Rykan Woo: The Impact Transfer for DePaul Prep
A New Star in the Making
While it’s still not nearly the norm or as prevalent as it is in college basketball, player movement and transfers in high school basketball have become more commonplace than ever before. Each spring and summer, we wait and see where players will be when school begins in August. This past year, there were a plethora of transfers. While there were some bigger names and more highly ranked prospects who moved to new schools, no transfer has made a bigger impact than Rykan Woo at DePaul Prep.
A Solid Addition to the Team
The former Young guard has excelled since arriving at DePaul Prep, the No. 1 ranked team in the Super 25. In a showdown with highly ranked Warren and star guard Jaxson Davis this past weekend, Woo had 24 points, including six three-pointers. He’s averaging 17 points a game for a team that typically always boasts balanced, modest individual numbers. He also chips in 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and nearly two steals a game.
Fit and Efficient
More importantly, he has fit well within what DePaul Prep does from a philosophy and personnel standpoint. He came in as a solid on-the-ball defender who has grown into what coach Tom Kleinschmidt expects at that end of the floor. And he has been a smart, unselfish, and efficient player. How efficient? Woo has been exceedingly efficient across the board, including an eye-popping 60% from the three-point line (39-for-65), 63% inside the arc, and 85% from the line.
Class 2A Dyett: A Team on the Rise
No team that finished 2-2 over the holidays was a bigger winner than little-known Dyett. There isn’t a lot of buzz surrounding coach Jamaal Gill’s team on the South Side, but there might be when the state tournament rolls around in late February. Dyett, which plays in the Public League’s Red Star, is 11-3. But no team has gained more in all of its losses than the Eagles.
Growth and Experience
They played tradition-rich Rock Island (14-1) very tough on Thanksgiving and against ranked 4A teams Evanston and Marist at the Centralia Holiday Tournament. Dyett was tied 43-43 with Evanston in the fourth quarter of the semifinals before falling 58-48 and then lost to Marist 48-38 in the third-place game. That’s not too shabby for a Class 2A school. "Those are some great teams with really good coaches that we played," Gill said. "There was a lot of growth in those losses. That is the type of skill, intensity, and coaching that prepares you for state. Those high-level teams are good preparation for our guys."
A Different Look
Gill has won three 2A regional titles since taking over the program in 2014. This team has a different look than the 14-12 squad from a year ago that won a regional before falling to Hansberry 55-52 in the sectional semifinals. "Experience," Gill said. "That’s the difference." Last year’s team was a junior-led one. This year, Gill has 10 seniors on the roster, including the two leading scorers: Jaden McKinnon (14 points per game) and Aramis Brown (11 ppg). "With that experience there has been more attention to detail and commitment," Gill said.
A Team to Watch
Gill is hoping battles against 3A and 4A schools, even in defeat, can help propel the program to its first sectional championship — a sectional in which Dyett looks to be the favorite. "One step at a time," Gill said. "Even in those losses, it’s given me a trust in this team, and I also see a belief in the players."
Conclusion
Rykan Woo’s impact on DePaul Prep has been significant, and Dyett’s growth and experience are poised to make them a team to watch in the state tournament. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how these teams fare in their respective conferences and tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Rykan Woo, and how has he impacted DePaul Prep?
Rykan Woo is a transfer student-athlete who has had a significant impact on DePaul Prep, averaging 17 points per game and providing solid defense and playmaking. - What is the current record of DePaul Prep?
DePaul Prep is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the Super 25 with a strong record. - How has Dyett improved since last season?
Dyett has gained experience and attention to detail, with 10 seniors on the roster and a more balanced approach to their games. - What are the expectations for Dyett in the state tournament?
Dyett is expected to be the favorite in their sectional, with the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
