Eric Devendorf Completes Community Service, Return to Orange Likely Next

Eric Devendorf has completed 40 hours of community service and can now apply to Syracuse University for reinstatement as a student.

He had been suspended from school indefinitely after the Syracuse Judicial Board ruled that he struck fellow student Kim Smith during an incident on Nov. 1.

The Syracuse University Appeals Board reduced his penalty, ruling that upon completion of the community service, Devendorf could rejoin the basketball team. He reportedly practiced with the team on Friday and could possibly be available for Tuesday’s contest at the Carrier Dome against Big East foe Seton Hall.

The Orange won both games that Devendorf missed, at No. 23 Memphis and home vs. Coppin State. Andy Rautins started in his place and averaged 19 points per game while making 11 three-point shots. Nine of those came in a 29-point explosion against Coppin State.

Devendorf’s return to the team provides another experienced, skilled ball handler in the starting rotation so that teams can’t focus solely on pressuring point guard Jonny Flynn. The Bay City, Mich. native also has a unique ability to get to the rim practically whenever he wants where he’s exceptional at finishing with his left hand.

In addition to greater, quality depth, something Syracuse teams have lacked the past few seasons, his return also allows Rautins to provide instant offense off the bench. If Rautins’ recent three-point shooting outburst is a sign that the junior has re-discovered his stroke, Syracuse’s offense becomes that much better.

With Devendorf and Rautins on the floor at the same time, teams will be hard pressed to zone the Orange, thus allowing room down low for Arinze Onuaku to score from the post and for Paul Harris and Flynn to take their men off the dribble.

Syracuse could have Devendorf for the entire 18-game Big East schedule. The conference is thought by many to be the toughest in all of college basketball, and after a two year absence from the NCAA tournament, Syracuse will need their full complement of players in order to challenge favorites Connecticut and Pittsburgh for the league title.