EXCLUSIVE IMH Interview with former Syracuse G Eric Devendorf

First things first, many thanks to Eric for making this happen. He was all over my original inquiry and was quick to answer my questions.

A McDonald's All-American in 2005, Eric Devendorf went on to play 4 seasons for Syracuse at the end of Orange's Big East tenure, becoming one of the team's leading scorers by the end of his college career. After Syracuse, Devendorf made a brief stint in the NBA D-League before signing on in the National Basketball League in New Zealand, where he would go on to lead the league in scoring twice across his two separate stints in the league in 2010 and 2016. Following a return to Syracuse as a strength coach for the Orange, he then joined the staff at Detroit Mercy, where he serves as an assistant coach today.

Jake Klein: What was it like to play under Coach Boeheim for four seasons. What impact did he have on you as a player and as a coach?

Eric Devendorf: It was an unbelievable experience to be able to play for a Hall Of Fame coach. He’s one of the most knowledgeable basketball minds in the world, so I am grateful for being able to have played under such a great coach. He taught me to keep your emotions in check and always stay level headed especially during times when it gets intense. Coach is the best and staying calm under pressure, he never shows it. Taught me to keep it simple and master those things. Simple things worked on each day turn into great things. 

JK: How crazy was the 6 overtime game against UCONN [on 3/12/2009]? What was it like to have such a critical role in the best college basketball game ever?

ED: It was an unreal experience now that I can sit back and talk about it, it’s like, wow, I was apart of the greatest college game of all time. I still get people asking me questions about it all the time. It was more mentally exhausting then anything. Such a special group of guys we had on that team and I am lucky to be able to talk about it and share my stories about the game. 

JK: Do you think the Big East is suffering overall as a conference now that Syracuse has moved on? 

ED: I just think it’s different now, there was nothing like the old Big East, the grit and demeanor every team played with, didn’t matter who it was you were going to be in a dog fight every game. College Basketball is different altogether now, but I enjoy watching these young guys get after it, but nothing like the old Big East, that’s for sure.

JK: How has the post-playing career treated you? What were your experiences with Boeheim’s Army [The Basketball Tournament's team composed of former Syracuse players] and as the Assistant Strength Coach at Syracuse like?

ED: I have been coaching and training kids all over, I am still involved with the game this is what I love to do so I am fortunate to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with the younger generation and I enjoy that very much. I still love to play as well and being able to play in the summer with the Army is a treat. Being able to be in front of our fans brings back a lot of old memories. Very thankful to the Syracuse community for always supporting. 

JK: Which college basketball mascot would you most like to take on in a fight?

ED: The Duke Blue Devil!!!! 

Once again, big shoutout to Eric for doing this so willingly.