A Milestone for DePaul Basketball
DePaul University's men's basketball program will make its inaugural appearance at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, a preseason tournament held on Nov. 24 and 26 at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, Florida. The Blue Demons will open the event against Purdue on Nov. 24 and close it with a Thanksgiving Day showdown against Pitt.
The tournament has assembled a field that includes recent national champions Michigan and Florida, underscoring its reputation as a showcase for elite college programs. For DePaul, the matchups represent more than just early‑season games; they mark a reunion with longtime conference rivals and a chance to test the team against top‑tier competition.
DePaul head coach Chris Holtmann, who previously attended the Fort Myers Tip-Off in 2021 while leading Ohio State, will now guide his new squad through the same venue. Holtmann’s experience at the event adds a layer of familiarity and strategic insight as the Blue Demons prepare for the challenges ahead.
Travel and team ticket packages for the tournament will be made available online later this spring through the official event site, www.FortMyersTipoff.com, giving fans and alumni the opportunity to secure their spots early.
The upcoming contest against Purdue will be the first meeting between the two schools in 20 years, a milestone that has generated considerable buzz among basketball enthusiasts. Purdue arrives in Fort Myers after a 30‑9 season that culminated in an Elite Eight appearance, bringing a high level of expectation and momentum.
Pitt, meanwhile, enters the 2026‑27 season following a 13‑20 record under head coach Jeff Capel. The Panthers hold a 9‑2 all‑time series advantage over DePaul, adding a historical narrative to the Thanksgiving Day matchup.
Adding depth to the coaching storyline, DePaul assistant coach Jack Owens spent nine seasons at Purdue under former head coach Matt Painter before joining the Blue Demons' staff. Painter’s tenure at Purdue, marked by consistent excellence, provides a contrasting backdrop to the new chapter unfolding in Fort Myers.
Beyond the on‑court storylines, the Fort Myers Tip-Off continues to serve as a platform for premier college basketball programs to connect with fans, media, and sponsors. The event’s partnership with Intersport, a global sports marketing company, highlights its expanding commercial reach.