College Sports Established
1923
Location
Chicago, Illinois
College Name
DePaul University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1923 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2005 - Present / Big East Conference
1995 – 2005 / Conference USA
1991 – 1995 / Great Midwest Conference
1923 – 1991 / Independent
Nickname
Blue Demons - The DePaul Blue Demons are a Division I NCAA basketball team in the Big East Conference. As one of the most successful teams in college basketball, they have been to eight Sweet Sixteens and two Final Fours since joining the Big East in 2005. But did you know that their nickname has an interesting origin story?
The name "Blue Demons" was first used by DePaul’s student newspaper back in 1922 when it referred to a football game between rival schools Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago. The term “demon” was slang for any opposing team during this period, so when Northwestern won its game against Loyola, it earned them the title of “Blue Demon Conquerors." This phrase eventually caught on with students at DePaul, who began referring to themselves as "the Blue Demons."
In addition to being inspired by their rivals' victory over Loyola, there is another possible explanation for why this name stuck with students at DePaul: It may have been influenced by supernatural folklore from Ireland, where demons were believed to be blue-colored creatures! Whether or not this is true remains unknown, but either way, we can all agree that calling your sports teams after mythological creatures makes for a pretty intimidating mascot!
No matter its origins, one thing remains clear: The nickname "DePaul Blue Demons" will always represent fierce competition and unwavering school spirit among fans both near and far.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1946
- 1992
- 2000
- 2004
- 2013
-
College Player of the Year in 1944 and 1945 – George Mikan
Mikan met 28-year-old rookie DePaul basketball coach Ray Meyer, who saw potential in the bright and intelligent, but also clumsy and shy, freshman. Put into perspective, Meyer’s thoughts were revolutionary, because at the time it was believed that tall players were too awkward to ever play basketball well. In the following months, Meyer transformed Mikan into a confident, aggressive player ... -
The men’s basketball team wins title in the Great Midwest Conference
In 1992: The men’s basketball team wins its first regular season conference title in the Great Midwest Conference. -
The women’s soccer team is established
In 2000: The women’s soccer team is established and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in its second year. -
The men’s basketball team wins USA Conference title
In 2004: The men’s basketball team wins its second regular season conference title in Conference USA and makes its last NCAA Tournament appearance to date. -
The men’s basketball team joins the reconfigured Big East Conference
In 2013: The men’s basketball team joins the reconfigured Big East Conference along with six other Catholic schools that split from the original Big East Conference.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Blue Demons
For those unfamiliar with DePaul’s rich history on the court or field, let us take a look at some highlights from its many years competing at an elite level within NCAA competition:
- In the 1979-80 season, DePaul won its first-ever regular season championship by winning both halves (East & West)of what was then known as The Big East Conference, earning them a trip to The Final Four, where they lost out to the eventual champion Louisville - but not before becoming only 1st team since UCLA (in 1974)to reach final game while unranked!
- During 1980s decade saw the program make 8 consecutive trips into post-season tournament play, including two more trips back into Final Four during the 1982–83 & 1986–87 seasons, respectively; this remarkable run culminated with a National Championship victory against Duke University 1985–86 campaign – making them only non-Big Ten school win the title since 1978!
- Since joining the new BIG EAST conference in 1998 after its dissolution old version has become a dominant force league claiming a total of 5 Regular Season Titles 4 Tournament Championships along the way, also appearing 3 Elite Eight games last 15 years alone, further cementing the legacy excellence amongst peers across the nation today!
Whether you're cheering on your favorite player or just watching from afar these days, it's hard not to deny the success story, which is DEPAUL BLUE DEMONS Basketball Program, so why don't you join us next time? Come cheer squad victory?
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