The DePaul Women’s basketball team is finally playing again. Last Sunday the Blue Demons played their first game since last March, when they won the Big East Conference tournament.

Kendall Holmes
© Steve Woltmann/ DePaul Athletics

That tournament championship was their third straight. DePaul was poised to make a run in the big NCAA tournament. I sat in press row, then celebrated with the team after the win. That happiness suddenly ended with the cancellation of the rest of the season.

Last Sunday the Blue Demons lost to Texas A&M in the season opener. Despite the loss, the team and all fans were just happy to have basketball back. Fortunately, DePaul bounced back with a win against Chicago State, a local rival.

Dee Bekelja
© Steve Woltmann/ DePaul Athletics

On Friday DePaul lost to Louisville, but the bigger picture was one of positivity. A few other teams had COVID issues, but good came from it. Due to shifted schedules, DePaul replaced the University of Connecticut in the Jimmy V Classic, which annually raises money for the V Foundation for cancer research.

The Classic and the foundation are named for legendary coach Jimmy Valvano, who courageously battled cancer before passing at 47. DePaul coach Doug Bruno, who has strong ties to the Valvano family, was happy to fill the void when the University of Connecticut had to drop out of the game.

DePaul coach Doug Bruno

Bruno did even more, though. During the ESPN telecast, broadcasters Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo pledged $50 for each three-pointer. Upon learning of this, Bruno matched their pledges and added $50 for every assist. Louisville coach Jeff Walz matched Bruno’s pledge. These pledges totaled $5,100.

There are still no fans in attendance, and DePaul wore masks for two of their games. Last Sunday’s game was subsequently canceled. The teams spoke of their happiness regardless of the health restrictions and uncertainty of future games. There is no guarantee the season will be completed, but everyone is enjoying and appreciating basketball more than ever.

At a time when the pandemic has taken away a lot, good things are happening. Teams are working together for the greater good. Fans watching online engage with each other, creating a newfound sense of community. I’m happy about the return of DePaul basketball and all that goes with it.

— John Wroblewski, online writer