Eric Devendorf
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Eric Devendorf (born April 21, 1987 in Bay City, Michigan) is a current basketball player for the Syracuse University Orange men's basketball team.
[edit] High School
Devendorf began his high school basketball career at Bay City Central High School. In his three years under coach Joe Ricard, Eric managed to set the school's all time record in points (1224). All three years he was named to Michigan's All State Team.
After averaging 30.6 points a game in his junior year, Devendorf transferred to Oak Hill Academy, the same school as former Orange great Carmelo Anthony. Devendorf was widely recognized there, earning McDonalds, EA Sports, and Parade All American Honors. When he concluded his high school career, Devendorf was ranked the ninth college bound senior in the nation. He chose to play for coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse.
[edit] Freshman Year
Devendorf arrived at Syracuse while the team was in a period of change. The Orange had just lost All-American forward and top scorer Hakim Warrick to the NBA. The only remaining players from Boeheim's 2003 NCAA championship club were guard Gerry McNamara and lesser-known forward Matt Gorman.
Devendorf began the season coming off the bench. However, back to back double digit scoring efforts, paired with junior Louie McCroskey's inconsistent performances, landed him the starting shooting guard spot, which he did not relinquish for the remainder of the year.
At the end of the regular season Syracuse entered the Big East tournament needing multiple wins. In an unexpected run, the Orange went on a run of last-second victories against favored teams. In the closing seconds of the semi-final contest against Georgetown University Devendorf scored a lay-up, and assisted by McNamara for the win. The Orange went on to win the Big East tournament, despite their decided underdog status. Devendorf ended his freshman year being named to the Big East All Rookie Team.
[edit] 2006-07
After the depature of McNamara for Europe, the revamped Orange began the season ranked 20th in the nation. Devendorf was named MVP of the Black Coaches Association Invitational following a win over UTEP that improved Syracuse to 3-0.
