew student section were treated to rim-rattling dunks, sharp and unselfish passing and full-court pressure---all the while relentlessly ratcheting up the tempo faster and faster.
This is what enabled Purnell to turn around programs at Radford, Old Dominion, Dayton and Clemson---forcing an opponent to play too fast for its own good while taking advantage of turnovers and mistakes.
"You could see it in their faces, and everybody was huffing and puffing," said Blue Demon forward Mike Stovall who finished with 19 points and four assists. "They got tired and were turning the ball over.
"When they started arguing with each other, we knew we were doing our job."
The "Purnell Press" forced Chicago State (1-1) into 30 turnovers, and the Blue Demons made 17 steals. Purnell-coached teams have been among the nation's leaders in steals the last six years.
"Most teams we face aren't going to be used to playing that way," Purnell said. "We forced turnovers and made them take a bunch of low-percentage shots.
"I talked to the players about establishing an identity. This is what we have to be---a pressure-defense team that rebounds with an attacking offense.
"Rebounding was the area I was most disappointed in (outrebounded 42-37). When we finally started rebounding the ball, it gave us a lot more opportunities."
Athletic 6-foot, 6-inch sophomore Tony Freeland led a balanced Blue Demon attack with 21 points on nine-of-11 shooting. Along with Stovall's 19 points, 6-8 freshman Cleveland Melvin had 19 points. Jeremiah Kelly added 12 points, five assists and four steals while freshman point guard Brandon Young contributed 11 points and six assists.
The 51 points at halftime was the most since the beginning of the 2001-02 season.
"They wear you down for 40 minutes, and they're so disruptive because they're long and very athletic," said new Chicago State coach Tracy Dildy. "They can make mistakes and still recover.
"It's going to mess with a lot of BIG EAST teams. You can't practice for this style of basketball in just two days."
All the running Purnell has put his players through paid off on Sunday.
"It looked like we were way more conditioned than them, and they got worn out," Freeland said.
Freeland was asked how long he can last in the pressing defense before tiring.
"About five minutes," he said with a laugh. "I love it. We have a lot of athletes on this team."
After the game, a number of Blue Demons walked over and into the Blue Crew student section to exchange high-fives and celebrate with their classmates.
"The student section had a big impact on the game," Freeland said. "We really feed off their energy."
Working so hard on defense seemed to motivate the Blue Demons to share the ball on offense. DePaul had 31 assists on 42 baskets.
"This style is an opportunity for everybody to play," Freeland said. "We don't set up. We just attack, get the rebound and go."
Up next is a 7:30 p.m. game Tuesday against Western Carolina at the Allstate Arena.
