Max Strus, DePaul

From Villanova to Kansas, from Loyola-Chicago to Nevada, DePaul witnessed programs in both power and mid-major conferences using small ball lineups to propel their way through the 2018 NCAA tournament.

Last season, the Blue Demons were No. 302 in effective field goal percentage (47.9 percent), which puts more emphasis on three point shooting. But thanks to an enhanced cast -- with the likes of guards Jalen Coleman-Lands, John Diener and forward Femi Olujobi -- they’re set to enhance their floor spacing.

Redshirt senior Max Strus noted how their offense will showcase a smoother flow, and he’ll be a prime beneficiary as a result.

“It’s a huge relief [to have more shooters],” he said. “It’ll help everybody really because we have guys in the corners that they (defenders) can’t help off of, and everybody can shoot the ball.”

The 6-foot-6-inch, 215 pound Strus averaged 16.8 points per game in his first Division I campaign, as well as generating a 50.5 effective field goal percentage. He finished first among DePaul’s wings and guards. Strus is expected to suit up at power forward when the Blue Demons employ their positionless approach, lending him additional opportunities to create mismatches.

“Having a bigger defender on me, which I can drive by or set screens, so they can’t really switch,” Strus said. “If they (opponents) do, I’ll have a little [guy] on me, so I can post up.”

To enhance Strus’ skill development, he participated in the 2018 Nike Basketball Academy in Los Angeles from August 9-11, joining 24 other men’s college basketball players. Among them were 2018-19 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year Carsen Edwards (Purdue), Oregon center Bol Bol and Virginia guard DeAndre Hunter. Strus said he profited immensely from NBA coaches’ critiques, especially in regards to his shooting mechanics.

He’ll also receive assistance from DePaul wing Eli Cain (11.7 ppg), who returns to his natural position after handling the point guard duties with Devin Gage (ruptured Achilles tendon) out for most of last campaign. Cain shot just 34.8 percent from the field last season -- unaided by his poor shot selection in the lane -- but Strus noted that Cain should find a clearer path to the rim with extra shooters around him.

Moreover, Strus cited that Coleman-Lands has already provided a massive perimeter threat in practice. The 6-foot-4-inch, 185 pound guard combined for a 40.2 three point percentage over his two seasons at Illinois. The two originally bonded over exhibiting patience amid sitting out a season because of the NCAA transfer rule.

“He’s (Coleman-Lands) just finding himself in terms of regaining a level of confidence in what his game looks like [following his redshirt year and stress fracture surgery],” Blue Demons coach Dave Leitao said. “What he can do, what he shouldn’t do. It’s a building process. ... For him, there will be growth during the season because he'll start to figure out when he's healthy [what more he can do].”

Along with Diener -- a gunner from long range like his cousin Drake Diener, who played under Leitao during his first stint at DePaul -- Olujobi and fellow Blue Demons’ forward Paul Reed should give Strus additional outlets when a double team arrives. Leitao added that they’ll primarily be positioned on the block, considering Reed the team’s top low post threat.

“He (Reed) might have a breakout year,” Strus said. “I don’t want to put that on him, but he’s been playing really good in practice. ... He’s long, like Kevin Durant.”

DePaul will showcase its new look attack in the season opener against Bethune-Cookman on November 7th -- with Strus set up for even more success.