Waikato Pistons sign troublesome talent

The new Waikato Pistons import is a tattooed trash-talker with a history of off-court woes who may be the league's best player in recent history.

The two-times defending NBL champions have signed former US college star Eric Devendorf to play point guard for the upcoming season.

The 1.93m guard had an outstanding college career at Syracuse University and will be one of the best-credentialled imports to play in New Zealand's National Basketball League.

But he won't get off the plane here without bringing some baggage.

Devendorf was suspended at Syracuse in late 2008 for allegedly striking a female student over a traffic incident and had to serve 40 hours' community service. He was already on disciplinary probation at the university from another incident.