I must say as a coach the thought of competing against a player the caliber of Eric Devendorff the import from the Waikato Pistons is a daunting one. For a guard he is incredibly efficient showing last weekend when he made 12 shots from 14 and handed out 7 assists as well. This years league has seen a very high influx of quality imports that perhaps we haven't seen in recent years. Around the league you see the teams with stand out imports and it is no surprise they are dominating the statistical categories.

But I have to say that Devendorff has been the standout in my mind. There hasn't been a person average so many points (he is currently averaging 31) in my time here, but add to that the fact he is also averaging in excess of 5 assists a game and he is proving to be quite a hand full for opposition teams. Wellington had Mike Efevberha last year but he was soley a scorer and was still learning how to include his team mates more. Devendorff is obviously learning a lot quicker and with the talent that he has around him this will only make the Pistons a very tough team indeed.

For a guard to be shooting 69% from the floor and an incredible 71% from the three point line it certainly suggests that he is the best import to come to New Zealand in some time. I am sure if he continues to play at this level then I would believe there would be fair argument to say he may be the best ever. Most guards are happy to shoot in the high forties from the field and the mid forties from the three point line. Such stats normally suggest a very good player but to have the stats that Devendorff has is outright ridiculous. Regardless of how good a competition standard is they are outstanding numbers. Certainly he is proving to be a player that is hard to stop - an understatement I am sure.

Other than taking a sledge hammer to his knees how do you contend with a player of this ability. He is a one man wrecking crew. Obviously you are not going to be able to defend him one on one so it will take a team effort and a lot of energy to stop him. The Hawks have a crack at him over the next couple of weeks and maybe we can find an answer. All I know is it will be a challenge and I recommend that if you are in Rotarua this weekend then venture in on Sunday to see a great game between the Hawks and the Pistons . For a repeat dose be at the PGA in Napier on Friday April 9 to have another look. I am sure the class of Devendorff and the quality of the game will be worth the price of admission.

With energy

Shawn Dennis