View full size photo »

Last we heard, Eric Devendorf was heading to The Holy Land to pursue a basketball career and, perhaps, enlightenment in one of the many religions that call it home.  Well...just kidding!  According to MLive.com, Devo is on the verge of signing with our old friends, the Reno Bighorns.

Now, for the first time since his decision to forego his senior season and pursue a professional career, it appears that Devendorf has caught a break. While nothing has been finalized, he said he hopes to sign with the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League as early as Monday.

Landing in the D-League, the official minor league of the NBA, would not only get Devendorf back on the court but put him one step away from reaching his ultimate, lifelong ambition.

So what happened?  Why did Devo take such a circuitous route to the obvious final destination?  Turns out he made the unfortunate decision to trust the wrong person/persons.

"I definitely got some bad advice," Devendorf said. "But at the end of the day, it was my call and I have to live with the decisions I make. Now I have to focus on the task at hand."

Devendorf said he had offers to play overseas, but on the counsel of several mentors – including former Michigan State University star Mateen Cleaves – decided to stick it out in the States in hopes of eventually catching on with the D-League.

Along the way, he parted with his agent, further slowing the process.  On Friday, he said he had a verbal agreement with a new agent, who quickly went to work finding Devendorf a spot in the D-League.

Devo's former agent was Chris Grier-Luchey.  I remember noting that things sounded a little fishy when Devo signed with him.

Also, don't forget to follow the trail here.  Devo's AAU coach is Will Smith (not that one).  Smith runs the Michigan Hurricanes, which were formerly run by Chris Grier Luchey.  Luchey is now the president of CGL Sports, the agency repping Devo.  It's an incestuous business, that basketball.

Someone related to AAU who doesn't have the best interests of the player at heart?  That's unpossible!

While he waits for the Bighorns to sign some papers, Devo is back in Michigan with his daughter taking classes to finish his degree (wait, I thought he graduated?). Hopefully he hears soon and can make a real run at the pros.

H/T: Ridiculous Upside