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Romeo Weems Named Freshman of the Week for second time

11/26/2019

www.depualbluedemons.com

CHICAGO – For the second straight week, DePaul's Romeo Weems was named Freshman of the Week by the BIG EAST Conference. Charlie Moore was also honored with his second appearance on the league's weekly honor roll after the duo led the Blue Demons to a win at Boston College on Saturday.

Weems posted his first double-double with career highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Eagles. He added three steals and two assists while knocking down a pair of three-pointers in just over 35 minutes of action.

He is the first multiple winner of the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for DePaul since Billy Garrett Jr. earned the recognition five times during the 2013-14 season. Garrett went on to win the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year award in 2014. Weems is the fifth DePaul freshman with more than one weekly award joining Wilson Chandler (2005-06), Brandon Young (2010-11), Cleveland Melvin (2010-11) and Garrett.

Moore led DePaul with 24 points, eight assists and four rebounds in the 72-67 win at Boston College. He sealed the win for the Blue Demons with two three-pointers and two free throws in the final 1:16 of the game. Moore finished the game 7-for-7 at the free throw line and tied his career high with the eight assists.

This week's recognition is second honor roll appearance for Moore following a mention after the first week of the season. DePaul has placed a player on the BIG EAST Honor Roll in each of the first three weeks as Paul Reed was selected in the second week.

Villanova's Collin Gillespie was named Player of the Week while Moore was joined on the honor roll by Kamar Baldwin of Butler, Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski, Omer Yurtseven from Georgetown and Xavier's Paul Scruggs.

The Blue Demons host Central Michigan on Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena before traveling to Minnesota for a Friday afternoon game. Start time on Tuesday against the Chippewas is set for 7 p.m. on FS1 and WSCR (670 AM).

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Early Entrant Outlook: Romeo Weems 6-7, 210, Freshman, DePaul University. www.professionalbasketballcombine.com

11/25/2019

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After dominating the Michigan prep hoops scene at New Haven High and shining on the Nike EYBL AAU circuit, Weems shocked the nation by committing to DePaul, spurning the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, and Ohio State. Weems, a highly touted but somewhat underrated recruit (RSCI: 53), also accumulated valuable international experience, competing for USA Basketball winning gold medals in the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2018 U17 World Cup. The versatile freshman is off to a great start to his college career and has all the tools to eventually translate as an impact NBA forward, but has been omitted from many of the early mainstream 2020 NBA Draft boards and mocks. Expect that to change as the season progresses. With plus-measurables and athleticism anchoring an ever-evolving skill set, Weems is certainly a diaper dandy to key in on as a potential riser and eventual one-and-done candidate.

Tale of the Tape
Rim-Running & Transition Offense
In the modern NBA, nearly every team is seeking hybrid forwards that can create havoc defensively and turn that defense into efficient transition scoring opportunities. Weems excels in this regard. He has great straight-line speed in the open floor, paired with a nice combination of explosive vertical pop and shifty, functional footwork. Weems has already proven a lethal transition threat in multiple regards: beating his man down the court for an uncontested bucket, filling his lane as and alley-oop threat, and euro-stepping past the opposition’s last line of defense. He’s been a stock-monster in the early season: one of only 25 qualifying freshmen with a 3+STL% and 4+BLK%, which often kick-starts DePaul’s transition attack. Weems, despite his handle being somewhat of a work in progress, is also fairly comfortable going coast-to-coast as a transition handler which, in conjunction with his turnover creation and aforementioned transition versatility, makes him the top scorer amongst those 25 qualified freshmen.

In the clip below, we highlight Weems’ success through six games with DePaul at punishing teams in transition.

In 19 transition possessions to-date, Weems ranks in the 86th percentile by converting at a clip of 1.368 PPP. While this sample size is small, it aligns with his historical pre-NCAA production and skill set. Expect Weems to continue to create turnovers and thrive in transition.

The next evolution to his transition arsenal will be furthered development as a facilitator for others on the break. His effectiveness as a transition finisher and rim-runner should draw more and more defensive attention as the season progresses. Weems, an underrated passer who proved a very capable distributor in international competitions, has shown some flashes of vision and, if he can consistently read and react to opposing transition defenders shading his way by finding his teammates filling lanes, he’ll be nearly unstoppable in the open floor.

Motor & Defensive Versatility
Weems busts his ass on defense. He’s consistently locked into a defensive stance as an on-ball defender and remains engaged with his head on a swivel as an off-ball team defender. This defensive engagement, in conjunction with his length (~6’10” wingspan) and functional athleticism make Weems capable of guarding several positions, forcing tough shots / on-ball turnovers, and creating chaos as an impact defender jumping passing lanes and providing help-side rim protection.

In the clip below, we highlight Weems’ on-ball and off-ball motor and engagement on the defensive end, as well as a high-effort putback on the offensive end.

