DePaul University Athletics
Koree Cotton Adds to Talented DePaul Transfer Class
4/20/2026 3:34:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Cotton joins DePaul after an all-conference and all-defensive season
CHICAGO – DePaul men's basketball announced the signing of talented two-way player, Koree Cotton, Monday afternoon. Cotton arrives at DePaul after spending the 2025-26 season at UT Rio Grande Valley where he was a first-team All-Conference player and an All-Defensive team selection.
Cotton is the latest addition to the Blue Demons 2026-27 roster, which currently ranks eighth nationally in transfer portal rankings according to On3.
"We are excited to welcome Koree to Chicago and the DePaul basketball family," said head coach Chris Holtmann. "He is a versatile, two-way player who has proven himself as a capable scorer and skilled defender as well as shooting 40 percent from three last season. His ability to guard on the perimeter and impact the game in multiple ways, will allow him to contribute on both ends next season. Transferring up is always a transition for players but we believe he will make a strong transition to the BIG EAST and help us continue building."
Cotton led UTRGV with 13.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range. He ranked sixth in the Southland Conference with 1.1 blocks per game. Cotton scored in double-figures in 25 games, including six contests of 20 or more points. A two-way threat, Cotton helped lead the UTRGV defense to a top-25 national three-point field goal defense, holding opponents to 30.3 percent on the season. He had a career-high 24 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting earlier this season against New Orleans, in addition to eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Prior to UTRGV, Cotton played at Jacksonville State and VMI where he averaged 8.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. A native of Miami, Fla., Cotton played at Miami Southridge High School where he averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game as a junior.
Cotton is the latest addition to the Blue Demons 2026-27 roster, which currently ranks eighth nationally in transfer portal rankings according to On3.
"We are excited to welcome Koree to Chicago and the DePaul basketball family," said head coach Chris Holtmann. "He is a versatile, two-way player who has proven himself as a capable scorer and skilled defender as well as shooting 40 percent from three last season. His ability to guard on the perimeter and impact the game in multiple ways, will allow him to contribute on both ends next season. Transferring up is always a transition for players but we believe he will make a strong transition to the BIG EAST and help us continue building."
Cotton led UTRGV with 13.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range. He ranked sixth in the Southland Conference with 1.1 blocks per game. Cotton scored in double-figures in 25 games, including six contests of 20 or more points. A two-way threat, Cotton helped lead the UTRGV defense to a top-25 national three-point field goal defense, holding opponents to 30.3 percent on the season. He had a career-high 24 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting earlier this season against New Orleans, in addition to eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Prior to UTRGV, Cotton played at Jacksonville State and VMI where he averaged 8.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. A native of Miami, Fla., Cotton played at Miami Southridge High School where he averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game as a junior.
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