Former Wasilla star Devine joins Seawolves for final campaign
ANCHORAGE (May 31) – Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball coach Rusty Osborne made a sizeable addition to his 2016-17 roster Tuesday with the announcement that former Alaska prep star Connor Devine has signed a scholarship agreement to play his final season with the Seawolves.
Devine, a 6-10, 225-pound forward/center, comes back to his home state after spending four seasons at Div. I program South Dakota State, where he redshirted as a true freshman. The 2012 Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year played in 77 career games for the Jackrabbits, averaging 2.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 56 percent in a reserve role. He was a part of SDSU squads that posted a combined 69-32 record and made three straight postseason appearances, including an NCAA Tournament berth in 2015-16.
“We are excited to announce the addition of Connor to our program,” said Osborne, who has led the Seawolves to 11 straight winning seasons. “With only one scholarship available, we really needed to fill the spot with an impact player. We feel that Connor fills this need on all levels. He is an elite defender around the rim who can block shots at a high level and shore up our interior defense. On the offensive end, he has become a very good low post scorer with both hands, but also has the ability with his athleticism to be very good in our ball screen offense. He runs the floor very well and can catch the ball on the move.”
As a three-time All-Northern Lights Conference performer at Wasilla High School, Devine led the Warriors to three straight ASAA Class 4A State Tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2010 and a third-place showing in 2012. As a senior, he was the NLC Player of the Year, averaging 20.1 points, 14.6 rebounds and 8.0 blocks per game, and posting eight triple-doubles for a WHS team that finished 23-4. The honor roll student also put up 15.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg and 5.3 bpg as a junior and 13.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg as a sophomore.
“Because of injuries and inexperience, we really struggled to find both offensive and defensive consistency from our low posts last year,” Osborne added. “However, with Connor and our returners, we feel this will now be a strength for us, and allow Corey (Hammell) and others to concentrate on their natural positions. In addition, Connor brings many intangibles, including the experience of winning at a high level and competing in the NCAA Tournament. Off the floor, he will be an excellent role model and student as he works toward a second degree after graduating in May from South Dakota State.”
Devine – whose sister Alysha is a returning starter and senior-to-be on the UAA women’s team – will join a Seawolf team that returns five starters and 10 total letterwinners from last year’s 21-11 squad, including National Player of the Year candidate Sekou ‘Suki’ Wiggs.
--GOSEAWOLVES--
Nate Sagan
Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1295 / nate@uaa.alaska.edu
GoSeawolves.com