While Weems has the prerequisite length and wiry strength to guard up a position in college, he could stand to continue to add to his frame (enough to endure physicality but not lose speed/quickness) to ensure this switchability translates to guarding big fours and occasional small-ball fives the next level. Additionally, while the defensive impact plays are highly encouraging and a great indicator of Weems’ high-level defensive instincts, he could stand to ensure that maintains a healthy balance of taking risks and remaining disciplined on the defensive end.
PBC Projection
Weems is, perhaps, one of the most underrated 2020 NBA Draft prospects at this point in the process. His Nike EYBL performance was very encouraging and is already translating to early success as a freshman at DePaul. In his first handful of games as a Blue Demon, Weems has played to his strengths by knocking down spot-up jumpers in the half-court and pushing the pace in transition. His motor, versatility, instincts, and athleticism have immediately stood out on the defensive end.

Weems' range of outcomes is particularly variable at this point. He’s flying a bit under the radar and consensus currently projects him on the fringe of draftability. We project his stock to continue to rise throughout the season and for Weems to warrant late 1st Round to early 2nd Round consideration when spring rolls around. If Weems does pick up some momentum, catches the eyes of a few NBA General Managers, and receives positive feedback as it pertains to draft position and a guaranteed contract, he very well may stay in the 2020 NBA Draft pool. If he either doesn’t declare or tests the waters and withdraws, expect him to be one of the top returning prospects in the nation as a sophomore heading into the 2021 NBA Draft scouting season.

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Freshman Romeo Weems named Big East Freshman of the week for the second time

11/24/2019

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Freshman Romeo Weems stepped up big today with a double-double effort of career high 17 points and career high 10 rebounds helping lead DePual to a victory over Boston College

11/23/2019

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Steve Newhouse

www.247sports.com

Last year at Wintrust Arena, the Boston College Eagles rallied in the game’s final minute to defeat DePaul. The Blue Demons weren’t about to let that happen again.

With 54 seconds remaining, DePaul (6-0) found themselves holding on to a 65-64 lead for dear life.

That was when Kansas transfer Charlie Moore stepped up and drained two three pointers and knocked down two free throws in the final 50 seconds to preserve the 72-67 victory at Conte Forum for the Blue Demons.

“This was the first time all year that we had some adversity,” DePaul coach Dave Leitao told WSCR Radio. “I said that we’ve got to be able to buckle down and do the things that require us to do at that particular time. I thought our defense throughout the game was really good. They only shot 36 percent overall. It was good late when we needed to be.”

Moore led all scorers with 24 points and dished out eight assists while playing 39 of the game’s 40 minutes.

Freshman Romeo Weems stepped up big today with a double-double effort of career high 17 points and career high 10 rebounds.

DePaul junior big man Paul Reed played only 26 minutes due to foul trouble, but still managed to record his fifth double-double effort out of the last six games. Reed finished with 11 points on five of nine shooting along with 10 rebounds.

Junior Jaylen Butz contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

Rebounding was a key for the Blue Demons in the victory. DePaul owned the glass and outrebounded Boston College (4-2) by a 47-28 margin. The Demons especially did well on the offensive glass with a 16-6 edge there.

“You support your defense from the inside-out,” said Leitao. “I think (Butz) did a really good job today. Paul got in foul trouble today, but his length mattered and they both rebounded and didn’t give up a lot of second shots.”
The Blue Demons also helped their cause by knocking down their free throws when it mattered the most.
Leitao, a native of nearby New Bedford, Massachusetts was glad to get the victory with lots of family and friends in attendance.

“It means the world,” Leitao said of seeing the family and getting the win.

USC transfer Derryck Thornton led the way for the Eagles with 16 points.
The Blue Demons will return to Wintrust Arena on Tuesday night where they will face the Central Michigan Chippewas.

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Cops vs Coaches Champions again. Big thanks to Ms Martin who has done a great job organizing this event the last 5 years and thanks to the Macomb County Sheriffs. It is always a great game. Overtime 4 out 5 years! Coach France named game MVP #Rockets

11/22/2019

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Midwestern State 6-4 guard Dmonta Harris splashes in 36 in one-point loss at Central Oklahoma

11/22/2019

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EDMOND, Okla. -- Midwestern State's D'monta Harris had a near flawless shooting night while pouring in 36 points Wednesday night at Hamilton Fieldhouse.

The senior from Pontiac, Mich. didn't miss a shot until after halftime finishing the night 13-for-15 from the field and 8-of-9 from the arc. Harris polished off the game with his second consecutive double-double with 10 rebounds.

His heroics were enough to bring MSU back to the brink of claiming its first win of the season as the Mustangs trimmed a 13-point, second-half deficit to a single bucket when Darius Thompson converted a steal into a layup to pull Midwestern to within 69-67 with 1:43 to go.

