Andy Katz: DePaul to Name Dave Leitao Head Coach

[billyjack]

Another question for DePaul fans...
I'm reading thru the Demons' message boards, and some are saying that his sideline behavior was out of control, berating players, generally yelling and all. Is this true or exaggerated? What were the circumstances typically that made him flip out?

[DemonLS]

He did not yell at players constantly. Nothing more than any normal coach would. So the statement is incorrect.

[Demon22]

He may have a reputation as a defensive coach, but it's not warranted based on the Data.

Here are his defensive rankings per kenpom:

At DePaul: 57th, 142nd, 121st. At UVA: 68, 72, 173, 68.

Offenses were generally better: 120th, 23rd, 41st; 124th, 42nd, 54th, 178th.

He did seem to have good rebounding teams on both ends of the floor, but they were nothing to write home about overall defensively at either DePaul or Virginia.

Dang it, never let facts get in the way of a good narrative!!!

Seriously, that actually surprises me, as it's not how I remember that era. My only response is have YOU ever tried to teach Quemont Greer and Delonte Holland to play defense?

[billyjack]

He did not yell at players constantly. Nothing more than any normal coach would. So the statement is incorrect.

Thanks. I'm warming up to the idea of hiring him. I'm reading through DePaul forums, which means reading through emotional posts that are out of context. So thanks for providing some insight on this board.

As far as attendance, if the guy wins it will rebound. What's your take on that?

[Demon22]

As far as attendance, if the guy wins it will rebound. What's your take on that?

In a nutshell, yup.

New arena will help, but they've got to be competitive. I think that's why they felt the need to push Billy Garrett, Sr. on any new coach - because losing Billy Garrett, Jr. sets the program back in a big way, and there's a significant amount of pressure to put a competitive product on the floor by the time the new arena opens.

[Hoyas]

You know what's crazy- listening to ESPN radio and they on their sportscenters are mentioning the DePaul hire each time. The one they just had they mentioned that he led them to postseason appearances all 3 years he was at DePaul. So actually pretty positive I would say.

[billyjack]

Also, it would be interesting to get the opinion of Marquette fans who were in the same conference with DePaul under Leitao. Did he seem pretty competent from an outsider's point of view?

[MUBoxer]

Also, it would be interesting to get the opinion of Marquette fans who were in the same conference with DePaul under Leitao. Did he seem pretty competent from an outsider's point of view?

A few posters over on MUscoop (the main message board) were saying that when he was at Depaul it was the last time they remember actually being scared of losing to Depaul before the game.

[MUBoxer]

Definitely not a home run hire. However, I do feel he's good enough to get them out of the basement year in and year out. He put Depaul on the upper end of the old CUSA which was better at the top than every other non power 6 conference. I expect Depaul to be a challenger for NIT bids consistently and if that means that Leitao is fired in a few years with the new arena and replaced by an actually good hire then so be it.

[hoyahooligan]

He may have a reputation as a defensive coach, but it's not warranted based on the Data.

Here are his defensive rankings per kenpom:

At DePaul: 57th, 142nd, 121st. At UVA: 68, 72, 173, 68.

Offenses were generally better: 120th, 23rd, 41st; 124th, 42nd, 54th, 178th.

He did seem to have good rebounding teams on both ends of the floor, but they were nothing to write home about overall defensively at either DePaul or Virginia.

Dang it, never let facts get in the way of a good narrative!!!

Seriously, that actually surprises me, as it's not how I remember that era. My only response is have YOU ever tried to teach Quemont Greer and Delonte Holland to play defense?

To be fair compared to the defensive ratings of late, he's certainly an improvement.

Since Leitao: 136, 43, 232, 230, 124, 241, 252, 253, 218, 229.

So yeah. Miles ahead of what DePaul fans have become used to, so makes sense to think of him as a defensive coach lol.