Chris Holtmann paid homage to the late Lou Carnesecca by wearing a colorful sweater for DePaul’s 89-61 loss to St. John’s Tuesday night in Queens.
“When you’re my age — I’m in my early 50s — there’s a group of coaches you kind of grow up watching, admiring, having great respect for. Following their teammates, following the leagues,” Holtmann said. “I remember watching him. I grew up in Kentucky. I remember watching him wear the sweaters. I remember the iconic moment when he wore the sweater and [Georgetown coach] John Thompson came out with the jacket and opened [it to show a sweater].
“He had a profound impact on the game and this university. We wanted to pay our respects.”
DePaul Blue Demons head coach Chris Holtmann reacts during the first half against St. John’s on Dec. 17, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY PostHoltmann said one of DePaul’s staffers found it at a thrift store and ordered the sweater, which actually was the same brand as the sweaters Carnesecca made famous.
“It definitely had been worn a few times before I wore it,” Holtmann said.
For the first time this year, St. John’s freshman center Khaman Maker appeared in a game. Rick Pitino said the plan was never for the 7-foot-1 big man from South Sudan to redshirt.
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“I think redshirting guys is a waste of time, because you get four years, and you got to develop players,” the Hall of Fame coach said. “I don’t think he benefits [by it]. By next year, he’s got to put on 20 pounds of muscle and be ready to play. I think getting him in spots, learning how to play is a good thing, and he did a good job tonight.”
A four-star prospect, Maker played high school ball at SFBA Trinity Prep in Las Vegas, where he was known for his defensive ability as a rim-protecting center. He appeared in the final three minutes of the win on Tuesday.
