A Non-Traditional Walk
5/8/2015 2:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Derrick Coleman, the all-time leading rebounder in Syracuse basketball history, grabbed his last collegiate rebound on March 23, 1990 against Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament.
Eric Devendorf, a member of Syracuse's 1,500-point club like Coleman, earned his last college basketball in the NCAA Tournament versus Oklahoma on March 27, 2009.
Mookie Jones, a fan favorite who was a three-point specialist, launched his last collegiate long ball on January 14, 2012 against Providence in the Dome.
The three former Orange hoop performers will each reach the crowning moment of the Syracuse tenures this weekend when they receive their degrees. All three returned to the classwork they had not completed following time spent pursuing professional basketball careers.
For Coleman, the journey has taken the longest although he produced the one of the most successful NBA careers of any Syracuse player. Drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1990 NBA Draft, Coleman played with New Jersey, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Detroit before retiring after the 2004-05 season. He will receive his undergraduate degree in Sociolgy during commencement ceremonies this weekend.
Coleman was a four-year mainstay in the lineup at Syracuse. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he still ranks second in career scoring (2,143 points) and tied for third in career blocks (319) at Syracuse. The Orange played in the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons and reached the national championship game in 1987, his freshman year.
Devendorf is still working to prolong his playing career. He's played overseas since his college days and is hoping to sign again with a pro team. He has recoverred from recent back surgery. Devendorf plans to participate in the graduation ceremonies and will receive a degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies.
He was a fearless scorer at Syracuse, tallying points on long-distance jump shots or forays into the lane, where he was adept at scoring with either hand. Devendorf ranks14th in career scoring at Syracuse (1,680 points). He is fourth in career 3-point baskets (208). Devendorf played on two NCAA Tournament teams and two NIT clubs.
Like Devendorf, Jones still has some desire to continue on the hardcourt. He had earned a tryout with the Rochester RazorSharks of the Premier Basketball League, a team coached by former Syracuse great Lawrence Moten, but a torn achilles tendon cut short his efforts. His degree will be in Child and Family Studies.
Jones played in 46 games over four seasons at Syracuse. Of the 67 baskets he tallied, 50 were of the 3-point variety.
Current Syracuse teammates Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije are also partaking in graduate ceremonies this weekend. They both have another year of eligibility with the Orange.
Eric Devendorf, a member of Syracuse's 1,500-point club like Coleman, earned his last college basketball in the NCAA Tournament versus Oklahoma on March 27, 2009.
Mookie Jones, a fan favorite who was a three-point specialist, launched his last collegiate long ball on January 14, 2012 against Providence in the Dome.
The three former Orange hoop performers will each reach the crowning moment of the Syracuse tenures this weekend when they receive their degrees. All three returned to the classwork they had not completed following time spent pursuing professional basketball careers.
For Coleman, the journey has taken the longest although he produced the one of the most successful NBA careers of any Syracuse player. Drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1990 NBA Draft, Coleman played with New Jersey, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Detroit before retiring after the 2004-05 season. He will receive his undergraduate degree in Sociolgy during commencement ceremonies this weekend.
Coleman was a four-year mainstay in the lineup at Syracuse. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he still ranks second in career scoring (2,143 points) and tied for third in career blocks (319) at Syracuse. The Orange played in the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons and reached the national championship game in 1987, his freshman year.
Devendorf is still working to prolong his playing career. He's played overseas since his college days and is hoping to sign again with a pro team. He has recoverred from recent back surgery. Devendorf plans to participate in the graduation ceremonies and will receive a degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies.
He was a fearless scorer at Syracuse, tallying points on long-distance jump shots or forays into the lane, where he was adept at scoring with either hand. Devendorf ranks14th in career scoring at Syracuse (1,680 points). He is fourth in career 3-point baskets (208). Devendorf played on two NCAA Tournament teams and two NIT clubs.
Like Devendorf, Jones still has some desire to continue on the hardcourt. He had earned a tryout with the Rochester RazorSharks of the Premier Basketball League, a team coached by former Syracuse great Lawrence Moten, but a torn achilles tendon cut short his efforts. His degree will be in Child and Family Studies.
Jones played in 46 games over four seasons at Syracuse. Of the 67 baskets he tallied, 50 were of the 3-point variety.
Current Syracuse teammates Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije are also partaking in graduate ceremonies this weekend. They both have another year of eligibility with the Orange.
Players Mentioned
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