There are players that seem to get a bad rap, regardless of the circumstances. Players whom everyone loves to hate. The kind of players whose skill and competitive spirit make them ideal teammates and bona fide villains. On the court they come off as smug, cocky and full of trash talk. Teammates and close associates speak highly on those individuals behalves, begging the question; What is this guy/girl really like?
Eric Devendorf is no different. The 5th year junior shooting guard for the Syracuse Orange has reached bona fide villain status, arguably from the day he set foot on campus. The fact that he hails from Michigan, and has an eerily similar demeanor to Eminem doesn't help. The fact that he has numerous tattoos painted on the canvas of his pale arms & neck don't help either. The fact that he is one of the best players on a perennial Big East powerhouse with long-standing rivalries doesn't help. The fact that his actions off the court have given the critics more content with which to judge his character doesn't help. The fact that he hits big shots, and lets his opponents know about I'm sure rubs some people the wrong way as well.
Following Syracuse's 78-67 win over Arizona St. last night, ESPN.com did a piece on Devendorf. Last week, sports blog The Big Lead.com ranked the 5 most hated players in the NCAA tournament, and Mr. Devendorf beat out the competition for the dubious title.
In recent weeks, Devendorf has had ample opportunity to showcase his talents in front of a national audience and garner more support for his 'most-hated' cause. Against Seton-Hall, Devendorf scored 19 second half points after a gentleman on the Seton Hall team put his hand in Eric's face (bad decision, watch the highlights).
The following night against UCONN, Devendorf hit what he thought was the game-winning three pointer at the end of regulation, which lead to this photo:
According to fans who were in the vicinity, Devendorf dropped a few F-bombs from his perch high atop the scorers table. Syracuse went on to win that game 6 overtimes later.
Fresh off the UCONN win, Devendorf nailed a half court shot heading into overtime the very next night:
When asked what he thought about his perception, Devendorf told Pat Forde of ESPN "off the court I'm a whole different person. I'm a good dude man. I'm a down-to earth dude. They (people) spend a day with me, they'd have some fun." I concur with those sentiments. During my four years at the Cuse I had a chance to hang out with the guy nowhere close to a basketball court, and you know what? He is a good dude, and a better ballplayer. I'm just happy I don't have to root against him.
During the Orange's post season run, Devendorf is averaging 19.2 points per game and has his team in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004. I'm sure if Syracuse can put together a few more wins and make it to the Final Four in Detroit, Eric Devendorf will have a few more haters on his bandwagon. I don't think he minds.
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I can't stand his demeanor on the court. His actual play I can obviously accept since I am an Orangemaniac, but I can do with out his chin up high smirks and exaggerated chest thumps. I saw him a few times on campus and on bus rides to South Campus during my tenure and he was always seemed the quiet type. I've even heard stories of some alum partaking in some... extracurricular activities with him, so off the court I guess he's "cool" if you catch my drift. On the court... I guess toning down his swag might potentially tone down his actual game, so I guess I'll have to deal with a egotistical SG among our ranks...
ReplyDeleteAlright Dumas, I am swayed, didn't take much. You are a good writer my friend, and have a bright future ahead of you. I liked him until that incident came out, and to tell you the truth, I didn't really look too far into it. Being in the limelight can put you in some bad situations, and he has responded in a positive way the rest of the season. No longer is he Devendeuche in my mind.
ReplyDeleteIf I had just hit, what I thought was a game winning shot, I would be saying the same thing, and probably running around the court naked. Being a baller, you have to show that swag, and have to be confident, knowing you do have the ability to hit the game winning shot in regulation time, or at 2 in the morning after 6 OT's (by the way, I got home near the end of regulation and watched all 6 OT's, and feel lucky to say that I witnessed history).
I hope he hits the game winner right in Griffin's face in the next game.
GO Cuse