COLUMN: DePaul is more than men’s basketball – it’s not the end of the world if they lose
DePaul head coach Dave Leitao paces the sidelines against Creighton Jan. 22, 2020 at Wintrust Arena.
Successful college basketball programs are part of a university’s fabric. They help drive higher enrollment, donations and make students and the fan base feel proud of their school.
But how far is too far? How much is too much? And should any men’s college basketball program, successful or not, be the focal point of a university for too long?
The honest answer is no. Yes, it’s important that the men’s basketball program is relevant in its own community –– especially if it’s a university’s flagship program. But that should not take away the focus from other successful athletic programs, and also should not diminish the other good parts of a university.
DePaul is the perfect example in this case, as its men’s basketball program has been struggling since George W. Bush’s first presidential term. The program has obviously seen its fan base decrease with each passing season, but there is still a large group that cares and wants to see this program succeed.
After a DePaul game, Twitter is filled with fans complaining about another loss that continues to show how far the program has fallen. But is it that deep? Should there always be an overreaction to every loss?
No. Fans have no control over the final outcome, and a loss in January shouldn’t bring out a host of negative tweets. It’s not like DePaul fans haven’t seen similar results for the past 17 years, so what’s the difference with a loss in 2021 and one in 2010?
However, it has been the women’s basketball program that has been the athletic department’s most successful and consistent programs since the turn of the century. They have made 17 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and have won six Big East regular season titles since 2013.
If people want to put all of their energy into a winning program, then tune into more of their games. And that’s not to say to forget about the men’s team, but it’s also not the end of the world when they lose a game.
What about the rest of the athletic department? DePaul has a total of 13 varsity sports, so how about giving some of the other teams love?
The softball team has actually been the Blue Demons’ second most successful program the last 20 years — especially the last four years, winning three consecutive Big East tournament championships.
The two soccer teams have won Big East titles and made it to the NCAA Tournament multiple times, even if the last couple of seasons have resulted in fewer wins.
But the point still stands that there are other teams at DePaul that shouldn’t be forgotten.
And if you aren’t a sports fan, or don’t pay as much attention to DePaul athletics, then there are areas at the university that might interest you.
DePaul has a theater school that can use more support from students and alumni. DePaul also has an art museum on Fullerton Avenue that is constantly updated and offers new exhibits every couple of months.
DePaul offers much more than just its men’s basketball program, even if it’s vital to so much of the university’s status. But a vibrant school goes beyond just one area — it encompasses everything that makes them great and attractive for students.
One of DePaul’s best qualities, and maybe its most underappreciated, is that it’s located in the middle of Chicago and offers students with a lot to do outside of Lincoln Park.
So, stress as much as you would like about the men’s basketball program, and maybe one day it will return to its former glory days. But DePaul also offers a lot more than just one team.
Let’s start paying attention to those aspects a little bit more from now.
Kleinshmidt_hater • Feb 14, 2021 at 11:35 am
You know it’s bad when the other schools feel sorry for you. I think FS1 is tired of trying to find positive upbeat things to say about the men’s program. The losing streak has been too long period. Men’s basketball is dead and will never come back because no one could fix the problem in a timely manner. This would of never happened with the other schools I’m the conference except the other losers SJ and GT. Men’s program CANNOT and NEVER will be able to compete in the Bigeast and doesn’t deserve to be there with the season losing streak.
James Achilli • Feb 14, 2021 at 9:18 am
I have finally realized that the men’s basketball can’t win under Dave Leitao! I have watched the how the player’s under him seem confused on both offense and defense during the game. He stands on the sidelines with his arms folded or in his pocket and shows no energy to excite his players. Yes, they have recruited much better but once the season starts they already seen to follow the losing ways that they have been on for years. I feel he has lost the respect of his players once he coaches them and in the game it shows. This fine institution deserves much better and I can’t watch another game under the current coach. I have been a fan for over thirty years!!
VERY big boy • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:41 am
Well lets try this:
1. DePaul once was one of the BEST mens basketball teams in the country.
2. Mens basketball has a MUCH larger economic impact than ohhh lets say softball.
3. They are not just bad. They are a joke. An embarrassment. A disgrace. They are on probation and STILL cant win a game.
4. The decisions made by the AD are mind numbingly bad. Im guessing they have weekly meetings with McCaskey to laugh about who has made the dumbest decisions that week, because they cant IMAGINE they think they are making good decisions.
Scott • Feb 4, 2021 at 6:01 pm
Guess the writer who wrote this should be relieved of his duties. The new AD said anyone with a loser mentality who doesn’t want to win a national championship should exit the door. Since you think the men’s program coming in last place every year in the conference is acceptable don’t hit your a$$ on the way out.
Johnny • Feb 1, 2021 at 11:35 pm
I’m sorry, but this is one of the lamest columns I’ve ever read.
Skye Elder • Feb 1, 2021 at 10:58 pm
It’s all annoy bringing back the old blue demon. The new mascot was never a good idea. When they do that, things will get better.
Concerned Citizen • Feb 1, 2021 at 5:59 pm
Written like a true “snowflake” with zero understanding of the economic impact a storied D-1 basketball program like DePaul can make on a neighborhood, a city, a state and at the very least the campus. Ray and Joey Meyer bled DePaul Blue…since then, DePaul has literally waived the white flag. Just tired of watching good players play bad basketball while being coached by even worse. The truth is, DePaul needs a high profile, proven winner to coach, recruit and compete in the Big East. Prove me wrong DePaul.
lfan711 • Feb 1, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Do you have specific comments that you think went too far or were an over reaction? Fans/the community can be upset about the men’s team and still support/recognize other teams. The size of the arenas/stadiums match the general public’s interest in the sport. There is more negativity about the men’s team than the women’s basketball team- because more people are interested in men’s basketball than women’s basketball. There is more interest in women’s basketball than softball.
Mike • Feb 1, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Did you turn into JLP overnight? I didn’t go to Depaul, I grew up a fan because I love Chicago sports.
Am I supposed to be ok with losing because the theater department is good?
Also, did you forget that the team is on probation for cheating? It’s not just that fans rant because the team loses. We can’t even lose the right way.
You’re a good writer and have years of success ahead of you but I cannot understand the notion that it’s ok for the basketball team to stink just because other departments at the school have had success.