Thompson, once again, was strong in the second half scoring nine of his 15 points in the final 2:17. The Memphis, Tenn. native also distributed a team-high six assists.

But the Mustangs misfired on three free throws in the final minute allowing Central Oklahoma to secure a win in its home opener.

Dashawn McDowell scored 20 points to lead Central Oklahoma which shot 59.3 percent from the field and was 12-of-27 from 3-point range (44.4 percent).

Harris used his historic scoring night to raise his season scoring average to 18.8 points per game. The 36 points are the most since Chris Hagan scored the same number of points agianst Angelo State on Feb. 23, 2011 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. It was the same season which Hagan set a school record with 50 points at Cameron.

Sophomore forward Jalin Brown scored eight points, grabbed eight rebounds and swatted three shots, while sophomore Trae Jones connected on two 3-pointers to finish with six points and four assists.

Midwestern State dropped to 0-5 for the first itme since the 1988-89 season, while Central Oklahoma improved to 2-4.

The Mustangs compete in the MIAA Thanksgiving Challenge against Central Missouri Tuesday night at Municipal Arena in Kansas City. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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RED HOT! Midwestern State Senior and New Haven alum D'monta Harris is a perfect 8-for-8 from the field firing in five triples to score 21 points in the opening half.

11/21/2019

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DePaul Freshman Romeo Weems name Big East Freshman of the Week

11/18/2019

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CHICAGO – DePaul's Romeo Weems was named Freshman of the Week and Paul Reed was picked for the league's weekly honor roll following a 2-0 week for the Blue Demons. It is the first weekly honor this season for both players.

Weems nearly posted a pair of double-doubles in games against Iowa and Cornell while averaging 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocked shots. The Detroit native shot .467 (7-15) from the field and went 2-of-4 from three-point range.

In Monday's game at Iowa, he scored nine points with six rebounds, five assists, three blocked shots and a steal while going 4-for-7 from the field and 1-for-2 from behind the arc. On Saturday against Cornell, Weems totaled nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal while posting a team-high plus-minus of 32 in just over 28 minutes against the Big Red.

Reed continued his torrid start to the season with his third and fourth double-doubles. The junior forward averaged 21.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocked shots, 3.0 steals and 2.0 assists per game during the week while shooting .731 (19-26) from the field.

Reed scored 25 points with 12 rebounds at Iowa and added four steals, two blocked shots and an assist. He went 10-for-14 from the field, 3-for-4 from three-point range and connected on his two free throw attempts. The Orlando native followed the Iowa game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, four blocked shots, three assists and two steals against Cornell that included a 9-of-12 effort from the field.

Weems is the first Freshman of the Week for DePaul since Eli Cain claimed the honor during the 2015-16 season. He is the ninth player to pick up the award for first-year players since Wilson Chandler was named twice during the 2005-06 season.

This week's recognition is third Honor Roll appearance for Reed. He was named twice last season during conference play. DePaul has placed a player on the BIG EAST Honor Roll in each of the first two weeks as Charlie Moore was recognized on the first honor roll of the season.

Seton Hall's Myles Powell was named Player of the Week while Reed was joined on the honor roll by Kamar Baldwin of Butler, Creighton's Ty-Shon Alexander, Omer Yurtseven from Georgetown and Xavier's Paul Scruggs.

The Blue Demons go on the road later this week for a Saturday afternoon game at Boston College. Start time at Conte Forum is Noon ET on ACC Network Extra and WSCR 670 The Score. DePaul returns to Wintrust Arena next Tuesday for a 7 p.m. game against Central Michigan.

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Rocket alum 6-7 forward Ashton Sherrell had a great start to his sophomore season at Lake Superior State University

11/12/2019

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Romeo Weems Named Freshman of the Week for second time

Early Entrant Outlook: Romeo Weems 6-7, 210, Freshman, DePaul University. www.professionalbasketballcombine.com

Freshman Romeo Weems named Big East Freshman of the week for the second time

Freshman Romeo Weems stepped up big today with a double-double effort of career high 17 points and career high 10 rebounds helping lead DePual to a victory over Boston College

Cops vs Coaches Champions again. Big thanks to Ms Martin who has done a great job organizing this event the last 5 years and thanks to the Macomb County Sheriffs. It is always a great game. Overtime 4 out 5 years! Coach France named game MVP #Rockets

Midwestern State 6-4 guard Dmonta Harris splashes in 36 in one-point loss at Central Oklahoma

RED HOT! Midwestern State Senior and New Haven alum D'monta Harris is a perfect 8-for-8 from the field firing in five triples to score 21 points in the opening half.

DePaul Freshman Romeo Weems name Big East Freshman of the Week

Rocket alum 6-7 forward Ashton Sherrell had a great start to his sophomore season at Lake Superior State University

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