DePaul received a surprising oral commitment Tuesday from four-star forward Romeo Weems, the top-ranked recruit in Michigan who picked the Blue Demons over in-state powers Michigan State and Michigan.
The Blue Demons have a history of being spurned as a finalist for touted recruits. But Weems, the No. 37 overall recruit in the Class of 2019 and No. 7 power forward in 247sports’ composite rankings, delivered some positive news for DePaul, which has been longing for a player who can create excitement and help turn the program around. The early signing official period for 2019 recruits is Nov. 14-21.
“It was a hard decision,” said Weems, wearing sunglasses at a ceremony at New Haven High School before placing a blue DePaul cap on his head. “I’m taking my talents to DePaul.
“I’ve always been different. DePaul needs rebuilding. When I get there we’re going to rebuild, keep going and be successful.”
Weems, who also considered Oregon and Ohio State, comes with an impressive resume. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged a double-double with 23.5 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior, along with 5.3 assists, 4.8 steals and 2 blocks.
He often registered triple-doubles and even recorded a quadruple-double of 21 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals in a state regional final victory, according to the Detroit News.
Until a few days ago, recruiting websites considered Tom Izzo’s Spartans the heavy favorites to land Weems.
“When I was looking for colleges it was to get better and become a pro and be successful,” he told reporters. “I didn’t really have a favorite college.”
The last DePaul players to be drafted were Wilson Chandler — also a Michigan native — and Sammy Mejia in 2007. Weems said his connection with DePaul’s coaches gave him confidence they could help him further his career.
Only three months ago DePaul was rejected officially by former commit Tyger Campbell, a four-star point guard who reopened his recruiting in September before announcing in February he would play at UCLA in 2018-19.
Campbell, who had been the nation’s No. 25 recruit in the Class of 2019, had been considered the best Blue Demons recruit since Quentin Richardson in 1997.
DePaul has been under harsh criticism from fans after 11 straight losing seasons and 14 consecutive seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance.
The Blue Demons finished 11-20 overall last season and 4-14 in the Big East with a first-round exit in the conference tournament. Coach Dave Leitao is 29-65 in three seasons in his second stint at DePaul.
A report after the season alleged the NCAA investigated the Blue Demons for a secondary violation involving an athlete and an assistant coach no longer with the program.
The Blue Demons are expected to receive a boost from Illinois transfer Jalen Coleman-Lands, who will be eligible to play this season after sitting out 2017-18 per NCAA rules.
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