Eric Devendorf's Return: The 39-year-old Syracuse legend (2005–2009) is playing in his first TBT since leading Boeheim's Army to the championship in 2021. He spent last season on the coaching staff but was convinced by Shaun Belbey to lace up again. *"I feel like a kid again,"* Devendorf said, after months of getting back into basketball shape.
Dominant Game 1 Win: Boeheim's Army defeated Hall In 82-52 at Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange, NJ. The team shot 50.8% from the field while holding the Pirates to just 32.8%.
Cole Swider Shines: The former Syracuse standout led all scorers with 28 points, including a buzzer-beating putback layup to end the first quarter and another jumper at the halftime buzzer.
Key Contributors: Former Memphis/UT Arlington big man **Kao Akobundu-Ehiogu** posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, while former Michigan State point guard **Tyson Walker** and Division III star **Ty Nichols** also made significant impacts.
Why This Matters: TBT offers a unique summer basketball fix for college hoops fans, and for Syracuse supporters, it's a chance to see beloved Orange alumni compete together. The winner-take-all stakes of the new best-of-three format add extra drama.
Historical Context: Devendorf's journey mirrors the rise of alumni basketball tournaments. His 2021 title run with Boeheim's Army remains a high point for the program, and his return at 39 underscores the passion that keeps former players coming back.
Eric Devendorf's decision to return to the court at age 39 speaks volumes about the culture of Boeheim's Army. After spending the 2025 season on the coaching staff, the former Syracuse guard initially didn't plan to play. But when Shaun Belbey reached out, Devendorf's competitive instincts took over. He spent months preparing his body and now finds himself as one of six Syracuse alumni on the roster, joining Buddy Boeheim, Jimmy Boeheim, Elijah Hughes, Cole Swider, and Wes Johnson.
Even legendary coach Jim Boeheim had a message for him at a recent dinner: *"You better be in shape."* Devendorf's response: *"Coach knows that I'm a guy that prepares."*
Boeheim's Army wasted no time establishing dominance. After an early 7-2 lead, the Army built a double-digit advantage in the first half and never looked back. The non-Syracuse players—often called "ringers"—made an immediate impact, with Akobundu-Ehiogu throwing down a putback slam for the team's first points.
Key moments:
First Quarter: Akobundu-Ehiogu's lob from Tyson Walker set the tone. The Army led 15-8 at the first media timeout.
Second Quarter: Swider took over, scoring 16 points in the first half alone. Devendorf drained a triple to extend the lead.
Second Half: The lead ballooned to 20 by the end of the third quarter. The Elam Ending target score of 82 was reached quickly in the fourth.
Defensive Dominance: The Orange held Hall In to 32.8% shooting, despite missing star guard Isaiah Whitehead and Myles Cale from the opposing side.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. Boeheim's Army can close out the series and advance to the next round with a win. The team will be looking to improve on an already impressive performance, potentially with the return of Wes Johnson, JaCorey Williams, or Chris McCullough, who were inactive for Game 1.
Games are broadcast on FS1. Fans in the Syracuse area can also attend in person at the Oncenter.
What is The Basketball Tournament (TBT)?
TBT is a single-elimination summer basketball tournament featuring alumni teams from various colleges, with a winner-take-all prize. In 2026, the tournament introduced a best-of-three opening round format.
How many Syracuse alumni are on the Boeheim's Army roster?
Six Syracuse alumni are on the roster: Eric Devendorf, Buddy Boeheim, Jimmy Boeheim, Elijah Hughes, Cole Swider, and Wes Johnson. The team also includes non-Syracuse players like Kao Akobundu-Ehiogu and Tyson Walker.
When and where is Game 2?
Game 2 against Hall In is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. It will air on FS1.
Did Eric Devendorf previously win TBT with Boeheim's Army?
Yes, Devendorf was part of the Boeheim's Army team that won the TBT championship in 2021.
For Syracuse Fans: This is a must-watch event. Boeheim's Army is one win away from advancing, and the home crowd at the Oncenter could make a difference. Attend Game 2 if you're in the Syracuse area.
For Basketball Enthusiasts: TBT showcases the enduring spirit of college basketball rivalries. The best-of-three format adds a new layer of strategy and excitement.
Key Takeaway: Experience matters. Devendorf's return at 39 shows that preparation and passion can overcome age. The mix of Syracuse alumni and talented "ringers" creates a well-rounded, dangerous team.
How to Follow: Watch on FS1, or follow updates on social media via Boeheim's Army and Syracuse Orange channels.
Boeheim's Army is off to a flying start in the 2026 TBT, but the series isn't over yet. Can the Orange alumni close it out at home on Thursday? Will Eric Devendorf's veteran presence continue to be a difference-maker?
*Do you think Boeheim's Army can go all the way this year? Let us know in the comments!*
Share this article with fellow Syracuse fans and basketball lovers who need to stay ahead of the TBT action!
Follow the conversation:
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is set to take place in Chicago on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center, broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p....
Former University of North Carolina basketball legend **Ty Lawson** was arrested in Castle Rock, Colorado, on July 16, 2025, after allegedly...
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is back for 2026 with a bold new format, a doubled $2 million prize, and an opening series that pits two bit...
The **Detroit Pistons** defeated the **Cleveland Cavaliers** **103-94** in a tightly contested NBA Summer League matchup on July 12, 2026, a...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer