DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demon Seniors Will Be Honored on Saturday
3/1/2018 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO - As the men's basketball BIG EAST season draws to a conclusion, five Blue Demons will be playing their final college game on Saturday at Wintrust Arena.
The class of 2018 that will be honored by DePaul Athletics, Blue Demon fans and the university community is as varied and unique as you could want. One senior, Marin Maric, was born in Croatia is a fifth-year graduate transfer from Northern Illinois.
Fellow transfer Tre'Darius McCallum found his way to Lincoln Park and the South Loop after junior college stops at Sheridan (Wyo.) College and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Joe Hanel made the improbable journey from walk-on to starting center in the BIG EAST after earning a lineup spot his junior season and starting all 32 games.
Fellow walk-on Peter Ryckbosch undertook an unbelievable journey of his own that spanned six years as he overcame one injury after another with a relentless perseverance and an inner strength that willed his body to never give in.
And finally, there's the story of Tobias Dwumaah who went from starring at DePaul Prep for Coach Tommy Kleinschmidt, a Blue Demon Hall of Famer, to team manager to walk-on in his final year.
Marin Maric: Inside Force
The 6-foot, 11-inch center who has been the best post player at DePaul in quite a while transferred to Lincoln Park on June 26, 2017. He played in 96 games at NIU with a career average of 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while receiving third team All-MAC honors.
Maric's decision to play for coach Dave Leitao was based on his goal to play at the next level. After suffering an ankle injury while preparing for the NBA draft last year, he came upon the opportunity to play at DePaul.
It was quite a transition from the MAC to the BIG EAST.
"The arena's grand opening was pretty amazing and very different for me," said Maric, who has been named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll four times this season. "On top of that, better competition and better players. I can see the difference in play and the difference in basketball IQ at this level. The players in the BIG EAST and many of our non-conference opponents have the best players in the country and more of them on each team, which for me has been the major difference between the BIG EAST and the MAC.
"The BIG EAST gives me recognition because I think there were people outside of DePaul who didn't think I could play at this level and doubted me a little bit. My coaches and teammates made me feel comfortable and welcomed at DePaul, and I am now fully expressing myself as a player and showing what I can do to help these guys get wins."
In just one year as a Blue Demon, Maric says he has made bonds that will last a lifetime.
"I have built friendships with my DePaul teammates and I will definitely stay in contact with them next year.
"A lot of the freshmen look up to me. Justin Roberts played with a couple of my friends who played at my high school (La Lumiere prep school in LaPorte, Ind.), so we have those connections. I live next to (junior) Eli Cain and (sophomore) Brandon Cyrus and that has been pretty cool living in the same residence hall."
The historical first game at Wintrust Arena is one Maric will remember forever and hopes to replicate someday at the next level.
"Winning the opening tip against Notre Dame was my favorite memory," he said. "I was nervous---I am not sure why. I had a lot of games behind me, but it was something special for me.
"There was such a huge spotlight and I wasn't used to playing in such a full arena like that with the bright lights, national television audience. I wasn't used to those big games. All the Blue Demon fans came to see what we had. We were battling Notre Dame for a good portion of the game. My American family was in the stands, a lot of students and a lot of friends and family there to cheer us on, it was a great feeling."
Maric recalls his best game came during a road win against St. John's earlier this season.
"I was playing really well and my teammates kept finding me and putting me in the spots to get my rhythm going," he said. "Once I got my rhythm going, it felt good. Everyone kept telling me to be the force I know I can be and my teammates feel more comfortable knowing that there is a big guy protecting the rim."
Being named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll is something he cherishes as well.
"Getting recognized on the BIG EAST Honor Roll means a lot," he said. "A couple of years ago, I barely had a scholarship and now I have the opportunity to make a living off basketball."
Maric is hoping to take his game to the next level and feels like DePaul gave him a better opportunity to make that happen. He scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds at St. John's and had 19 points and 13 rebounds versus Portland during the PK80 Invitational.
"I am a huge stat guy and a couple of nights ago, I was looking at my stats," he said. "Right now in the BIG EAST, I am competing with guys like Angel Delgado (Seton Hall), one of the top centers in the league. I like to think of myself as a big guy who is versatile, that can do many things well. My confidence in my skill level has grown in the BIG EAST, and basketball is all about confidence.
"I really am hoping to make it to the next level, hopefully the NBA---that has been my dream since I was young player. I know my positive side is my size and I think I have a good basketball IQ. I know how to play the game. I am a system guy so whatever a team needs from me, I will do."
Tre'Darius McCallum: The Versatile Forward
Although McCallum started playing the game of basketball later in life, he found a passion and a love for it instantly.
Throughout his time as a Blue Demon, he has learned lessons, grown and become a true leader for the team.
"What it really taught me is to just work hard in everything you do, act professional and how to be a man, while building my character," McCallum said. "I contribute a lot of energy, a lot of toughness and having the right attitude towards the game. Being able to be so versatile is important for our team to reach our goal."
