Sleeping with the Enemy: The Blue Demons of DePaul

And the beat goes on for the surging Hoyas, who travel to Rosemont to play DePaul Tuesday night and as usual we here at THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON are brning you everything you need to know about Georgetown’s next opponent. Here to provide a little more info on the Blue Demons before the game is Dan Stack, who you can find over at Fan Rag Sports covering the Big East! Let’s do this!

Long time no see! How are things going for you and the Blue Demons? Does it feel as bad as usual or is there a bit more hope about this season?

We're hanging on by a thread. I think most Demon fans knew this would be another trying season as we did lose key pieces from the 2015-16 season (Myke Henry, Tommy Hamilton, Rashaun Stimage and Aaron Simpson) as well as working in six newcomers.

Really, it's all about next season for DePaul. While we lose Billy Garrett, four starters will return and the Blue Demons will bring in a 4-star point guard Justin Roberts and a tenacious rebounder/ enforcer and a player rapidly improving in recruit Jaylen Butz, as well as two key transfers. The transfers are Ohio State and ex-four-star recruit Austin Grandstaff and D2 All-American Max Strus. Both are know for their shooting acumen and give the program what they need.

So Billy Garrett Jr. is still playing for DePaul despite being teammates with George Mikan. Is he still the only player worth worrying about for Hoyas fans or is there anyone else who has stepped up?

DePaul really has only three players teams scout for. One is Garrett and the others being sophomore wing Eli Cain and junior college transfer Tre'Darius McCallum.

Cain, who made the all-Big East Freshmen Team last year, has been wildly inconsistent of late after having a very good showing in the non-conference schedule. He has scored over 30 points in a game twice this season, but also less than 10 in six other games. Still, he averages a respectable and team-high 16.7 points per game.

Meanwhile, McCallum is quietly having a very productive season. He is an active combo forward who could do a little bit of everything. He averages a solid 10 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, the latter stat which ranks second in the Big East.

What's the mood among DePaul fans about Dave Leitao? Do fans feel confident that he's heading in the right direction?

The majority of fans don't expect Leitao to turn it around. They view him as a retread hire and a coach that is no excitable. They can't really rally around him. Also, most fans knew this wasn't going to be an easy fix and they are giving him some leeway to get this thing finally up and running. As I said up top, next season is the season Leitao has to show the fans he has what it takes to compete in the Big East. That said, he did do a good job of upgrading the talent.

Do you agree that Emma Stone was wonderful in La La Land? Tell us about some of your fave films this year.

Sorry, Emma Stone is a lovely lady (who can forget her portrayal as Jules in “Superbad”), but that is not my type of movie. I'm easily entertained and like big-budget flicks. I did like “Sully” , though, and I'm really looking forward to seeing “Split.”. Plus, I'm more a comedy buff, as I'm in heaven watching “Dumb and Dumber.”

How's the new arena coming along? Wasn't it supposed to be ready this season?

First estimates had the place opening this season, but there was some delays and for more than two years we knew

By all accounts, pictures and videos, the place looks awesome and something the program desperately needs. Now we need to fill it with a good product.

The National Parks System has been in the news as of late for conducting a Twitter rebellion. How many National Parks have you been to, and if you've been to at least one, which one is your favorite?

I have to admit I have never been to a National Park and that's unfortunate. But that doesn't mean I would be opposed to it. BTW, I love the spirit and the fight from the National Parks System! Resist!

Have you had the chance to get into this season of "The Bachelor?" If you don't watch The Bachelor, what are you watching that you recommend?

Come on the “Bachelor”? Are you serious? Actually, I finally found the time to invest in watching “Game of Thrones” and I'm watching that from the start. I'm still in absolute awe of “Westworld”, but that ended. That was one of the best shows I ever watched. Can't wait for “Better Call Saul” to return, too.

The Mets are 18-1 to win the World Series next season. Free money or free money?

I'd take it. It all comes down to the health of the starters. If we can get 110 starts or more from the combination of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Steven Matz, the Mets will reach the playoffs. The Cubs are no doubt awesome, but I do remember when the Mets staff were on top of their game and when they completely shut them down.

I feel confident that if the aforementioned pitchers are all healthy for the playoffs, the World Series is definitely within reach. That said, let's get some dam relief help already!

Which Big East teams are making the Dance?

Villanova, Creighton Butler, Xavier and Marquette.

Final score prediction?

I got an upset with DePaul winning 71-65. I think that may be the first time I ever predicted a DePaul win in our annual chats.