DePaul new head coach Chris Holtmann has officially announced his first three additions to the 2024-25 roster Wednesday afternoon with the addition of NJ Benson, Troy D’Amico and CJ Gunn.
“We are really excited about the addition of CJ, NJ and Troy.” said Holtmann in a release. “As we build this program, finding the right people and players are a critical first step. These young men are excited about DePaul and the opportunity to compete in one of the best leagues in college basketball.”
“CJ is and big wing/guard who provides shooting, athleticism and defensive versatility. NJ provides physicality, an excellent motor and long arms which allow him to play bigger than his size. Both he and CJ have 2 years remaining,” Holtmann continued. “Troy provides excellent feel for the game, shooting and skill at the forward position. He has improved every year he’s played. We can’t wait to get started coaching these 3 new Blue Demons.”
NJ Benson
Forward | Junior | 6-8
Mt. Vernon, Ill. | Mt. Vernon Township HS
Benson is coming off a solid sophomore season at Missouri State where he showed tremendous improvement, playing 32 games for the Bears which included 23 starts. He averaged 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, in addition to 1.6 blocks while leading the Missouri Valley Conference in offensive rebounds per game (2.91) and second in blocks. Throughout his career, he is a 60.7 percent scorer from the floor with 15 career double-digit scoring games and 10 double-doubles.
Troy D’Amico
Forward | Senior | 6-7
Chicago, Ill. | Niles Notre Dame
D’Amico returns to his hometown after playing three seasons at Southern Illinois where he was under the direction of DePaul assistant, Bryan Mullins. Improving in each of his three seasons, D’Amico started all 32 games for the Salukis in 2023-24 and averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. In his junior season he totaled 14 games with 10 or more points, including two 20-point outings against Saint Louis and Murray State. He is a career 36.8 percent three-point shooter and 79.0 percent at the free throw line. D’Amico finished the season top-20 in Missouri Valley in assists and three-point field goals made.
CJ Gunn
Guard | Junior | 6-6
Indianapolis, Ind. | Lawrence North HS
Gunn appeared in 41 games over two seasons at Indiana, including 29 off the bench in the 2023-24 season. In his sophomore campaign, Gunn shot 34.0 percent from three-point range and a total of 24 steals. He tallied a career-high 17 points on 3-of-15 shooting against Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament.
He averaged 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game as a senior in high school, helping his team to an Indiana Class 4A state runner-up appearance. He was a four-star rated recruit out of high school by 247Sports.com and the third-ranked player in the state of Indiana.
Release provided via DePaul Athletics
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