In his junior year at DePaul, he started in all 32 games and was the only player in the BIG EAST ranked in the top 11 in rebounds, steals, and blocked shots per game.
"Coming in and playing right away was an adjustment for me because I didn't know what I was in for playing in the BIG EAST," he said. "Having the right mindset and coming to the game prepared has really helped us out."
This major transition from high school to junior college to a BIG EAST starter didn't come easy.
"My freshman year of junior college was tough because out of high school, I didn't have many opportunities for playing time. It really opened my eyes. Being that far away from home makes you stronger because you are more independent from what you had when you were living at home.
"Then I went to another junior college and had to make that same adjustment to starting over. Looking back, I know I had a long route to get to DePaul. I went through what people say is the hardest way, but it made me a stronger player and a stronger person. A lot of people taking my path are not as fortunate as me. Graduating from DePaul is also a great academic accomplishment as well."
McCallum has grown every step of the way.
"The biggest thing to learn was understanding what Division I college basketball requires," he said. "At the junior college level, it is completely different. There are people that are just playing for a scholarship, but here you are playing night in and night out with and against the best players in college basketball trying to win championships.
"The day to day routine and commitment comes out a lot more than it did in junior college, understanding how things operate at this level and that this is the highest level of college basketball and everyone is focused. This is a much bigger stage. Now, I am playing against people that are usually bigger than me with great skills and that has been an adjustment."
His best memory as a Blue Demon goes back to his junior year at Madison Square Garden.
"I was going to Madison Square Garden for the first time," he said. "It was a big stage with such bright lights and just completely different. It was incredible."
Beyond the court, he describes the close relationships he has built with his teammates.
"The bond I have built with my teammates is a brotherhood I will remember for the rest of my life," he said. "We have been through so much. Getting to know everyone through that time has just made everyone stronger."
McCallum's next goal is to take his talents to the next level and play professionally.
"As soon as I got to college, you have people in your ear who tell you that you can be this or that, but as a college student, you don't see it," he said. "But they can see potential. When I came here, I started playing at a different level and doing things others can't do. It really opened up my eyes to the future, realizing that I could actually earn a living playing this game."
Joe Hanel: From the Basketball Court to Guatemala
In his four years as a Blue Demon, Hanel has become a leader and brought a new meaning of Vincentian service to the athletics department.
"I think the four years I have been here have taught me a lot about perseverance and overcoming adversity," Hanel said. "Being a college athlete, you have to prioritize and work really hard between class, basketball and growing up. DePaul has helped me to grow as a person, a basketball player, a friend and a leader.
Hanel has seen a lot of change. He has gone through a change in coaching staff, played with a variety of players and watched the program transform into something completely different.
"It has been really cool," he said. "When I got here, the program was in a bit of transition. Every year, our culture has grown. We have put a lot of good people in leadership roles. We had a recent practice where guys are going at each other. You'll go into the gym and it is loud and competitive. And then at the end of the day, no matter what happens, we are all really good friends.
"The competitive environment is just so much higher. I think that is starting to manifest itself on the court. I can really attest to the culture changing. Once we get the culture to where we want, I know the wins will follow. We are super close to that right now."
On the court, this 6-7 forward remembers the BIG EAST opener at defending national champion Villanova last season.
"Last year, we were there and we missed a shot at the buzzer to tie it, but it was a really cool environment," he said. "The Villanova fans were crazy and we really had them on the ropes that night. It was really cool to be a part of such an important game that was on FOX Sports nationally. As a team, everyone was really excited and that was big step up for us.
Along with his basketball talents, Hanel brought his heart and passion to DePaul. After having a life-changing experience on a service trip to Guatemala while in high school, he organized a similar trip for nine Blue Demon student-athletes.
"One of the things I wanted to accomplish when I came to our athletic director with the idea for Guatemala was to take service outside of the city of Chicago," Hanel said. "DePaul does a great job at providing opportunities to give back in the community, but I wanted our student-athletes to see a totally different side of the world."
Last summer, Hanel and the nine Blue Demon student-athletes ventured down to the Casa San Andres orphanage in Parramos, 16 miles from Antigua and one hour northwest of the capital of Guatemala City.
"We learned a lot about need in the world and what I wanted to do was bring that desire back to Chicago to work for change," he said. "I think everyone who went on the trip has done a great job with that."
Hanel describes the hardest part of the trip.
"They handed us these machetes and told us to clear an area of land about twice the size of McGrath-Phillips Arena," he said. "They were full of plants that were insanely tall and we just had to go around and cut them down. There is nothing glamourous about it at all---you just clear the field.
"We were a bunch of competitive student-athletes all gritty and weren't going to give up. So it was cool to have that project, even though it wasn't the easiest of jobs."
The children Hanel interacted with were at-risk youth, some abandoned and others came from families unable to support them.
"The kids were great and that was probably the best part," he said, his face brightening. "It is amazing to see people who have so little, but are so happy. I would say they are happier than a lot of kids in the states, which is an interesting dynamic. There was a language barrier, but simple human interaction of games and sports and the little bit of Spanish we could speak made it work. The culture there is full of love and companionship.
