Billy Garrett Jr.: The Future of DePaul Basketball

When Billy Garrett Jr. looked for a place to play college basketball, one stood out to the Chicago, Illinois native. That’s because his father, Billy Garrett, is an assistant coach for the DePaul Blue Demons.

So not only could Garrett Jr. play close to home, he was home.

Garrett Jr. committed to play for his father two years prior to his high school graduation with the hopes of bringing DePaul out of the woes its experienced this century.  The Blue Demons have not been ranked since 2001, which is much of the reason why they have struggled to bring in big-time Chicago recruits.

Garrett’s decision to go to DePaul could have long-term affects for the school’s program, but he is trying to make a short-term impact and help this team win. And he did a pretty good job in his first season.

Garrett was the Big East Conference’s Rookie of the Year and led all Big East freshmen in scoring, assists and free throw percentage.

His best game came against Marquette where the freshman scored 26 points (5-8 3PT FG), had two assists and sent the game to overtime with just less than three seconds left in regulation on a 25-foot three-pointer.

And he does everything with the sickle cell trait, a benign condition that causes red blood cells to sickle. When that happens, the cells hinder blood flow causing a myriad of possible issues.

The Garretts have a history of athleticism to say the least.

Garrett’s dad played college football at Illinois State University and his grandfather won Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 1947 and is credited with breaking the major college basketball color barrier with his ability and team success with Indiana.

And if DePaul wants to become relevant any time soon, Billy Garrett Jr. has to be the guy.