Dumped Waikato Pistons import guard Eric Devendorf will not be heading south to play for the Otago Nuggets and is likely to turn out for the Manawatu Jets or the Wellington Saints.
Shortly after hearing the news Devendorf had been cut by the Pistons yesterday, Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge contacted the Waikato management to inquire about his availability.
With centre Antoine Tisby struggling with a foot injury, the Nuggets have a gap on their roster and Devendorf would have been a handy acquisition.
The classy guard scored 49 points in his debut match but has had his troubles off the court.
He was involved in an incident at a Napier bar following Waikato's 78-73 loss to the Hawke's Bay Hawks on Friday night, and in 2008 was suspended for allegedly striking a female student following a traffic incident.
However, Pistons boss John Davey told the Waikato Times the latest incident was not the reason for releasing Devendorf.
The franchise felt it needed a specialist point guard to run its offence, he explained.
Arlidge rates Devendorf's silky skills highly and was keen to sign the player on a temporary contract.
However, Arlidge believes the Devendorf is chasing a longer term contract with another franchise and will probably turn up in Palmerston North or Wellington, he suggested.
