Devendorf Lights Up New Zealand With 49 Points in First Game at Waikato
Bay Cityan Sets Franchise Scoring Record as Demand for His Services Goes Up
March 5, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
Devendorf's point total was a new team record for the Pistons, exceeding the 2001 mark of 46 set by Clifton Bush.
I guess we kind of told you so, New Zealand.
The Bay City Flash, Eric Devendorf, when given a chance to play really made good in his first regular game as a Waikato Piston, deadeyeing 7 of 10 three point shots on 17 for 26 (65%) shooting for a fantastic 49 points.
It was redemption big time for a player who came in billed as "a troublesome talent" mainly for his off court problems as well as on court showboating.
Devo's total was more than half that of his team's 92 in topping the Nelson Giants in a game in Te Awamutu on Thursday night.
His point total was a new team record for the Pistons, exceeding the 2001 mark of 46 set by Clifton Bush.
They're whooping it up in Orange Country as the former Syracuse star finally made a statement as a professional basketball player after being spurned by both the NBA and the NBA "D" League in the U.S.
It's now quite clear that while NBA coaches might not like his style, Devendorf can contribute mightily and would have done so if he had been given a chance in the "D" League.
But as we opined here before, what NBA team doesn't have a gifted player who has an ego to match? It's not like Devo is alone in that regard.
To the credit of the New Zealanders, Devo's on court bravado was considered part of his fan appeal -- and it looks like their confidence was confirmed.
"Devendorf put on a shooting clinic," declared the Basketball New Zealand web site.
Besides the 7 threes that Devo hit, he lit it up with 10 for 16 field goals and 8 for 8 free throws for the total of 49.
Word is that Australian teams already are looking at the 22-year-old Devo after his amazing start in the down under area in nearby New Zealand.
"Perhaps he'll get on a roll and be playing in Perth before we know it!" gloated one Orange blogger.
Another supporter wrote: "Devo, good job, we love you here in Cuse man. I love your fiery attitude. You will get to the NBA. You are too good with your left hand and you know how to get to the bucket."
The Bay City native gave the Pistons a jump start in their quest to repeat last year's performance as champions of the league.
"Devendorf warmed up in the low-scoring first half to reach 17 points, with eight of those coming from the free-throw line at a 100 per cent success rate.
"The 22-year-old exploded in the second half, knocking down three-point shots at will over defenders and when they stood off him, Devendorf drove past them to the rim to score," reported the New Zealand press.
Devendorf's tally was a new individual record for the Waikato side, beating the 46 of Clifton Bush set in 2001 for the then Waikato Titans.
A fan poll taken last night by the newspaper immediately reflected his popularity with a 152 count against the next highest rated player on the team who got only 2 votes.