Wildcat Duo Headed East

After playing together in club basketball, Cole Hammack Cole Hammack 5'10" | PG Wilsonville | 2025 State OR and Drake Devin Drake Devin 6'3" | CG Wilsonville | 2025 State OR finally joined forces their senior season in high school. They teamed up at Wilsonville this past season, helping lead the Wildcats to another stellar season where they reached the 5A state tournament and a third place finish. The relationship will continue on for the two good friends as they'll continue playing together at the college level as both announced this week they've signed with Eastern Oregon.

For Hammack - who averaged 19.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.1 steals this past season on his way to 5A Player of the Year honors - Eastern Oregon was one of the first schools that offered him a scholarship. As other interest came along during the season, Eastern Oregon head coach Chris Kemp stayed in constant contact and that persistence eventually paid off.

"The biggest reason why I decided to go to EOU is because of how valued I felt from Coach Kemp and the rest of the coaching staff," Hammack said. "I feel that they believe in me and feel that I can succeed in their program. I also felt very welcomed by the players on my visit. I like the school because it is full of athletes. They have a lot of sport programs at EOU so I will be surrounded by athletes and good people."

The dynamic point guard expanded on what he liked about the school and the basketball program. "I also liked the layout and the facilities they have such as their weight and training room," Hammack said. "I like their program because I feel going there that I will get better as an athlete and a basketball player. I also think I can make a positive impact on their program and help in any way to achieve success. Most importantly I really enjoyed the coaching staff. I have some of the same hopes and goals as them in mind and think they can help me reach them."

Joining his friend and teammate will be Devin, who had a solid season of his own at Wilsonville. It's a bit of a homecoming for him as he spent the first three years of high school in Eastern Oregon.

"Well growing up in Hermiston I have always been close to EOU and had many friends and family members that have attended the school," Devin said. "So, I see how close knit the community is. As for the program there is much to love. Coach Kemp has been very welcoming over the past year I have known him and has a great staff along with a very talented roster."

An athletic wing who can also handle the ball and run the offense when called upon, Devin averaged 11.7 points and 1.5 steals while shooting over 45 percent from three. He's hoping to come in and contribute right away as a freshman. "I think I'll fit in nicely," Devin said. "They have a fast paced and aggressive style of play, offensively and defensively. So I hope to keep putting on muscle and working on my defensive ability.

While Hammack and Devin are headed to La Grande together, it wasn't a package deal but one where each individual decided on his own - and Devin in particular couldn't be happier how it all worked out. "I'm super excited," Devin said. "Me and Cole have played a lot of games together with AAU and high school ball and getting to play with him this year in Wilsonville really meant a lot to me. The great thing about this is that we both came to this decision on our own, which just goes to show we both recognized what a great program EOU has put together."

Our congratulations go out to Hammack and Devin on their decisions.