The DePaul Blue Demons represent a tradition of excellence in college sports, highlighted by the success of DePaul Blue Demons basketball and the school’s distinctive DePaul Blue Demons mascot. From their early beginnings to their rise as a competitive force, DePaul has built a legacy that combines athletic achievement with a spirited campus culture embraced by fans nationwide.
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?
DePaul Blue Demons Origin
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.
DePaul Blue Demons History
The DePaul Blue Demons have a long and proud history in NCAA sports, especially in their storied rivalry with the Creighton Bluejays. Beginning as members of the original Big East Conference, the DePaul Blue Demons steadily grew into one of the most recognized programs in college basketball. With numerous conference championships, multiple Final Four appearances, and national titles, the DePaul Blue Demons basketball program remains one of the most iconic in collegiate athletics.
Founded in 1898, DePaul University embraced athletics early on, with basketball becoming its flagship sport. The DePaul Blue Demons mascot, DIBS (Demon In a Blue Suit), has long symbolized the fiery passion of fans and players alike. As the program expanded, the DePaul Blue Demons basketball team developed a reputation for producing top-tier talent and memorable tournament runs.
During the 1979–80 season, the DePaul Blue Demons captured their first-ever regular-season championship by dominating both halves of the then Big East Conference, earning a trip to the Final Four. They became the first unranked team since UCLA in 1974 to advance that far, eventually falling to eventual champion Louisville but cementing their place in NCAA history.
The 1980s were a golden era for the DePaul Blue Demons basketball program. They made eight consecutive postseason tournament appearances, reaching two more Final Fours in the 1982–83 and 1986–87 seasons. This impressive run was highlighted by a National Championship victory over Duke during the 1985–86 campaign, making DePaul one of the few non-Big Ten schools to win a national title in that era.
After joining the restructured Big East Conference in 1998, the DePaul Blue Demons remained a dominant force, claiming five regular-season titles and four tournament championships. In the last 15 years alone, they have reached three Elite Eight games, further cementing their reputation as a premier program and a powerhouse in modern college basketball.
Blue Demons Achievements
Beyond basketball, the DePaul Blue Demons have excelled in other sports, continuing to grow their tradition of excellence. Their strong community ties and dedicated fan base, led by the spirited DePaul Blue Demons mascot, have helped keep DePaul at the center of NCAA athletics. With a legacy of producing professional athletes and high-profile alumni, DePaul continues to embody competitiveness, sportsmanship, and school pride.
Today, the DePaul Blue Demons basketball team stands as a testament to perseverance and success. With historic wins, memorable players, and a mascot loved by fans nationwide, the program’s future remains as bright as its celebrated past. For supporters and alumni, cheering for the DePaul Blue Demons is more than tradition—it’s a source of lasting pride and excitement.
