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Eric Devendorf will join the Syracuse basketball team as an assistant strength coach.

(Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com)

Syracuse, N.Y. — As the Syracuse basketball players and coaches gathered for the annual team photo during SU's annual media day on Friday, a familiar face stood out.



Dressed in the standard dark blue sweatsuit worn by the entire Syracuse coaching staff, Eric Devendorf took his place and smiled up at the camera.



Devendorf, the former Syracuse player, is returning to the Orange program this season as the team's new assistant strength coach.



Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said Devendorf's presence would be felt not only in the weight-room, where he will assist SU strength coach Ryan Cabiles, but also in his interaction with the current players.



"He's going to work in the weight-room with Ryan, but he'll help us in a lot of ways,'' Boeheim said. "He's been good with the players. He's been through what they're going through. He's going to be an asset. I'm excited to have him with us.''

Devendorf played at Syracuse from 2005 to 2009. He averaged 15.7 points per game in his final season at Syracuse. He ranks 14th on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,680 points. Despite having one more year of eligibility remaining, Devendorf decided to leave Syracuse and embark on a pro career.

He spent the next seven years playing professionally in the NBA D-League and in foreign countries such as Ukraine, Israel, Greece and New Zealand. Last year, Devendorf played for the Super City Rangers in New Zealand.

But he was eager to find his way into coaching and stay closer to his two daughters.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get involved with the program,'' Devendorf said "I was looking to get into coaching and this just sort of developed. I'm excited to help the guys in any way that I can.''

Boeheim expressed admiration for the maturation that Devendorf has experienced since his playing days at Syracuse.

"He's matured as much as any player we've ever had,'' Boeheim said. "I give him a tremendous amount of credit.''