Chris Holtmann's second season at DePaul brings some experience and optimism that's been lacking in the program in recent years.

The Blue Demons open 2025-26 vying to continue their dominance of city foe Chicago State on Monday night.

In his first season, with a completely new roster in tow, Holtmann guided DePaul to 14 wins -- one more than the program's previous two campaigns combined -- and a victory in the Big East tournament, plus a berth in the College Basketball Crown postseason event.

This time around, Holtmann and the Blue Demons again the hit the transfer portal hard but bring back an experienced trio from last season's squad in senior guard CJ Gunn (team-high 12.9 ppg), senior forward NJ Benson (9.0 ppg, team-high 6.2 rpg) and junior guard Layden Blocker (9.5 ppg).

"Scoring,

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