"The service trip is something hopefully that will continue in DePaul Athletics. This summer, sophomore women's basketball guard Kelly Campbell will be leading the trip. I'm very proud that DePaul's student-athletes will continue to do service trips to help those in need."
Hanel will head off into the real world after graduation, seeking out another avenue to make this world a better place.
Peter Ryckbosch: A Long Time Coming
Being around longer than the rest, Ryckbosch has gone through it all. He has given the program a sense of stability.
"There have been a lot of changes, transitions and injuries, but overall, there has been so much growth," he said. "I have gone through multiple knee injuries, two different coaching staffs and a lot of wins and losses."
Overcoming every obstacle thrown his way has prepared him for the next stage of life.
"I am going into medicine so for me, the diversity of DePaul and my time spent with the men's basketball program will serve me well," he said. "I have experienced a lot of different personalities that will help me transition to the work place and be successful because I can adapt."
Ryckbosch has built many relationships along the way, many of which have shaped him into the man he is today.
"I still keep tabs on guys and see how they are doing," Ryckbosch said. "I have seen guys get married and have kids. One of our former managers, Ryan Ornstein, just got married and I saw all of his wedding and honeymoon photos. It's great to see everyone's life unfold, it makes me happy to be part of DePaul Basketball and DePaul Athletics."
Although this 6-10 forward almost called it a career last season, he came back knowing something was missing.
"I wasn't ready to say good-bye to basketball yet," he said. "I knew I had the ability to try and play another year and that is what happened. I didn't have a legitimate senior year where I got to play. It was taken abruptly by injury. I didn't have much closure and I am glad I came back.
"It will be easier to say good-bye to the game because I was able to play this last season and I know that the last game is coming.
"This year has been special. I started our home game against Butler. It was my goal to come back and play again, and it was an incredible experience to be able to do that. It felt good to know I made the right choice coming back for one final season."
Tobias Dwumaah: A Dream Come True
Dwumaah has quite the story to tell.
"The team short on bodies last year, so I used to get in on some of the workouts," he said. "One day, Coach Leitao came up to me and told me that I had a good chance at making the team the following season."
His dream of playing Division I basketball was coming true.
"Coach Leitao wanted to take the towel off my back and put a ball in my hand, and hearing that was a very happy moment for me," Dwumaah said. "I remember speaking to my parents about it and my mom was telling me that it was going to be extremely different compared to being a regular student.
"As a student-athlete, the workload is more intense, there are practices, traveling, film sessions and mental preparation. I had to make a decision if I was ready for the task. I had to walk-on because I felt I could make the players better in practice just by playing defense and going at them on the scout team."
He is extremely glad of the decision he made.
"This is something that I will always remember. I can come back for games as an alumnus and say I was once a part of this. I feel like the program is turning around. In the future, I can say I was on the floor and in practices, helping to transform us into a winning program.
"The brotherhood I have gained from this experience is incredible. I have met people on this team that I would have never known if it wasn't for this opportunity. Within such a short amount of time, they have become really close to me."
Dwumaah attests to how the program has changed him as a man.
"I have never been a real talkative person who opens up and always kept to myself," he said. "But once I got on the team, I had to open up, which was good for me. I didn't realize I could be this friendly, but everyone here accepts me for who I am."
As he looks back on his time as a Blue Demon, Dwumaah will never forget the support he received.
"This season, I played against Central Connecticut and Alabama A&M and got a decent amount of minutes," he said. "In the Central Connecticut game, I remember a lot of people in the crowd cheering for me and going crazy. I was taken aback because I was thinking these people don't know me and yet were so supportive.
"I got in the game, grabbed a rebound, went back up with it and got fouled. I went to the free throw line and ended up sinking both free throws. After the game, I went on social media and everyone was showing me love. All of the DePaul family and my friends from back home were at the game, so it was just fun. It was one of the best moments of my career."
A member of the National Association for Black Accountants, Dwumaah has made the most of his college career, both on and off the court.
"The DePaul Athletic program has so many opportunities for student-athletes, and does so much to help us be successful professionals and contributing members of society. I never knew I could learn so much about myself from this program."
What's Next
As the season comes to a close, these five student-athletes will be preparing to enter the next chapters of their lives.
Dwumaah will graduate from the Driehaus College of Business in June. He plans to travel before starting his career in investment banking.
Hanel plans to visit his brother in Honduras upon graduation to see the work he does at a children's home, similar to the one in Guatemala. Hanel will be helping to get this year's service trip off the ground and has a goal of expanding this service opportunity across the BIG EAST.
Ryckbosch is going to be a nurse and will graduate from DePaul in 2019 with his master's degree. He discovered his passion for the health care field through all of his injuries and constantly surrounded by people who provided great care and support. Now, he wants to do the same.
Both Maric and McCallum have set their sights on the NBA Draft or possibly playing professionally overseas.
