Top 12 Best Depaul Basketball Players

#12: Bobby Simmons (1998-2001)

• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 230 lbs

Bobby Simmons was a versatile player for DePaul, known for his scoring ability and defense. He averaged 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during his junior season, earning All-Conference USA honors. 

Simmons went on to have a 10-year NBA career, highlighted by winning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2005 with the Los Angeles Clippers.

#11: Tyrone Corbin (1981-1985)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 210 lbs

Tyrone Corbin was a key player for DePaul in the early 1980s, known for his scoring and rebounding. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during his collegiate career. Corbin was instrumental in leading the Blue Demons to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He went on to have a 16-year NBA career, playing for several teams and later transitioning into coaching.

#10: Stephen Howard (1988-1992)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 225 lbs

Stephen Howard was a dominant force in the paint for DePaul, known for his scoring and rebounding. He averaged 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game during his senior season. Howard’s consistency and leadership helped the Blue Demons reach the NCAA Tournament multiple times. He had a professional career that included stints in the NBA and overseas.

#9: David Booth (1988-1992)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 205 lbs

David Booth was a prolific scorer for DePaul, finishing his career as one of the top scorers in program history. He averaged 19.1 points per game during his senior season and was known for his smooth shooting stroke and athleticism. Booth played professionally overseas and remains one of the most celebrated players in DePaul history.

#8: Tom Kleinschmidt (1991-1995)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 210 lbs

Tom Kleinschmidt was a versatile and tenacious player for DePaul, known for his scoring, defense, and leadership. He averaged 18.8 points per game during his senior season and earned All-American honors. Kleinschmidt was the first player in DePaul history to lead the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists in a single season. He had a successful professional career overseas.

#7: Wilson Chandler (2005-2007)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 220 lbs

Wilson Chandler was a versatile and impactful player for DePaul, known for his scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities. During his sophomore season, Chandler averaged 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, earning All-Big East honors. He declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 23rd overall by the New York Knicks in the 2007 NBA Draft. Chandler has had a solid 13-year NBA career, known for his versatility and defensive prowess.

#6: Quentin Richardson (1998-2000)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 235 lbs

Quentin Richardson was a standout player for DePaul, known for his scoring, rebounding, and toughness. He averaged 18.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during his sophomore season, earning Conference USA Player of the Year honors. Richardson declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 18th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. He had a successful NBA career, known for his three-point shooting and rebounding.

#5: Rod Strickland (1985-1988)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 175 lbs
• Image/Visual Suggestion: Rod Strickland driving to the basket during a game at DePaul.

Rod Strickland was a dynamic point guard for DePaul, renowned for his exceptional ball-handling, passing, and scoring ability. He averaged 20 points and 7 assists per game during his junior season before declaring for the NBA Draft. 

Strickland was selected 19th overall by the New York Knicks in the 1988 NBA Draft and went on to have a long and productive NBA career. He played for several teams, including the Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Bullets/Wizards, finishing his career with averages of 13.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. 

Considered one of the best point guards of his era, Strickland was known for his ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He ranks among the NBA’s all-time leaders in assists and steals. 

Strickland is also famously known as the godfather to Kyrie Irving, who is widely regarded as having some of the best handles in basketball history.

#4: Dave Corzine (1974-1978)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’11”, 250 lbs

Dave Corzine was a dominant center for DePaul, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. He led the Blue Demons to the NCAA Tournament in 1976 and 1978, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 1978. Corzine averaged 21.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during his senior season, earning All-American honors.

He was selected 18th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1978 NBA Draft. Corzine enjoyed a productive NBA career, playing for several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, where he became a reliable presence in the paint.

#3: Terry Cummings (1979-1982)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs

Terry Cummings was a powerhouse for DePaul, known for his scoring, rebounding, and physical play. He led the Blue Demons to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons. During his time, DePaul made it to the Elite Eight in 1982. 

Cummings averaged 22.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game during his junior season, earning All-American honors. He declared for the NBA Draft after his junior year and was selected 2nd overall by the San Diego Clippers in the 1982 NBA Draft. 

He enjoyed a stellar 18-year NBA career, earning two All-Star selections and being named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1983. He ranks 10th on the list of The 15 Best Basketball Players From Illinois.

#2: Mark Aguirre (1978-1981)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 232 lbs

Mark Aguirre is one of the greatest players in DePaul history, known for his scoring ability, strength, and versatility. Aguirre led DePaul to the NCAA Tournament in each of his three seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 1979. 

He averaged 24.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his collegiate career and was a two-time consensus All-American. Aguirre won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1980. He was selected 1st overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1981 NBA Draft. 

Aguirre enjoyed a successful NBA career, earning three All-Star selections and winning two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. He ranks 8th on the list of The 15 Best Basketball Players From Illinois.

#1: George Mikan (1942-1946)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 245 lbs

George Mikan is widely regarded as the greatest player in DePaul history and one of the pioneers of professional basketball. Mikan dominated the college game with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, leading DePaul to the NIT Championship in 1945. 

He was a two-time consensus All-American and revolutionized the game with his skills and physical presence. Mikan is also featured on the list of The 15 Best Basketball Players From Illinois, highlighting his broad impact on the sport.

After college, Mikan was selected by the Chicago American Gears in the 1946 NBL Draft and later played for the Minneapolis Lakers, where he won seven championships. 

Mikan was a five-time NBA All-Star, a three-time NBA scoring champion, and led the league in rebounding twice. He was named the league’s MVP twice, in 1948 and 1951, and was often the de facto Finals MVP due to his dominant performances in championship games. 

Mikan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.